Finally, after the blustery conditions over the last few weeks, the long weekend just past coincided with some calmer days.
All the boat ramps saw heavy traffic, with Nightcliff in particular attracting a line of vehicles with trailers waiting to launch that extended well down Rapid Creek Road.
Surprisingly though, anglers launching at Nightcliff generally found it quiet around and offshore from Lee Point.
Notwithstanding, there’ve been random catches of big Spanish mackerel off Lee Point and also towards East Point.
According to Fishing and Outdoor World’s Ron Voukolos, the fishing has been better further to the west, including inside Darwin Harbour.
“There were good queenies and broadbar macks caught off Larrakeyah,” Ron told me.
“I also heard that Bynoe Harbour mouth was a good place to be to catch longtail tuna and macks.
“Plus big nannygai were biting out wide.
“This time last year, there were good catches of jewfish on the new artificial reefs, especially the one closest to Darwin, so that could be worth a try,” Ronald suggested.
The weather this weekend will be back to calm so offshore fishing should be a lot of fun, and even more so if you catch a nice feed of fish.
Long weekends are a great opportunity for extended fishing trips, and this weekend should be a pearler.
Did you know that teasers are a great addition to your armoury when chasing macks, either on the troll or at anchor with some baits out.
Mackerel are inquisitive fish, and will often come up to have a look at the source of any disturbance.
The range of commercial teasers available these days is quite comprehensive, and most tackle shops will stock a couple of different varieties.
A few years ago, I saw some quite effective homemade teasers constructed out of old CDs strung on some stout wire, so the possibilities are endless.
As long as it puts out a bit of flash and noise underwater, it will add to your chances.
On the barra front, fish in the 90s have been caught casting vibes down below the main barrage.
I don’t mind the tides for a barra or two up Darwin Harbour arms this weekend, with Sunday’s 2.3m low tide being the pick.
The inland lagoons have presented a barra quandary this dry season.
Corroboree Billabong has fished poorly for barra, but hopefully that will change as the water warms up.
Four Mile Hole is still closed thanks to significant salvinia infestation following the poor wet season.
According to Mark Sawa, Media Manager for Parks Australia, avoiding the spread of invasive weeds in Kakadu National Park is paramount for park managers and traditional owners.
“Kakadu National Park understands that Four Mile Hole is a popular fishing spot, and weed management activities at the site are under way.
“Kakadu is working in partnership with the NT Weed Management Branch, Territory Natural Resource Management and the Djurrubu Rangers from Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation on managing salvinia at the site, which includes the use of biological control agents and physical barriers to contain the salvinia.
“A revised site opening of early August has been forecast; however, this will depend on the success of the weed management techniques.
“We will provide updates to fishers about the status of Four Mile Hole so they can plan their fishing trips with the most up-to-date information in mind.
“Just a reminder for fishers visiting Kakadu to wash down their boats regularly to avoid spreading weeds to other waterways in the park or in the NT,” Mark requested.
That’s about as good a news as you could expect, given the severity of the salvinia spread across much of Four Mile Hole.
Plenty of anglers are chomping at the bit to have a crack at Four Mile, and hopefully they’ll get their chance soon enough.
Oscar Richardson fished Lee Point with his dad Dave and nailed this big Spanish mackerel chucking poppers over a large bait ball.
Unfortunately, Four Mile Hole in Kakadu is experiencing a widespread salvinia infestation due to the last poor wet season.