Port Douglas, QLD 27/2/09

**rincewind** · 04-03-2009, 05:36

Was on holiday staying in Palm Cove, just north of Cairns so decided it was a chance to fish 'Rex' Hunt' country. Went out with the wife and six others on the Dragon Lady out of Port Douglas.

It was a bit on the rough side but we'd hoped for a decent day. Using full/half pilchards as bait (initially) we had a couple of very tentative bites but nothing to show. The crew reckoned that handlines gave better bite indication but I didn't fancy hooking a decent fish with nylon through my hands.

After a couple of stops, I dropped to the bottom but the line kept going. One frantic rewind later, landed a small barracuda.

That was cut up and used as bait but, unfortunately, things didn't really pick up. We caught a few brightly coloured reef fish but only one decent coral trout that was gutted and in the ice compartment before I got the camera out.

My wife hooked a reef fish that was 'intercepted' by a shark on the way up. I got the fighting belt on and got a couple of runs out of it before the straight-through nylon gave up. On guy had wire on looking for Spanish mackerel and also hooked a shark - had him twice round the boat then a wee chase before it snapped off just below the boat (saw some shadow but not a good view). Crew reckoned it was a bronze whaler about 300lb.

Still a damn site warmer than fishing in Scotland in February!

**Snatcher** · 04-03-2009, 06:50

Nice report there,just a pity the fishing was not a bit better for you.Yes its a wonderful country indeed. If my daughter stays out there I feel the need to return for another extended holiday next year.

John