Rod and Sylvia's Dream Trip to the Gulf

Here's a Snippet of Rod and Sylvia's Trip - for their full story see this month's Fishing Frenzy which will be posted on bcfctownsville.com in April

Mapoon was a destination that we had had longed to explore, and in October 2009 we teamed up with members of the Townsville Sportsfishing Club to explore and fish at Cullen Point in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

On the first night we camped at Archer River Caravan Park then headed to Cullen Point where we fished the rivers of Port Musgrave and outside on some of the close in shoals. Blue Salmon was the predominate species and I landed my first Queensland groper which was quickly released after a photo to capture the moment. The highlight for Syl and I was the majestic sight of a metre plus barra launching itself skyward and shaking its head. The fish found its freedom shortly after but the memories of the sight of this fish are still etched in our minds.

The highlight of the trip was a day trip to Pennefather River about an hour south from Mapoon. The whiting were schooling in the shallows, and we hooked up on an 80cm queenfish on the rock bar.

During the stay at Cullen Point we enjoyed the afternoon entrée of spring rolls, prawn cutlets and chicken nuggets heated in the camp oven as we sat by the camp fire listening to fishing stories and Slim in the background. After 2 weeks we had to give up the relaxing lifestyle and head back to Townsville.