Around The Twist by Dan Kaggelis

Whether it's up the creek snag bashing for jacks or out on the blue water bombie dropping for coral trout, successfully fishing the waters of Bowen in January is all about picking your moments and fishing those peak periods when the bite is best and conditions are bearable.

While January traditionally marks the beginning of the wet, this is not the only variable that can affect the fishing. The sun can also be a major factor and in the warmer months of summer, fishing the middle of the day is best avoided, as the extreme heat will often shut down the bite.

Anglers are best to fish either early mornings or late afternoons especially around times of low light, particularly when this coincides within a couple of hours of either the run-in or run-out tide. Not only is it a little easier on the anglers, the fish also tend to be more active during these cooler periods as they often sulk during the warmer middle part of the day.

This is particularly the case up the creeks where the extra heat in the water can shut down the bite. The majority of Bowen's creeks average 6ft or less water, which allows for some pretty warm water temps when in direct sun.