Hey all.
Just got back from a couple of weeks up North. The wife was tired of the cold and insisted we go somewhere warm for a bit.
It was a cheap and cheerful trip in a little rented campervan. Unfortunately, funds didn't allow for any charters out to the reef so i was somewhat landlocked when it came to fishing. I had a few screaming runs off the rocks and that ended up in bust offs. Quite a few things with teeth around, so a number of bite offs as well.
There was nothing terribly exciting, such as mackral or GT, but i did manage my first ever Queenfish at about 50cm. No monster, but another fish on the wish list tagged.
We hired a couple of kyaks and did a paddle out to an island, not far off shore. Was too busy paddling to fish properly but saw turtles and dolphins and such.
Also took a wander out the mouth of the Daintree. Man, there were fish everywhere but i couldn't get past the stupid little stripies, except with a fresh whole fish, then it was grab, run, snappo! Managed a couple of whiting and flathead. Spent a lot of time scanning the crystal clear waters for big dark shadows, but managed to avoid being eaten by any swamp geckos.
Still, did have some fun on my surf outfit, off the beach. First time it's been on anything larger than a medium sized Oz Salmon. Was very impressed with how it stood up to the largest shovel nose i've ever seen; actually didn't think they got this big.
If anyone can give me a positive ID on the shark in the night time pic, i'd be keen to know. My guess was a bronze whaler, but i'm not really familiar with fishes from up that way.
Anyway. I'm looking forward to another chance to get up that way with some more cash in my pocket to get some time on a boat.
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