Alex's Column 18 April 2025

Easter is here, and the Easter Bunny has delivered more than chocolate: anglers have scored excellent fishing conditions for the extra-long weekend.We’re coming off the back of the spring tides into the neaps, and that means more forgiving tidal movement and loads of opportunity, no matter your preferred fishing style.Out on the blue water, spots like Fenton Patches and South Gutter have been turning it on.Bottom bouncers are reporting coral trout, golden snapper and jewfish all well and truly on the chew.With stronger tidal movement on Good Friday and Saturday, your best bet is to fish around the tide turns, when it’s easier to get your bait or lure down to where the fish are feeding.If it’s mackerel you’re after, the turn of the morning high tide is prime time to be out there.This Easter weekend lines up beautifully, with mid-morning highs on every day that should produce the goods.An early morning start is always smart when heading offshore – not just for the bite, but also for better boating weather.Luckily, the forecast is tipping light winds right through the weekend, so boaties can expect classic early-dry season conditions and the freedom to roam far and wide.Trolling bibbed minnows remains a go-to for mackerel, especially as it helps you find where the fish are holding before drifting back and jigging over the school.The Bluewater Saury lure – an absolute beast – has been deadly on the macks and can be trolled at high speeds to cover more ground.If you’re anchored up or on spot-lock, drifting a live bait out the back should draw some toothy action, though you might find yourself tangled with a few unexpected guests.Right now, Dundee is the hotspot for jewfish, especially on the big artificial reef.Reports are rolling in of solid fish over 10kg being landed consistently.Shifting focus to barra, the late monsoon has been a blessing, with rivers still high and fishing beautifully.The East Alligator River in Kakadu is a great starting point, and Magela Creek crossing should be open by Easter – just check the Kakadu Access Report before you go.If you can get there, expect plenty of barra action along the colour changes all the way down the East.The Daly River has been steadily dropping and should come alive this Easter.I reckon there’ll be a lot of attention on Shady Camp too, especially towards the tail end of the break when the neaps kick in.I’m tipping we’ll hear of some monster barra being caught downstream from the barrage.The South Alligator is also on the radar, both upstream and downstream.It’s been flooded for much of the year and should fish really well over the break.Closer to home, the Adelaide River offers some easy day-trip options.Upriver from the Arnhem Highway bridge is worth a look, with feeder creek mouths looking promising.Downstream should fish nicely too, especially with the neaps in play.Shoal Bay is showing signs of life as well, with both King Creek and the Howard system producing barra.Darwin and Bynoe Harbours are also in the mix, with afternoon low tides throughout Easter providing potential barra windows – and you don’t even have to set the alarm.If you’re chasing a freshwater fix, Yellow Water Lagoon out at Cooinda is a great shout.While you can’t launch directly there, you can put in at Home Billabong and travel through the connecting channel while the water level is still high.So whether it’s barra or bluewater you’re chasing, this Easter offers the lot.Enjoy the fishing, and please stay safe on the water.

Sunshine Coast’s Kylie Sheridan was not disappointed when she went fishing with Anglers Choice Fishing Safaris and landed this stonker Dundee golden snapper.

Tore Rudduck did well in the recent Top End Barra Series comp at the Daly River, coming third in the Old School category.