Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
With the consistent warm weather we have been having, the water temperature in the Noosa River is starting to rise. Fishing the run-out tide in the evenings has seen the odd winter jack being taken on live bait. These fish tend to feed that bit more in those warmer run out currents so keep an eye on the sounder for those temperature changes. With the water so clear, using light fluorocarbon leaders is essential, also make sure you are using a least a rod length to present the most natural looking baits. For the flathead anglers: the plastics have been the way to go with some great fish boated over the last week, 1/6th-1/4oz jigheads in size 1 to 2/0 are the best sizes in conjunction with 2.5-3 inch plastics like Zman slim SwimZ and Chasebaits Paddle Curly bait, we also have the new range of Entice Bungy Baits that are proving popular on the Flathead.
Trevally have also been in good numbers and as the sun get a little higher these plastics have claimed some great fish. Another option is to try a vibe, the Jackson Quiet Beats or Fish Candy curly tail have also been getting the runs on the board. They are great for that longer casts and cover a wide range of ground, this is great especially if the bite is a little slow. The Whiting and Bream are on the move during the warmer weather so now is the time to try surface fishing for them in the shallow sand flats. Area like the Frying pan, Weyba Creek and sand flats on the Dog Beach. The strada viral 70mm and 85mm surface lures have been walking out the door with good numbers of fish reported. For the bait angler live beach worms and freshly pumped yabbies have been the best bait for catching a feed.
On the offshore scene, It’s all about the snapper, with cooler water temperatures from the southern currents now is the time to target everyone’s favourite winter fish. Using Pillies, Squid and livies fished hard on the bottom as well as a Paternoster rig is working very well. For those anglers that have a baitrunner reel in their arsenal now is the time to use it, having a lightly weighted pilchard fished in a trail of fresh burley with the reel set on light Baitrunner drag has seen many angler getting solid hook ups as they engage the main drag and drive the hook home. Come and grab burley log or some burley pellets and Tuna oil to keep up a steady flow of Burley for the best results. This method also worked well for other mid water feeders like Cobia and smaller Mackerel. If drifting then using bigger 5-7 inch plastics on 3/4oz jigheads is a great way to pick up quality fish including Trout, sweetlip and other species. For the anglers that have done the run up to Double Island Reef, the Hard and the Barwon banks have all been rewarded with plenty of quality fish including larger snapper, pearl perch, cobia, jew, mori cod, sweet lip, tusk fish and cod. The closer reefs have also been firing with plenty of pan sized snapper, sweetlip and coral trout on offer.
ON THE BEACH; bream, whiting, tailor and dart have all been caught along the surf gutters. Look for those deeper darker gutters and fishing 2 hours either side of the high tide for the best results. Lightly weighted mullet strips, bonito and pilchard on ganged hooks have claimed most of the tailor, while fresh beach worms fished on small hooks is a great way to target whiting and bream. The Noosa North Shore has been popular with the 4×4 enthusiasts while the southern beaches around Sunshine and Marcus have both produced good fish.
In the fresh water; some good Bass have been caught deeper down on longer curly tail soft plastics. The Zman Madwags and Eco Gear Dragon Maggot are two great options. Trolling the drop off with shallow divers is a great way to target the daytime fish as they move into the shallower water to get warm. Give the Berserk range of lures a go they come in some great colours and dive to the perfect depth.
Now for all the latest information log onto www.fishingnoosa.com.au for up to date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World in Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting, and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines!
