The first half of the year is done and dusted. I hope everyone has had the chance to make some great memories for the first part of the year and is ready for a cracker next half on the fishing front!

The cooler weather has well and truly set in up here in the tropical north. The fishing is still red hot with plenty of great opportunities to get outdoors to get the adrenaline pumping while hunting down the awesome species North Queensland has on offer!

For some serious light gear fishing action, the sweet water mangrove jack are the go-to species. They will give you a challenge on the finesse gear. Accurate casts into structure will unlock these little red devils from the darkness of cover. Using the natural flow of the crystal clear water to allow your presentation to drift past likely looking areas of cover will certainly account for the strikes.

A simple little 1000 size spin reel on a light rod is perfect for this style of fishing. I generally use 5lb Platypus Braid and attach a rod length of 8lb fluorocarbon leader with the FG knot. This combination allows me to cast the smallest presentations into tiny keyholes where the jacks are waiting to attack!

With all this beautiful rain we’ve had recently the rivers and streams have had a good flush out. This has also got the jungle perch super active resulting in multiple figure sessions that are full of non-stop action. There is nothing better than filling the backpack up for a full day of trekking deep into the pristine mountains filled with epic scenery and exciting JP action.

Surface fishing is the best way to visually experience these unique predators in their element. The further you venture up these rivers, the better the fishing gets. Sometimes it’s hard to turn around and head back home because you just want to keep going to find out what’s around the next bend! TNQ has endless rivers and streams to explore, you just have to pick one.

When you’re out exploring the great outdoors and searching for the iconic species such as jungle perch, mangrove jack, sooty grunter and barramundi it’s very important you have a few safety requirements ticked off before you commit yourself to heading out into the elements. A few simple things could save your life if things got bad.

Here are a few basics: tell someone exactly what river you are going up, always take a buddy (who can also take your fish photos), bring your phone, first-aid kit, water, a headlamp, a GPS and food. And don’t forget the fishing gear!

I hope everyone gets the opportunity to get out there and join the adventure. Fish on!