Fishing Cairns: Russell River Rambling!

Well, I know this little report is late...hell, work gets in the way of a good story sometimes!

Last Sunday was a great opportunity to test the upper reaches of the Russell River. Having had heaps of rain the previous couple of weeks, plus a high tide of over 3.3m at approx. 9.30am, the river would be high and navigable well into the "high country"....way upstream anyway.

My rig in the early morning light - Russell River

Cruising upstream

I launched my little punt from the bank, dropped the rocket launcher rod rack so that I could get under the bridge, and once clear, re arranged my gear and off I cruised. It was my intention to just zoom way upstream as far as I dared. It was a breeze cruising over a few rapids ( it would be a bit trickier coming back down as the falling tide would make the river flow a lot quicker). But this just adds to the excitement!

I am always cautious however; and always err on the side of safety where water is concerned...rock bars, rapids, sunken timber and the very real presence of crocs. You just don't take a risk, a calculated one is OK if you are proficient on the water and know your vessels capabilities.

I was surrounded by absolutely stunning scenery. The upper Russell has got to be one of the prettiest places in the Tropical North and thankfully, not many people access it. I usually have the place all to myself, but this day another keen angler had made his way upstream. We shared pleasantries and off he went...it was his intention to go even further than I had. But then, I had miles of unspoilt river to fish and he would likewise...a win / win for all.

How's this for a morning coffee spot!

My rigs - Quantum 2500 spin and baitcaster outfits on 6kg Green Arrow blanks

This cane train bridge was covered during the week

Clipping on a "new" Savage shallow runner, I cast to the bank and cranked my lure back towards my drifting boat. Right on cue, a feisty little JP climbed all over it and was quickly brought to hand, de hooked and released. I could feel it; it was going to be a good day!

A healthy little JP & Savage minnow

Chunky little sooty!

Check out that backdrop - what a place to fish!

Fishing came relatively easy that day - Sooties, JP's, tarpon and jacks were on the chew and my tally was mounting. In all I counted 36 fish landed with heaps more lost or missed at the strike. At one stage I even had a double hook up on JP's, only to have one of them free itself while I was trying to sort the camera. Alas, by the time I was ready, only one was left, it would have made a magic photo.

JP's are such a beautiful little fish - notice that lure change?

But what really thrilled me on this day was the backdrop to my fishing, the surrounding vista enveloped me in all its glory. Clean flowing jungle water, beautiful stands of proud rainforest stood tall and sentinel like over the stream, bankside grasses held it together and I was content just being there. The fish were a bonus - I even managed to hook a nice barra right at the end of the day but it too shook the hooks as I was fiddling around with my camera - one of the drawbacks of fishing alone I guess. Brett Parks, Keith Graham, Kirby & Britney Marsh - where were you?

Oh by the way, Debbie was working...bloody real estate gets in the way of life sometimes eh babe!

Guess what, after lunch I switched to my favourite fresh water lure...bet you can't guess what it is!
I'll let the pics hereabouts tell the rest of the story...another great day!

Catch you on the water,
Regards, Les
www.fishingcairns.com.au