Cardwell or Lucinda?

[Flex]

Hi all.

Im keen to explore the Hinchinbrook area a bit more. What is considered the better side of the Island. Northern end or southern?

I have fished the southern end once, but I've never been up along the northern end of the Island.

and whats access like from Cardwell. Is its a big run over?

Opinions?.....

[3rd degree]

If you've never fished the top end of the Island I would suggest going and having a look.

Access at Cardwell is excellent through Port Hinchinbrook, and its a fairly short run over to the Island.

What size boat have you got?

Cheers

Jim

[NAGG]

G'day Flex

I quite like the Cardwell end of Hinchinbrook. The facilities at the marina are very good ( Good all tide ramp).
Yes its a bit of a run to fish the Missionary bay creeks ( 4.5 km just to cross the channel) & around a total of 22-23 km to get into the creeks ( via the safe ... low tide route).
I you wish to fish this area ..... I reckon the Houseboat is the way to go ( 3-4 days). Just sit of Macushla & do the run into the creeks on the high tides ..... fish the falling tide in your tinny ( Jacks , barra & cod)
The houseboat gives you the option to fish the headlands ( if your boat is suitable) ..... Night fishing off the Houseboat can be good too
Other than that you can camp at Macushla ( near creek 1) or stay at the resort at Cape Richards
Doing the run across daily to the creeks I feel is too much of a chore ...... specially if the winds get up ( like they often do)
Other options are to head down the channel towards Conn Creek where you can fish creeks & flats ( apparently the mainland creeks fish better ...... & I'd agree ,,, so far)
In summary .... Both ends are great ( Missionary bay is worth a few days fishing .... but it can be fickle ........ You need to Stay out there one way or another )
Lucinda .... Has lots of closer options + the sugar loader

I hope this helps ..... PM me if you want to know some more

Nagg

[Steve B]

We fished the lucinda end for a week last year. I liked the varied fishing options. You have the channel for the usual barra,jacks,grunter etc, the sugar loader for a bit of pelagic action (although we didnt do very well there) or a 23 mile run out to the reef if the weather is good. We got out to the reef in 4.6 and 5m tinnies for 2 morning sessions. Never been there before and still got 20+ coral trout and fish. just cruised around and looked over the side of the boat for a bombie!!! Had a ball. The beauty of it was the further out you went the smoother the water got!!

Lucinda town is OK, has most stuff you need, but the ramp is busy in peak seasons.

hope this helps cheers steve

[disorderly]

For anyone wanting to fish the Hinchinbrook area there is a great little booklet called "Fishing the hinchinbrook wilderness"...it can be purchased for just $10 delivered from www.seamedia.com.au .
It's got some great info,idea's and maps in it.

Scott

[NAGG]

For anyone wanting to fish the Hinchinbrook area there is a great little booklet called "Fishing the hinchinbrook wilderness"...it can be purchased for just $10 delivered from www.seamedia.com.au .
It's got some great info,idea's and maps in it.

Scott

Yep good read! ..... apparently there is a DVD as well

Nagg