Holmes and Flinders Reef

Holmes Reef is named after the young Captain Henry Holmes whose ship, the Thomasine, sank here on route to Hong Kong at a time when the reef was uncharted. Happily, Holmes and most of his crew survived. The location of these atolls is what makes them so special. They sit right in the middle of the east Australian current which is running down the coast and with it bringing a plethora of pelagic species. They are also home to the breeding aggregations of GT, s we call mobile bommies during the right time of year. You can expect to catch a wide variety of species out at these locations from GT’s, Wahoo, big Doggies and Yellowfin, Bluefin, black jacks and the list goes on. If the weather permits or the fishing leads us to flinders here is a little info for you.

It was Matthew Flinders who named the reef, the Great Barrier Reef as he travelled north for a second time after one of his ships ran aground on Wreck Reef the made a safe passage through the reef still called Flinders passage today. The reef has a decent size sand cay which also offers anglers the option for a land-based walk and stalk for fish cruising close by the cay. The smaller reef to the south known as South Flinders is also a great option to run to when the weather permits. These areas see large Yellowfin busting up on the surface quite consistently. Along the reef edges you’ll find the usual Coral Sea critters such as Dogtooth, Long Nose Emperor, Large Trout, GT’s and Wahoo.

This trip Is primarily focused on targeting Dogtooth Tuna, however we do encounter many other species on this trips as bycatch and when we do catch GT’s they are generally oversized. Anglers should be equipped and prepared for heavy casting and heavy jigging throughout the trip.