The islands off Seaforth are a small boater’s playground and despite being so accessible continue to provide some good catches. From the mouth of Victor Creek it’s a short boat ride to the protection between Newry and Outer Newry islands and up the coast as far as St Helens. The boat ramp provides duel lanes as well as all tide access to the creek and out through the mouth.
Reef fish such as coral trout will rise to well presented
lures in shallow water.
The points of the islands include everything from Jew, cobia, flathead, cod, sweetlip, trout and blueys. Concentrating around tidal lines and anchoring in the lee will often provide better results and allow you to use less lead to get your bait to the bottom. School (doggy) and spotted mackerel show up in this region generally later in the year. Grey (broad barred) mackerel also make an appearance around the same time.
Observation is the greatest skill in identifying where these fish may be congregating and it goes beyond just looking for a patch of birds. Bait is of number one importance and if it’s too cloudy to use you polaroid glasses effectively then look for slight variations in the ripple of the water. Use your sounder to check if anything is skulking below and adopt lures that will run to the depth that your arches (echoes) are transmitted back from you sounder.
A solid grey mackerel taken right between the two Newry Islands.
Reef fish have more than enough ability to rise from the rocks and chase down passing lures so even if you’re chasing mackerel you might be surprised when something else decides to latch on. The beaches of Newry and Rabbit Island are an excellent place to pull up for a while and stretch the legs.
TIP > Don’t waste all day in the same spot. Shift around and you might fish around the next corner.
Getting There > Head North from Mackay and turn off at Seaforth. Turn left in the middle of town and follow the road to Victor Creek. The close islands are about a 10 minute pleasant ride from the ramp.
The Gear
Type of Fishing > Shallow reef and Islands.
Bait Types > prawn, pilchard, gar, mullet, squid.
Peak Periods > Mostly year round.
Best Tides > Bigger tides with run are favourable.
Tackle > Good quality threadlines for casting to pelaigics. Medium to large overheads for bottom fishing and trolling or heavy handline.
