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Fish Species Expected at Cape Don
The key word to the Cobourg Peninsula is diversity. Diversity of environments and a diversity of plant and animal species within those environments. “Pristine Wilderness” is a much touted phrase these days, but here at Cape Don it is entirely appropriate. The salty creek systems contain Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, threadfin salmon and the awesome estuarine Crocodile, the largest reptile in the world. Dolphins, giant turtles and the endangered Dugong all reside in the seas surrounding Cobourg Peninsula. In the open waters swim the pelagic fish so sought after by game fisherman, marlin, Sailfish, Mackerel, Northern Blue Tuna and the like. The time to experience the Cobourg Peninsula is entirely determined by the expectations of the individual angler with regards to the species he/she would like to target. For example, the months of March, April and May are capable of producing creek fishing for Barramundi second to none with Trevally, Mackerel and Queen fish as an addition. However, for the angler who wishes to fish for as many different species as possible, the end of August through to November / December is the time for you. These months consistently produce the most diverse fishing available from the challenge of Barramundi in the creeks to sight fishing over clear water shallow reefs for the powerful Giant Trevally and Queen fish or the thrill of the open water speedster, the Spanish Mackerel on light tackle. The weather in March, April / May can be quite warm and balmy as this is coming off the wet season months of January and February. This is the time that Lefty Kreh visited Cobourg and described it as “the new fishing frontier”. It is also the time of year that the Barramundi move downstream after the spawning season so this is the time to fish the gutters and runoffs as the fish are on the move. The headland reefs are home of the Giant Trevally, Queen fish and the Barracuda at this time of year and are caught using a wide range of techniques. In the months of June, July and August the water temperatures start to drop and the fishing then concentrates on the bigger pelagics in the estuaries and blue water such as the popular long tail tuna . (some monsters have been caught over this period.) This is also the best time of year temperature wise, our winter, with sunny days of 24 – 28 degrees (C). Fishing from August through to November / December is best described as superb. During this time both the water and air temperatures rise. With the warmer water come the Bait fish schools and herald the arrival of the larger Spanish mackerel, The Queen Fish and Giant Trevally step up into top gear taking advantage of the new found food source. In the creeks the large female Barramundi in the later months start their pre spawning ‘manoeuvres’ at the mouths of the creeks in preparation for their trip back upstream. As the water temperatures in the creeks rise so does the appetites of the many other creek dwelling species, such as the Threadfin Salmon and the Mangrove Jack. From August onwards the weather starts to warm up after the winter months with temperatures starting in the high twenties and building up to the low thirties with the humidity rising to peak at the start of the greening season (December). The warmer the water the better the fishing activity, November proving to be a very active month. Lightweight comfortable cotton clothing (long trousers and long sleeve shirt) is the recommended attire all year, a good wide brimmed hat and good Polaroid’s to offer protection against the tropical sun, and insect repellent to ward off mosquito and sandfly deep in the mangrove lined creeks. Our record so far is 43 species of fish caught by one person in a single trip! Also 21 species on fly in 2 days! Fish Species found around the Reef and Open waters of the Cobourg Peninsula
Fish species found in the Creek systems around the Cobourg Peninsula
Click here for more information on fish species...
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