DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Hinchinbrook Island is the gateway to Australia’s tropical northern flyfishing and home to Australian Flyfishing Outfitters, a saltwater flyfishing guiding operation that specialises in sight and flats flyfishing the waters around the country’s largest Island National Park.
The area is renowned for its beauty and rugged tropical landscapes, regarded as one of the finest saltwater flyfishing destinations in the country. Covering such a large area the flyfishing opportunities are varied and endless. The stunning mountain peaks are not only visually spectacular they also act as a natural barrier giving fly anglers somewhere to fish out of the wind in all but the most extreme weather.
The inside of the island is a maze of huge estuary systems, mudflats and mangrove creeks running the length of some 50 kilometres of prime fishing waters.
The area’s prime target is the mighty barramundi, whilst chasing barramundi anglers also have the change to catch a range of other species such a mangrove jack, threadfin salmon ,blue salmon , grunter and many more.
Moving to the sand flats here will give you the opportunity to sight cast to saltwater flyfishing most sought after species the Australian permit or snubnose dart. These flats inside the channel are without a doubt amongst the finest locations in the country to target these “Prince of the Flats”. The clear sand flats will also give you the chance to cast big queenfish, giant trevally, cobia and golden trevally. The front of the Island has some wonderful inshore blue water opportunities for species such as tuna and mackerel.
You will be fishing with a team of professional fly guides who are enthusiastic and understanding. Pioneers in many fisheries, striving to keep on the forefront and pursuing knowledge through exploring other fisheries.
All trips a customised to the anglers desires,we can accommodate anywhere from 1 to 8 anglers, out of purpose built skiffs, with the season running from March to December. Guests will stay in a comfortable fishing lodge only a short drive to the boat ramp. Hinchinbrook Island is located near the small coastal town of Cardwell, 2hrs south of Cairns. Everyone from the most experienced fly angler wanting to refine the skills to beginners new to the sport are welcome to fish with us.
TYPICAL LENGTH OF STAY
Most anglers enjoy a week at Hinchinbrook, it allows time to get to fish most of the areas and cover a range of tides and species. However we have had clients here for up to 12 days.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
Hinchinbrook is in the middle of the tropical coast of northern Queensland, Townsville and Cairns both only 2 hours drive away. The region has natural beauty in the palm of it’s hand, beaches, rainforest, the Great Barrier reef and the Atherton Tablelands. Walks and pleasant drives are a plenty and catered trips are easily found out of the larger centres.
INTERNET/PHONE SERVICE
Telstra coverage services the area well, other can struggle at time on the water but fine in town.
THE FISHING
Our prime location offers year round guiding at Hinchinbrook… however if you check our site it’s not the only thing we do.
At Hinchinbrook the species list is long but the main target species would consist of Permit, Golden Trevally, Queenfish and Giant Trevally on the sand flats.. Cobia, Mackeral, Sicklefish and other are often encountered. On the shallow mangrove edges Barramundi and the primary target, often being able to sight fished in quite shallow water, it’s not just blind casting to snags, more often then not you can see the bottom and see the structure holding the fish even if the fish is not quite visible, but laid up or tailing Barramundi are common practice and makes for exciting fishing. Other species along the way include, Salmon, Mangroves Jacks, GT’s, Tarpon, Flathead and more…
Transport to the ramps by vehicle is short, 2 locations within 3-10 minutes.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
Our 2 company skiffs are purpose built in the US, amazing handling and manoeuvring both underway and fishing. These boats are very important to use as guides, they are quiet, dry, run shallow and pole shallow, amazing rod and gear storage (all dry) and built to an very high standard. We are the only guides running poling skiffs in Australia.
Rods, reels, lines etc.. We can supply all this gear but many people already have or desire to use their own. An 8 and 10 weight would suffice but anything from a 7# to an 11# could come in handy. We can store 8 plus rods loaded in safe full length rod holders. But floaters and intermediate line are used, both for the 8# and an Intermediate line for the 10#. Airflo’s new Cleartip floater is a head above for our shallow Barramundi fishing, spooking fish with a full coloured floater.
Non black soled shoes are ok on the boat, most anglers fish bare feet or often with socks just for sun protection. Longsleeves and long trousers are a good idea for sun and often sand flies during Barramundi fishing.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are daily flights in and out of both Townsville and Cairns to all major centres, there is a transfer coach door to door service out of Townsville only.
A rental car is quite economical and convenient for 2 or more anglers.
