Fishing is seen as a relaxing hobby of the stress-relieving variety. Some say the quiet and peacefulness is soothing. However, fishing the great barrier reef is an adrenaline-filled rocket ride of excitement. Coming in from Cairns, a major port that is closest to the Great Barrier Reef, sees fishing for red emperor, nannygai, coral trout, Spanish mackerel, or marlins. No matter if you are "bottom bouncing", or reef fishing, for fish or if you are going into heavy or light tackle fishing, you're in for a treat.
Light Tackle Season
Light tackle season is August through January. Spending a few nights at sea near the Ribbon Reef System and you are bound to see some top-rated gamefishing. Light tackle reels are lined with 12, 16, 20 or 30lb fishing line. During December there will be schools of sailfish. January typically sees large concentrations of yellowfin, mahi mahi, Spanish mackerel and dog tooth tunas. If you are looking to do some light tackle fishing, blue water trolling techniques can be your best bet. Use both the skipped back and the swimmer technique. While on the reefs, use jigs for coral trout and red emperor fish while using top water plugs for barracuda. Feather and Rapalas jigs typically can catch a good amount of tuna and wahoo.
Heavy Tackle Season
Heavy tackle season is from late September through December. It is where the heaviest line is used, the 50lb and higher weights. The fish in the crosshairs during heavy tackle season is the great black marlin. The barrier reef is called the "Marlin Mecca" for its pinnacle of fishing prowess for the fish. More marlins over 1000 lbs. are taken from the barrier reef than any other fishing location world wide. Marlin fishing is usually done in the afternoons, providing time for other pastimes in the morning and evenings.
Learning the rules of the game between light tackle season and heavy tackle season can help plan your vacation or your fishing trip. Knowing what to expect ahead of time is one of the best ways to get the most of your time, money, and efforts. There are very big differences between wanting bring up a few wahoo and wanting to land that epic marlin as a trophy for your living room wall. The Great Barrier Reef has some great tours, learn about them through a variety of ways.
Source:
Fishing International: Great Barrier Reef
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
