WEIPA FISHING
WHERE TO GO FISHING IN WEIPA?
Weipa is a fisherman’s dream, known as the Barramundi capital of Queensland this small oasis town offers anglers some of the most prestine and remote fishing in Australia.
Several large estuary systems the Emberly, Mission, Pine and Nomenade River offer superb fishing spots in Weipa, whether land based or boat there is great fishing to be had. Commercial fishing has been banned from the Weipa area allowing the ecosystem to truly flourish with a large diversity of fish species to target. Mangrove Jack, Barramundi, Fingermark, Trevally, Queenfish, Cod and more can all be caught in any of the estuaries.
There are also some great offshore fishing spots in Weipa. The near shore reefs, sand flats and headlands produce Tuna, Giant Herring, Queenfish, Trevally and Permit. Further offshore Pink Snapper, Mahi-Mahi, Cobia and Mackerel are abundant and hang off rock bommie’s and in deep holes – diving birds are a dead give away.
THE BEST TIME TO FISH WEIPA
The fishing in Weipa is defined by distinct seasons that will determine the best fish species to target.
From January to March is wet season in Weipa, heavy downfalls of rain creates murky water and a lower salinity in the estuary systems. However the water flow from the feeder creeks creates aeration and fishing during this time is usually pretty good. A lost of species are moving upstream or downstream to spawn.
From March to June after the wet season is most likely the best time to fish in Weipa and Far North Queensland in general. The weather conditions during this time is almost perfect, little wind and clear sunny days create pleasure fishing in Weipa. This time is best to target Barramundi, Mangrove Jacks, Fingermark, Threadfin Salmon and Trevally.
During the cooler months from June to August the winds blow off shore making the seas calm and the estuary systems glassy. Barramundi are still very active along with Queenfish, Trevally and Tuna offshore.
September to December the weather really starts to heat up again and conditions can be quite humid. Barramundi are very active and preparing for their yearly spawn. Mangrove Jacks really start to fire up with the warmer weather and lures can be worked hard with pauses to entice hard hitting fish.
