“Don't worry about the crocodiles . . . we don't often see them.” We aren't really sure we even want to know about the crocs as we stand knee deep in brown water at the end of the boat ramp. Nearby is a sign “Warning, estuarine crocodiles inhabit this area.”
We motor up the Mission River, hopefully to catch a few fish for dinner, travelling inland from Weipa, on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
It's not the right time of year for barramundi, the local delicacy, but Adam our skipper advises there are still plenty of fish around - fingermark, grunter and jewfish.
Half an hour up the river, we move close to the mangroves and Adam hauls out a throw net to catch some bait. The crocodiles are forgotten as we disappear under a swarm of little red mangrove flies. They don't bite, just crawl over everything.
Out in the centre of the river Adam drops anchor, we bait up and bang - something hits the line. The first fish, a fingermark is pulled on board, followed quickly by another. Next is something big and we have visions of a giant jewfish.
“Could be a shovelnose shark,” Adam says, “they're like a shark with stingray wings - more of a nuisance really.” His guess proves correct, and he unhooks the shark and returns it to the sea.
An osprey or sea eagle flies down from the riverbank, grabs a fish from the surface and returns to its nest to enjoy it.
Another strike on the other side of the boat and a fish that makes the most amazing sounds is hauled on board.
“Grunter,” Adam informs us as he measures it. “They taste much the same as fingermark.” Next catch is a large mud crab that has latched onto the bait. Adam carefully slides the net underneath and lifts it on board. The nippers on the crab look impressive and it's quite prepared to use them. Adam carefully disentangles it from the net and it drops to the floor, scampering around as feet rapidly move out of its way. It'll make a good entree!
