Feature: Fish 'n' Tips

Beating The Heat

If, like more and more caravanners and travelling anglers, you're heading north during the "green season" (as tourism promoters like to call the northern summer and wet season), you can probably appreciate that the heat and humidity can make a day on the water uncomfortable at best. As the temperature climbs into the high, sticky 30s it's hard to resist the temptation to ditch the fishing gear and take a dip to cool off, but crocodiles and sharks mean that it is often wiser to stay out of the sea, while marine stingers are also a major concern especially during the warmer months.

However, on a few sections of the tropical coast there may be freshwater swimming alternatives, especially during the Wet. Some larger creeks flow all year, while seasonal rains can turn normally dry gullies and creeks into rushing streams, providing a refreshing respite for sweaty anglers happy to stow the rods for a while in the heat of the day. Combining a dip (often in chilly waters) with lunch and a few cold drinks is a smart way to break up the day and avoid the worst of the midday sun.

FINDING WATERHOLES
We did just that while holidaying in Far North Qld early this year. The fishing was quiet and the temperatures and humidity were uncomfortably high, so we took some time out and headed for a small creek we had found on an earlier visit. A few hours of soaking in the rainforest-shaded pools were pure bliss, making it hard to head back out into the heat of the high seas to chase fish again.

But finding waterholes that are easily accessible from the sea can be a little tricky. The freshwater reaches of larger streams are sometimes guarded by an estuarine system of impenetrable mangroves, so it is often best to look for the shorter, smaller streams that plunge quickly from steep mountains to the sea.

By the way, the shorter, faster-flowing streams are also less likely to attract crocodiles than the larger creeks with deep, still pools in their lower reaches. As far as crocs go, it is best to head upstream to sections of rapids, or at least shallow, clear, fast-flowing pools, before plunging in. Crocs aren't terribly keen on dragging their sensitive bellies over rocks.

A good topographical map will help search out possibilities before you even hit the water. Look for dips in the map contours that signal a valley or gully, especially if they lead down into a bay. Looking from the sea you'll easily be able to confirm your map interpretation by the lay of the land. Also, check the shoreline for breaks or vegetation changes which may signal a creek mouth. Clusters of exposed rocks or eroded beaches may also indicate a spot where wet season deluges spill into the sea.

GOING ASHORE
The next trick is to get ashore safely. Obviously you'll need calm weather to even contemplate a landing on an exposed beach, and fortunately the hottest tropical days also produce flat seas.

You should approach the shore with great care (especially if the water is dirty) as these areas are often shallow and scattered with submerged rocks and snags. A depth-sounder, polarised sunglasses and a lookout in the bow will help. Car-toppers, which most readers are likely to be fishing from, can be rowed ashore with the engine tilted to ensure unseen rocks don't damage the outboard. The main thing is to approach slowly and get out if you aren't comfortable. You may be able to avoid the worst of the rocks by landing a short distance up the beach from the creek mouth and walking back.

Unless your boat is small enough to be dragged up the beach, it is best to anchor just offshore with a bow and stern anchor holding the bow of the boat into the waves.

Once ashore, you'll have to walk a little at least, and a pair of sturdy shoes will make traversing any rough or rocky country much easier. However, take care that the soles are suitable for the terrain and don't become slippery death-traps on wet, smooth river rocks. If you have to walk well upstream to find safe swimming holes, stick close to the creek as a guide, as it is easy to become disorientated in the shoreline scrub and rainforest.

Even a short bushwalk in summer requires a hat, drinking water and a first aid kit, and insect repellent may be necessary to ward off the mosquitoes and march flies.

It may seem like a lot of hassle, but I can assure you the effort is well worth it. Soaking in a natural spa in a rushing, rainforest stream is a great way to beat the summer heat - especially when the fishing is quiet and the temperatures are soaring.

FISHING FUN TOO
Normally dry creeks flushed with rain can provide good fishing. Sudden deluges will wash food and nutrients into the surrounding sea, attracting prawns and baitfish and in turn larger predators, especially barramundi.

Fish nearby headlands or dropoffs, and troll lures where any dirty water from the creek meets the cleaner waters of the sea. A large volume of fresh water may discourage some species, so if the creek has a good flow in it, try fishing well wide of the mouth where the water is less fresh. Taste-testing will give you an idea of the water's salinity, but remember that fresh water floats on top of salt water, so even when the surface water tastes fresh there may be a layer of saltwater in the deeper holes and channels worth fishing.

If the creek is large enough to motor into, try trolling a lure as you enter and leave. Species such as mackerel and trevally are likely to be patrolling these areas (especially any noticeable dropoffs) in search of baitfish.

"The shorter, faster-flowing streams are also less likely to attract crocodiles than the larger creeks with deep, still pools in their lower reaches"