One of my favourite times of the year to fish in the waterways around Mackay would have to be Summertime, with the Mangrove Jack and Barramundi firing and the rivers and creeks producing quality fish chasing the copious amounts of bait flushed out by the seasonal rains. The fishing tends to be better during the early morning or late afternoon although some good fish are also taken well into the night, especially in the impoundments such as Kinchant and Teemburra Dams. The Pioneer river also fishes well this time of year with the upper reaches producing some nice Mangrove Jack and Barramundi.

Mangrove Jack

Summertime GT

Remember the closed season for Barramundi starts from November the 1st through to February the 1st so during this time this species should not be taken or targeted, although it is almost inevitable that you will bang into a couple whilst chasing other species. If you do happen to catch a Barramundi during the closed season it should be released immediately to limit the amount of stress caused as this can affect the breeding habits of the fish.

If you love a good feed of fresh prawns and let’s face it, who doesn’t? This is the time of year to be chasing them with most local estuaries and creeks having an abundant supply of these tasty morsels. The fish also rate prawns highly and there is no better bait than a live prawn either lightly weighted or floated out on an incoming tide.
Some good catches of Mud Crabs are also common during the summer and a couple of pots set before you start a fishing session can be rewarded with a couple of “Muddies” for the table.
So when the the mercury rises and the humidity is so high you could cut the air with a razor. Get out on the water and you just might score yourself a feast of some the most sought after delicacies of the sea, right on your doorstep.

“Summackay and the livin’ is easy”

“MACKAYAKKA”