August Fishing Report 2026

August in the Cape

August is always a fun time of year in Cape York. The mornings are still cool and comfortable, while the days get warmer and longer. With the changing conditions comes a noticeable shift in what we are targeting.

Our main focus has now moved firmly onto the flats, with permit becoming the headline act. That said, the backup options are certainly not a bad consolation prize, with Tuskies, Blue Bastards, Golden Trevally, Queenfish and GTs all making regular appearances.

We have had some incredible sight fishing recently when the weather has played ball, with trophy sized fish continuing to keep us on our toes. Blue Bastards have been a real standout, and while we have not kept an official tally this season, it has easily been the best season I have seen for them.

Permit numbers have also been excellent, with plenty of quality fish being seen and caught. It has been particularly rewarding watching a few clients tick off their first ever permit, including their first Australian permit. Always a pretty special moment.

One standout from the month was a seriously cool double hookup, with Gary and Enrico landing a Blue Bastard and a permit at the same time, guided by Drew. We are not sure if it has been done before, so we will not claim any records, but it is certainly the first time we have heard of it happening!

Meanwhile, the estuaries are starting to fire properly, with plenty of barramundi, threadfin salmon and mangrove jacks being landed. These iconic Australian species can be far more technical than they are often given credit for, and the sight fishing opportunities they provide are pretty special.

Looking towards September, things should only continue to improve. Permit become even more prevalent across the flats, more GTs start to school up and push into the shallows, and the rivers will continue to fire as we head further into the dry season.

It is shaping up to be a cracker finish to the season.