Other names: Queenie, Giant Leatherskin, Talang Queenfish, Skinny and Skinnyfish

Habitat

Queenfish inhabit inshore and occasionally offshore reef areas, shallow bommies and sand flats in the northern waters of Australia. They can also be found in the upper tidal reaches of northern rivers. Queenies can be found anywhere from the Pilbara in the west to Yeppoon on the east coast.

Size

The Queenfish has been known to grow up to 1.2 m and 15kg but most fly fishing enthusiasts can expect to catch Queenies in the 1 to 7kg category.

Feeding

Queenfish are pelagic and will eat just about any fish they can get their jaws in to. Smaller Queenies will chase baitfish schools and larger ones will ambush anything! Mullet, prawn, garfish, squid, piltchard and whiting are popular with Queenfish.

Seasons

Queenfish can be caught all year round in northern waters with the best months being March to May and September to November.

Description

The Queenfish is a large, long fish with a relatively thin body for its size when viewed head on. It has a large mouth and is easily recognized by a number of spots or botches found on both sides of the body below the spine and above the lateral line.

How to catch them

Queenies can run in schools chasing baitfish. Flies presented well in front of the school and retrieved in a fast and erratic pattern will attract the fish. The fly fisherman is trying to imitate the movements of the fleeing baitfish. Below average size Queenfish will take just about any fly but the larger ones tend to be a bit more discerning. Large flies from the list below, in particular Clousers, Deceivers and popping flies are usually best for these.

Larger Queenfish can also be found around reefs, rocks and eddies waiting to ambush prey, especially on the falling tide. When hooked Queenfish will run hard and anywhere and for a long time... be prepared for a battle!

They sometimes put on spectacular acrobatic aerial displays during the run. Shock tippets should be used as they have sharp jaws.

Queenfish can be good eating if bled immediately and placed in icy slurry.

Hot Spots

The Arnhem Land coast in the NT, The Gulf of Carpentaria and the North Queensland Coast.

Equipment

Fly fishing gear for Queenfish should include the following;

• 9/11 weight saltwater rod
• Reel should have large Arbor with at least 300metres of 20Kg backing (preferably braid)
• Flyline- intermediate and/or fast sinking shooting line both weight forward.
• Class leader 1-2m of 8-10kg
• Shock tippet of .5-1m of 20kg mono

Popular Flies

• Lefty’s Deceivers (white, green, yellow)
• Clouser Minnow
• Poppers
• Pink Things
• Flash 3D
• Polar Fiber Minnow
• Crazy Charlie

If tying your own flies use saltwater hooks usually 1/0 to 4/0 size, colours should include red/white, green/white, pink/white, and blue/white with generous flashing and some flies should be weighted.