Thread: Fishing on Cape York....what do I need ??

Strong fishing line - the fish are big!

would be nice to take the boat up there too.

It's not the fact that the roads are flat,it's the state of the roads.Unless you are very lucky and follow the grader up the roads are as rough as guts so much so that at most times you are in great fear of your dash falling out.It will not in Landies but many have in other makes.
Your boat trailer unless it has been modified for extreme off road will fall to bits.No joking.I took a 3.5 ally up, it was a roof topper,on a purpose built camper trailer.1000ks up and 1000ks back one bloody long way and that distance is just from the start. It used to be Laura but worth the trip in the right vehicle.Just remember you are a long way from help if anything goes pear shaped.
My advice ,
John.

I went a few years ago and had a great time fishing. Nothing like it...
Anyway my budget for gear was a bit limited and I trolled through the fishing shops looking in their bargain bins and getting some of the biggest lures I could find in them. I came across a bunch of wobbler-type metal lures for a few bucks each about 9" long. Also cheap surface poppers.
My selection raised a few eyebrows from my keener fishing mates. But those eyebrows soon frowned as my success rate was just as high as the more expensive gear.

My understanding is that the predatory fish in that part of the world are so voracious that they'll have a lash at nearly anything.

Hope you have a great time.

Originally Posted by Bearman

No worries Murray. Not sure of the exact dates we are going yet but will keep in touch. What you need is a baitcaster rod about 2m long with either overhead or eggbeater reel capable of holding about 150M of 10 - 15kg line and some lures (combination of deep diver and shallow ones around 150mm long). A strong nylon leader or steel trace is required for barra/jacks. Great fun catching them.

I would go 15kg braid if possible with the oufits mentioned above. Some deep diving lures in green and the good old golden bomber.

I agree about not going in the water or near it. We saw 100's of big crocs and the water is very murky.

If you cast near the sticks you can catch plenty of barra and jacks and grunter and even catfish which make a great green fish curry.
You can evgen catch one like this

Just to wet your appetite .These were caught at Somerset which is on the eastern side.Great spot as there is a fresh water spring.You will also get a good feed of Oysters there and a muddie or two and crayfish in season.
John.