Time for the Maroons to put some runs on the board, and they were still keen to fish the deep.
With these wide deep marks, it pays to look after them and not too fish them too hard, They can be susceptible to overfishing. The Shipping Channel off Mackay, is now suffering from several years of great fishing and is well short of the glory years gone past.
Mothershipping charters brings out the best of both worlds, All the comforts of a big 80 foot mothership, and the speed and fishing versatility of a dayboat and dories.
These marks are well protected due to the large distances, and only fished once a year by us anyhow. Well worth considering this towing option if you’re lucky enough to know someone with a big cruiser, and not to mention the fuel savings to allow more running around in search of those elusive big Reds.
They’re getting harder to find and makes these trips all the worthwhile. The day started slow and we had to work several new marks before we found one with the fishing dial turned up full.
They’re only small marks in the middle of nowhere, some as small as a car, or small house, and you’ve got to line your drift up perfectly , The results Awesome with the Maroons coming back with some great fishing and four way, five way hook-ups common.
With a mixed bag of Red emperor, Nannygai, 70cm Spangled emperor and large Gold Spot cod, and Coral Trout, day three went to the Maroons, and saved face for the Queenslanders.
It’s great to see all rods loaded up with quality fish, and grunts and groans all round. I won’t bore you with all the details.
The Blues fired straight back with an 80cm Red to Mark, and followed by the other unwanted red of the Reef, some monster Chinamen, which arguably pull harder than their famous red brothers, they look really good until you get them to the surface, and then disappointment for the worn out angler.
North Queensland sympathy (i.e. laughter all round from fellow anglers).
The fishing was a bit slower and we continued to put more fish onboard, it’s tuff when you get Blase’ about the quality of the fishing.
We trolled another shoal without much luck and found a new ledge nearby, which was on fire, with more reds, Trout, Nannygai and Kaos, a couple of drifts and it was time to call it quits and head back to base, with all good things coming to an end, it was time to start heading for home.
The only regret was not getting to sound out this new fishing spot as it also was loaded with Potential with a Capital P, but that’s what keeps you coming back for more.
The fishing was truly phenomenal and I’ve seen some great reef fishing, the quality and variety was amazing, the Guests, Crew Awesome, and this type of adventure is priceless and just can’t wait to do it all again.
Make sure you check out our fishing videos and heaps more fishing action on our Youtube channel, Subscribe for all the latest, and see what the good old days were like.
Centurion is available for Charter from four to ten days, with three 14ft dories all year round, or our limited Mothershipping Charters with Raptor II. Spaces and trips are limited and it is strongly recommend too book in early to avoid disappointment for next year.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can assist further with any enquiries.
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