Welcome to Cooktown, the gateway to an angler’s paradise! Here at The Lure Shop, we’re more than just a place to buy gear, we’re a team of passionate local fishing experts who live and breathe everything Cape York. We know these waters like the back of our hands and we’re here to help you turn your dream fishing adventure into a reality.
The sheer variety of fish species and fishing conditions in this incredible region can be a little overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at our wall of lures. So, what’s the secret to picking the right lure? It’s all about matching the lure to the species you’re targeting, the water conditions, and the time of day. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you tie on a winner and land that trophy fish.
The Barra and Mangrove Jack: Hard-Body Heroes
These iconic sportfish are the bread and butter of Cape York fishing, and they love a good hard-body lure. For both Barramundi and Mangrove Jack, a lure that mimics a fleeing baitfish is the key.
- Lure Type: Shallow to medium-diving minnows are your best bet. Look for lures that have a good rolling action and can be worked close to submerged snags, rock bars, and mangrove roots where these fish ambush their prey.
- Colours: In cloudy or dirty water, bright and fluorescent colours like chartreuse, orange, and fire tiger stand out. When the water is clear, natural baitfish colours like silver, gold, and white are often more effective. A hot pink or purple lure is also a secret weapon for Jacks.
- Retrieve: A stop-start retrieve is deadly. Cast your lure right to the edge of the structure, let it sit for a moment, then give it a couple of sharp twitches followed by a pause. The sudden movement and pause often trigger a territorial strike from these aggressive predators.
Queenfish and Trevally: Surface and Speed Demons
If you’re after explosive surface action, Queenfish and Trevally are your targets. These powerful fish love to hunt in open water and will smash a lure with incredible force.
- Lure Type: Topwater lures are a must-have. Poppers, stickbaits, and walkers create a commotion on the surface that mimics a struggling baitfish, driving these fish into a frenzy. Metal slugs are also highly effective for casting long distances to schools of fish.
- Colours: Stick to brighter, flashier colours. Chrome, pink, and white are excellent choices. Flash and movement are more important than colour for these species.
- Retrieve: Speed is your friend. A fast, erratic retrieve for topwater lures is key. For poppers, a series of short, sharp pops with pauses will draw them in. For metal slugs, a fast, straight retrieve is often all you need.
The Reef Species: Plastics and Jigs
When you’re out on the reef, a range of species from Coral Trout to Nannygai are on the cards. While bait works, soft plastics and jigs can be highly effective.
- Lure Type: Soft plastics, such as paddle tails and jerk shads, are fantastic for jigging around reef structures. For heavier fishing, metal jigs dropped down deep can entice a bite from bottom-dwelling species.
- Colours: Natural colours like pearl white, green, and brown work well on the reef. Sometimes a vibrant colour like pink or orange can get a reactionary bite.
- Retrieve: For soft plastics, a slow, jigging motion with a few seconds pause near the bottom is a good strategy. For metal jigs, a fast, vertical jigging action is best.
Gear for Your Whole Adventure
Remember, we’re not just about fishing gear. The Lure Shop is your ultimate adventure headquarters. Thanks to our partnerships with Marine RV and Camping Cape York, we have everything you need for your boat, campsite, and RV. After a massive day on the water, you can even kick back in one of our luxurious Cooktown Harbour Views apartments.
Come and visit us at The Lure Shop in Cooktown. Let us share our local knowledge, set you up with the right gear, and help you plan your ultimate Cape York adventure. We can’t wait to hear your fishing stories!
Drop by and see us at – 146 Charlotte St Cooktown QLD or call us on 07 4069 5396 (EXT 1). We’re open 7 days a week!