Varied species on offer for Sunny Coast

August 29, 2019

From gusty to gale force this week we have seen some very varied conditions across the state. Monday saw a sharp increase in wind from a glassy weekend and by mid-week we had winds strong enough to blow a dog off its chain! species species

Offshore the west/south west winds allowed anglers to fish the closer reefs on the weekend and the charters made wider trips to North Reef and even DI. With double paternoster rigs dropped the species list has been varied with pearl perch, tusk fish, grassy sweetlip, Moses perch, mulloway and cobia. Sunshine has solid sweetlip, pan sized snapper and even school mackerel are about. We have had multiple reports from anglers getting snipped off while pilchards are drifting out the back. We have warmer than usual water temps so use a short length of short single strand wire above your gang hooks. Don’t forget to keeps swivels very small and black and learn how to tie the haywire twist. The reason for this is because knots and swivels create bubble trails and mackerel have amazing eyesight and will bite you off.

The surf fishing has been providing anglers along the coast with good catches of solid mid 30cm sized whiting and bream. In the clear waters the inshore gutters have given anglers with lighter combo’s the opportunity to try beach fishing with basic estuary rod and reels. Keeping lines in the 6lb range keeps it fun and in the clear water. The best places to fish have been inside Laguna bay and inside the points as the swell is not wrapping around the headland as much. The open beaches had 4-5ft of solid swell so fishing was definitely on hold.

Inside the river we are starting to see the bigger flatties showing up as August and September are definitely the best months to target the big girls. This time of year the breeding sized fish congregate and at 60cm and over consider returning them. The sand flats of the frying pan will be popular spots as are the areas around Woods Bay and Munna Bridge. These areas are also great places to try lure fishing for whiting and bream. There is a multitude of ways to target these fish and by far the humble jerkbait is the most popular. The Zerek tango shad 1 meter dive depth is a great lure with a great action and multiple colour options. You can also try Zerek fish trap soft vibes for working areas with current and deeper drop offs. Remember upping leaders to 12lb or more to help you stay connected.

A big 80cm or more fish will require a lot of patience to land so take your time and always carry a big landing net. Other options include live baits and soft plastics like the super tuff entice paddler 4 inch on a 1/4oz or more jig head. We are also seeing a run of small queenfish and jewfish. Both will take the same lures previously mentioned but queenies will also take a slug like an Arma Radico cast into busting up fish and worked back at speed. You can also expect to pick up a small GT or tailor when doing this. The mighty mangrove jack is starting to make a show with several fish now getting caught each week throughout the system. The ski run and between the lakes are the two more popular spots with plenty of options to hold such fish. Live baits and hardbody lures cast into the snags or worked along the bottom work well here. Check out the Jackall squirrels for lures that come ready to tackle such fish.

In the freshwater things have quietened down a bit following the full moon last week. As the daylight hours are starting to extend the afternoon and evening bite will be a great time to chase fish across the various impoundments and river systems. Remember the wild bass closure is in place until the end of this month which means fishing in the Noosa section of the everglades off limits for now. Until then search for densely schooled fish and drop jigs, spoons and run plastics through any schools for the bite. Fishing the snags is always worth a try just be sure to approach quietly and sit as far back as you can as the water clarity is very high.

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, Davo’s Boating and Outdoors in Noosa and Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember

Tight Lines and Bent Spines!