Cape York Fly Fishing

WEIPA, CAPE YORK QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

At the northernmost tip of Australia – across the Torres Strait from Papua New Guinea, anglers will find one of the most robust, varied and uncrowded saltwater fisheries in the world. Western Cape is a vast fishery, with more than 100 miles of coastline that includes 11 rivers and river flats and at its edge lies the Cape’s “Mecca” and Aussie Fly Fisher’s north Queensland headquarters – Weipa. Although remote, Weipa may be easily accessed via Qantas Airways from all major Australian cities within a day. WHAT Aussie Fly Fisher’s full-time operation covers the entire season and although this is a year-round fishery, prime time kicks off from April through December. We offer day trips for those who find themselves in the area and wanting to explore a little more, however we find the best way to experience any remote saltwater fly-fishing destination is through our week long, all inclusive adventure tours. It is not uncommon to encounter over 30 species over the course of a weeks’ fishing. Anglers can chase highspeed pelagics like Tuna and Mackerel close inshore, sight fish on the river mouth flats for trevally, queenfish, barramundi, giant herring or hit the reefs for coral trout, red bass and mangrove jacks. And then there’s the flats fishing. The prized Indo-Pacific Permit, T.Anak, one of the “Big 4” permit species is endemic to the area along with Blue Bastards and Black Spotted Tusk Fish, all providing an inviting flats challenge. Join us for an incredible adventure in one of Australia’s truly most remote fly-fishing destinations. 

Your platform for the trip will be our brand new flats machine “The Cape” – a custom order American made 5.64m Pioneer Cape Island 186 fitted with a Yamaha 150HP engine, Minn Kota electric motor and anchor for perfect placement when fishing. “The Cape” is equally as capable in exposed water as it is in the shallows and with a draft of only 33cm, you and your guide can get right up onto the sand flats chasing Trevally, Tuskies, Queenfish and Permit. Our vessel is in full AMSA Survey with all the requisite safety equipment on board to ensure your time on the water is a pleasurable and safe one. “The Cape” is towed by our brand new Toyota Hilux which has been customised to take you as far into the country as you dare. Due to the nature of our tours we currently offer a 2 angler maximum per trip to ensure maximum angling opportunities

PACKAGED TRIPS OPTION 1: 5 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS OPTION 2: 6 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS OPTION 3: BESPOKE INCLUSIONS DAY TRIPS PACKAGED AND BESPOKE TRIPS – 9 Hours of guiding and tuition – Lunch, snacks and beverages – Pick up and drop off from accommodation – Boat fuel – Equipment hire available – 9 Hours of guiding and tuition per day – All meals, snacks and beverages – All transfers, pick up and drop off – Boat fuel – Equipment hire available NOT INCLUDED – Return flights to Weipa, QLD, AUS – Alcohol – Travel & medical insurance (compulsory) – Flies, Fly Lines & Terminal Tackle. A small selection of Flies and fly lines are available for purchase – 9 & 10 Weight Rods & Reels can be hired on each trip for an additional AUD$25 per set up, per day or AUD$100 per set up for the week if you prefer not to travel with extra gear or break a rod on the trip. Breakage fee is AUD$75 per section. Regarding gear hire, please note guests must bring their own fly lines. – Guide tips – Tips are welcome for the guides and crew, but not compulsory.

SAMPLE ITINERARY Aussie Fly Fisher will work with you to create a trip that factors in the current conditions as well as guests’ interests, including camping options for the adventurous angler. A sample itinerary is included below for reference… Day 0 Arrive at Weipa Airport. Our Aussie Fly fisher head guide Declan will greet you at the airport and transfer guests to their accommodation for the week. There are a number of accommodation options available which are clean and comfortable, with a variety of amenities including internet and wi fi, restaurant and bar options. Guests have the afternoon to settle in. Days 1-6 Hotel Breakfast is typically served from 7.00am each day, however packed breakfast options are available for earlier starts. Our guide will pick you up at 8.00am. Packed lunches, beverages and snacks are included. Each fishing day runs to around 4.00pm-5.00pm depending on fishing. At the end of each day guests are returned to their accommodation where you can relax for the evening. Final Morning Guests will be transferred to Weipa airport for their flights home.

GEAR LIST Fishing Gear / Terminal Tackle • 1 x 8 weight rod / reel with F/I line. Minimum of 250m of 30lb backing loaded on reels. Recommended lines: SA Sonar Titan Clear Tip, SA Grand Slam Clear Tip • 2 x 9 or 10 Weight Rod/Reel For Permit, Blue Bastards, Golden Trevally, Barramundi, Queenfish etc. Tropical Floating line on one option and F/I line on the other option. Minimum of 250m of 30lb backing loaded on reels. Recommended lines: Scientific Anglers Infinity Saltwater Taper, SA Sonar Titan Clear Tip, SA Grand Slam Clear Tip • Leader Material – 16lb, 20lb, 25lb, 40lb and 60lb fluorocarbon leader will cover all applications. • Tapered leaders in 16lb and 20lb can be handy for Permit & Blue Bastards. • Pliers/clippers/Hook Sharpener • Day pack or Bum bag (Waterproof is recommended) • Waterproof Fly Boxes

FLIES Having the right flies for the trip is important and we suggest you discuss options with us directly. Below is a basic suggestion. Our guide also carries a selection of Cape favourites that are available for sale. Permit, Blue Bastards, Golden Trevally, Tuskfish: Bring a range of crab patterns, but we recommend: • Alphlexo Crab in Tan/Yellow Legs, Clear/White Barred Legs, Clear/White Legs, Clear/Pink Legs, Bring Alphlexo Crabs with double weighted orange hotspot, and single weighted, size 2 and 1/0. Bring some extra heavy. • Beechies Pancake Crab – 1/0 • Tan floating crabs – size 2 and 1/0 • Shrimp Patterns ranging from 1/0 to 2. Tie lightly weighted through to very heavy. Typically, any trigger fish style shrimp flies work well on the Blue Bastards and Tuskfish. Barramundi & Mangrove Jack: • Pink Things, Barra Bunnies, Barra Toads in 1/0 to 2/0. GTs, Brassys, Tuna, Spanish Mackerel, Queenfish, Coral Trout: • Bait fish style profiles ranging from 1/0-4/0 Clousers and surf candies, Brush Flies 4/0-6/0, Fatboys, Piper style etc. There is so much bait, particularly mullet on the flats so colours such as tan/white, Black, Chartreuse/White. • NYAP and Double Barrel Poppers in 4/0 to 6/0.

CLOTHING & OTHER ITEMS TO BRING Northern Australia has a warm tropical year-round climate. With temperatures in cooler months averaging around 28C or 82F to the low 30’s C (mid 80’s F) in warmer months. Whilst the weather is very comfortable, we recommend bringing specific clothing to maximise your comfort when out fishing in whether it be in the sun, rain or whilst wet wading. • Waterproof Shell Jacket – Goretex, Patagonia H2NO or similar • 2 x “quick dry” long pants • 2 x “quick dry” shorts • 3 x “quick dry” long sleeve collared /hooded shirt • Long ‘skins’ pants/tights for wading the flats – compulsory at the warmer end of the season (August onwards – compulsory for wading) • Thick & thin socks and Underwear • T-shirts, casual clothing • Flats wading boots and neoprene wading socks • Thongs/crocs/sandals/jandles/flip flops • Water bottle, toiletries & sunscreen /skin protection. Travel size bug repellent and sunscreen to take out fishing. • Camera, head torch & spare batteries • Passport (International Guests)

FLIGHTS AND TRAVEL Flights are booked to Weipa, Queensland, Australia. Flights from all major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin) are available with arrival all within a day via QANTAS Airways. These can be either booked directly, or by contacting us and we can help make the necessary arrangements for you