Moreton Telegraph Station

Leaving Seisia we headed directly for Weipa with the plan to stay overnight at Moreton Telegraph Station as we were not booked into the caravan park until the next day.

We have stopped previously but not stayed at Moreton Telegraph Station and they always talk about their famous 'Barra Hole'.  The Station was relatively quiet with plenty of room, clean amenities and staff were extremely friendly.  (Cost $10 per person per night unpowered)

We set up for the overnight stay, and take our fishing rod and lures the 1km walk down to the Barra Hole.  Everyone on the way wishing us luck as they didn't have any.  Pretty little spot with lots of trees and a number of small waterholes on the Wenlock River.

Walk to the Barra Hole

The Barra Hole

Gene wanted to practice flicking lures so he walked up and down the waterway changing colours and sizes frequently.  Remarkably a tiny Barramundi came out of the snags and took the lure.  Just as he was about to put the little Barra back into the water a couple of parents with 5 kids arrive.  Well the excitement at seeing the little Barra led all the kids to start enthusiastically flicking their lures.  Kiss and release what fun.

1st Barramundi - Felt like a good omen

Seisia - Blog 6

One thing we learnt was you could not tell how rough the ocean was by the boat ramp at Seisia.  It was always calm to launch and retrieve the boat on any tide.   It was an exceptional boat ramp you just had to reduce tyre pressures on a low tide to retrieve the boat.

Boat Launching at Boat ramp near Seisia Jetty

The next two days were forecast as predicated extremely windy.  We decided to cross off the only places we have not yet seen north of the Jardine River.

Sunday we spent the whole day driving out to Ussher Point and Sadd Point.  The trip to Ussher Point was told to be slow drive taking approximately 3 hours.  It took us exactly 3 hours to drive from Seisia.  Add another 45 minutes one way to Sadd Point.  Apparently if you like oysters Sadd Point is for you.   Ussher/Sadd point was a long drive in, it was very windy and in our opinion you would have to pick your days to fish.  Not for us.

Track coming out of the ocean

Track continuing to the Swamp

Note:  While walking the beach we found our first Snapping handbag slide that went from the ocean up the beach to a dark murky water hole on the other side.  Just when you thought it was safe........

Tracks disappeared into Swamp

Picture of Ussher Point from Ocean to swamp track

We went fishing up the mouth of the Jardine River.  We were warned about how tidal it was and how you would be lucky to land a catch because of the sharks.  Well the weather still was not with us and the boating out to the mouth and back was very uncomfortable.  We flicked lures and trolled in the river but the shallow waters kept us retreating.  Out front  near Mutee Head we started bottom bashing but it blew up to about a metre and half swell so we called it a day.   Beaten by time and weather.

Fishing the Mouth of the Jardine River

On our last day packing up local fishermen again selling Crayfish came a day early, so how lucky were we !!  We were now invested in a weekly tradition - yum.

Our whole holiday to this point has been - Yum salt & pepper Crayfish tail chips

Our daily view

Goodbye Seisia - Until next time

Seisia

Seisia - Blog 5

A keen fishing couple J&K we met at the Holiday park had gone for a couple days up to Punsand Bay.   They were hiring a boat and fishing Jackey Jackey Creek and due to our mutual interest we were meeting up.

0730am here we are at the Fishbone Creek boat ramp with one vision in our minds.  The 6 metre handbag that lies beneath that muddy water that we can't see in.

Boat ramp at Fishbone Creek

What lies beneath ???

Needless to say launching the boat is normally an easy process however we stumbled, could not get the latches undone, boat off runner, we may as well have put tags around our necks with "free meal" !

The Jackey Jackey is a huge mangrove system.  We decided to investigate the tributary and try for some live bait.  Well, useless and useless could use more practice, or pay more attention to the video at cast netting, because with more than a dozen casts we caught a grand total of zero live bait !  We did manage however to cover ourselves and the boat in mud.  J&K had some luck and landed a few.  We were just glad we had some frozen pilchards for backup and our Queenie fillets.

This is where J&K's luck changed and the poor buggers couldn't get their hire boat into gear.  Further investigation found their propeller had fallen off.  They had an electric engine, and it was decided they would fish the general area ,and we would go further up into the system to a spot determined as a potentially good fishing area by our fish finder book.

Reviewing the Fish Finder book for some direction

Yes that is a Cod on the end of that line.

We drifted around for a time coming across the smallest cod
with the biggest mouths!





Then we found a little deeper water and landed a small 45cm Threadfin Salmon, this was promising.  It was his lucky day as we were here for the parents, so we whispered that in his ear and let him go then anchored up.  First bite bent the rod in half and bit off the hook, line and sinker.  Shark maybe?  We then spent the next 2 hours reeling in numerous good size Salmon.  We did catch one fairly large shark that we cut off at side of the boat.  That didn't deter further catches.  What a day...Yum.

Too small but promising.

Now that's a better size

We found a nice hole containing the Threadfin Salmon

We towed the hire boat back to the boat ramp via J&K's two empty crab pots.  Other campers had said they did not have any luck with crabs as well.

made it hard for J&K to fish

 

No luck with their boat, 

Big filleting day until late.

Need to bring your own hose/fittings

A few fillets - yum

Seisia - Blog 4

Before we went out fishing today we called into the Tackle and Bait Shop at New Mapoon.  The owner was extremely helpful with local knowledge of fishing spots and weather.  Here we learnt of the numerous tides that this area gets and how they are relevant only for creeks/rivers.  The new knowledge we obtained was about tidal stream predictions for this area and how that affects bottom bashing .  Our loss of gear the previously day was due to not fishing the slack.

Wind was again picking up this afternoon so we went out to fish in the shelter of Possession island.  We followed the coastal route which was a lot shallower and we had to navigate through the area.  Trolling this area got a nice Mackerel.  Wind picked up at lunch so we headed back to Seisia.

Stay still Mac trying to get a photo.

The plan the following day was to head out to Possession island again in the sheltered water and stay till after 1pm as the wind has been settling later in the afternoon.  Around the headlands we bottom bashed but it was too windy and not on the slack so we trolled along the edge of reefs around Possession Island.  Before long Queenies were smashing our lures.  Kiss and release for these fish apart from the one poor fellow we needed for bait.

Fishing around Possession Island 

Queenies Galore - Lots of fun to catch.

On numerous days visibility was down to 100 mtrs as wind and rain squalls came through.  Fishing today even in  the shelter of the island did not protect us from the wind and rain.  The trip back was again hairy with water coming in on the side of the boat.  Nothing dangerous just very uncomfortable.

As we neared Seisia the weather cleared up some so we fished around Parau and Red Islands but no more luck today.

That afternoon at camp local fishermen were selling fresh live crayfish they had just caught.  YUM....  Gene had investigated catching crayfish but at $25, there is no way I was letting him in the water with the Sharks and Crocodiles.  Our resident Croc had made his appearance on a number of occasions and I thought he had a glint in his eye!

Magnificent Crayfish

We trundled on down with our neighbours and celebrated the 2nd win for Queensland in State of Origin at the local fishing club.  Great night had by all, assured by the result.  GO QLD !!

Can't come to 'Cape York' without a visit to the Tip which consisted of the photograph and a trip to the Croc Tent.  It was nice to see the same lady at the Croc Tent and she is a complete darling and a wealth of knowledge. A must for anyone heading up this way.

The Tip

Seafood diet continues with fish for lunch and Crayfish for dinner.

Dinner - definitely could get used to this.

Seisia Blog 3

Again out the front of camp looks like a pond at 7am.  Wind predictions today say increasing to 20 knots around 1pm.

We head off to same area as yesterday as we thought with increasing wind predictions we may not be able to get back out here for the rest of our stay.  We trolled over the first structure we found yesterday with no luck.  Second structure just off Prince of Wales island via the sounder indicated prolific fish activity.  We decided to bottom bash even though the current was very strong.  We loose a tonne of gear with no result.  Bugger !!

Both a bit disheartened and as the wind has picked up to very choppy conditions, we now felt uncomfortable.  We start motoring back but are being so badly smashed around, we choose to take it slower and troll at the same time.  We have now committed to trolling the 10 nautical miles home.  We are on holidays so time is no issue..

Imagine the scene where you have relaxed, the wind has dropped a little so we have our feet up with coffee in one hand eating a bag of chips, rods in rod holders enjoying just being on holidays.  We are lulling over waves, when out of the blue Gene's rod spools off at incredible speed.  Drop everything to grab the rod and my line goes off.  Every man for himself!  It was a picture of pure choas!  Now we have two massive fish by the boat, smiles on our dials because we think by the look of them they are Spanish Mackerels.  We are both already taking fillets and thinking at day three our fridge is full of our favourite fish.  Gene had to give his fish some line and hope that he didn't get bit off while we landed Donna's fish.  One in and no time to look as we get Gene's in.  Gene's fiesty fish nearly demolishes the tinny getting it in.  Now we have 2 x 1.5 metre fish on the boat and they have scales!  They are very ugly with big teeth, so there goest the Spanish Mackerel dream as they look to be most likely Barracuda.  Seriously we have never seen Barracuda this big.  Confirmed they are Giant Barracuda, not a meal but what fun to catch.

Giant Barracuda !!

Wish they were Spanish Mackerel!!

By the time we reached Parau Island not too far off Seisia the winds had reduced and we stopped for lunch and rigged up to do some bottom bashing.

Parau Island

Donna proudly shows her dropper knot for paternoster rig.

Note:  Donna's fears are confirmed as the resident snapping handbag casually swims past our campsite around sunset for all to see.

Snapping Handbag swims past nearly every evening around sunset.

Seisia Blog 2

Out front looked like a pond.  We were to learn every day looked like a pond and was not indicative of actual weather conditions on the ocean.  Wind predictions of about 11 knots to us seemed perfect.

We head out toward Prince of Wales island and find structure.  Trolling with 30 pound braid, 80 pound leader and Donna's favourite red Halco lure.

After a number of trolls over the top of the structure... Bang !! Something eats the lure.  Here we are reeling in what looks to be a shark.  Bugger !!! Both of us are disappointed but it is a funny looking shark so we decided to land it.  It has stripes down its body and no teeth.  Fish identification chart show we quite possibly have caught our very first Cobia.  Fish bled and in the esky on ice.

Cobia don't be fooled likes like a Shark in the water.

Off we troll again...  The lure does it trick and this time we reel in a Mackerel.  By our estimates, double Yum. Things quieten up so we have a motor near the Prince of Wales island finding more structure but no luck.

Oh well having gone far enough out in unknown waters for day one we head back.

Back at the boat ramp, Gene is off getting the car whilst Donna does her usual Croc watching and only sees the local kids swimming !!! Two local fisherman loading their boat ask how we did.  She shows them our catch with pride.  They look into our esky and say ? "you got a Bone fish good for fish cakes and a Sucker fish makes an ok curry hey". Completely deflated and now feeling like we just caught bait only she waits for Gene to come back with the car.  Being at Seisia gave us the bonus of internet and Dr Google.  Confirmation we had a Cobia and a Spotted Mackerel.  (Still Double Yum).

Mackerel not Bone Fish!

 When we were telling one of the local shop owners our story and showing our photos.  She was not surprised, giggled and asked in good humour whether they offered to take the fish off our hands.
Both fish were good eating.  Given the texture of the Cobia we decided to save some for Donna's Seafood Paella recipe when we get home.

Seisia blog 1

We chose to set up camp for the next 12 days at Seisia Holiday Park.  The Jetty/ boat ramp is only approximately 200 mtrs away, we are central to all fishing points, have access to fuel, water and power.  We are able to launch the boat then drive the car back to camp and plug it back into 240 power for the car fridge.  This meant Donna spent 10 minutes each day sitting on the stern of the boat feet out of the water looking for Crocodiles.

Donna Croc watching

Fishing is dirty smell work and when free camping you can often have limited access to water.  Given that you cant swim in the ocean here the ability to have a nightly shower is a luxury.  Cost $48 per night for ocean front with 1/2 side hut and power.

Campsite at Seisia Holiday Park

Looking back to ocean

Our sunset view Seisia Holiday Park

After our arrival on night one Gene tries to talk me into a night fish.. Are you Kidding??  We end up at the locals performing a traditional dance at the Seisia Fishing Club instead.

A great performance - Thanks Seisia for insight into your culture.

Holidays 2016 - Fishing Cape York

This trip is going to be a fishing trip!  We had a fantastic 4wd holiday in 2014 to Cape York where we completed the Telegraph track, Frenchman's Track and The Old Coach Rd to Maytown out of Laura. 2014 we visited Weipa and took a fishing trip with Lee from Weipa Sports fishing and caught the most impressive Spanish Mackerel - yum and Queenies - Kiss and release. 

2014 - Weipa Sports Fishing

2014 - Weipa Sports Fishing Spanish Mackerel

2014 - Queenies

We set off this year with a slightly different set up to the Kimberley's as the boat HAD to get bigger to stay in proportion with the Crocodiles and our Adventure level .... Gone was our 68kg, 3.8 mtr Blue fin with 15hp Yamaha, in was our 115kg high sided 3.89 mtr Stessco Squire reinforced stern with 25hp Yamaha.

After much research and multiple trips to different boat manufacturers, this was we believed our best set up option for weight, size and power. Options on the boat: We bought over the Lowrance HDI sounder from the old boat as we were comfortable with its usage and found GPS very accurate.   We use this in conjunction with Navionics Boating on the IPad and the reference book 'North Australia Fish Finder 11' which we have found to be exceptional value and full of accurate useful information. We carry a 5wt VHF radio, flares and EPIRB. Yamaha installed a regulator on the boat engine which now charges a 1.5 amp hour battery to run the lights, Navigation and the addition of a bilge pump. Last year we found we were struggling to keep up with the electrical needs of the boat, car and camper due to having no 240 power in the Community, which meant the generator was running a lot. This also now means we don't have to take the battery out of boat each day to charge it. 

We had installed the 150 kg roof rack when we bought the Mazda. We put it to a rugged test last year going to Kimberley's and had no problems, however reality is we have put an extra load up there this year, so we went to our engineering company and had further reinforcing put into the canopy. This took some space from the sides where we held jerry cans but everything in remote fishing and camping is about compromise. The boat loader was same as we took to Kimberley's.

Travelling to the Tip as is customary our 1st stop was to be the Clermont bakery. This required free camp overnight at Clermont and being there on a week day as bakery shuts on weekends. 

Clermont Bakery - Yum ... just some of the food

Two more free camps and we are just outside Laura. A thorough check of the gear before the corrugations really begin we find a small hairline crack in the boat loader. Not unexpected because it had already done the Gibb River Rd and we believed that because it only had two points of weight distribution there was one section in the design that had a high probability for failure. Was the extra weight of the new boat from 68kg to 115kg going to be a problem for the whole trip? The good news is it happened now and not further up the Peninsular Development Rd. Being so close to Laura we had phone/internet reception and was able to find a engineer/welder in Cooktown who was able to do design and repairs immediately. And even better felt he was a good price. Cheers to Cape York Engineering.

Boat Loader repaired 

A day in Cooktown didn't affect our plans as we were still 3 days ahead of schedule.

We went to Vrilya Point last trip and had contemplated taking the boat however reports were the track in was closed. We spent an overnight at Crystal Creek about 4kms in where you have access to clear fresh water in the creek. We were the only ones there and surprised when, early in the morning a 4wd was coming from the other side. Old Mick had just come from Vrilya Point and we guided him across the log bridge as he needed to put a tyre on each log to cross, it was incredibly hairy. The bridge had deteriorated severely in 2 years. A cuppa and chat with Mick he had been at Vrilya 2-3 weeks and there was lots of campers/fisherman there who weren't catching much.  He was on his way to Weipa. 

Log Bridge - Crystal Creek

At the Jardine River Ferry we had to decide what we were going to do for 2 days as we weren't booked in yet to Seisia Holiday Park. A quick phone call to Seisia we were able to book in another two days. As we have so much gear to set up and unload, predictions of mild winds which were only going to increase to severe during our stay, we were keen to set up and get in the water.