Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Welcome to this week’s Sunshine Coast Fishing Report. The weather gods have finally smiled upon the Sunshine Coast, delivering some awesome weather over the Easter long weekend. Perfect conditions offshore have allowed many boaties to venture out after an extended spell of unfavorable weather. These good offshore conditions are expected to continue until mid-next week. We are however, expecting the rain to return over the weekend. The fishing in our rivers and estuaries has started to improve, and we’re hopeful that the anticipated rain won’t introduce too much fresh water into our systems again.
With the school holidays bringing an influx of visitors to the Sunshine Coast, there are more anglers and boats than usual. During these busier times, it’s crucial to practice patience and respect in the more crowded fishing spots. Additionally, we encourage all fishers to adhere to sustainable fishing practices, respecting size and bag limits to help preserve our marine life and our beautiful waterways.
Offshore
The weather this week finally gave boaties the opportunity to get offshore, where some impressive catches have been reported. The inshore reefs and the Barwon Banks have been hotspots for spanish mackerel, alongside a variety of other reef fish. Wahoo has also been spotted at the Barwon Banks, while mahi mahi continues to be a common sight around the FADs. Tuna has also been spotted in good numbers.
Estuary
Fishing in the Maroochy and Noosa rivers has improved, with the dirty water slowly starting to clear. This might not last long however, with significant rainfall forecast over the weekend. If we do see another deluge, the areas closer to the river mouths tend to be more resilient, so consider focusing your efforts there.
The Noosa River has also seen great catches of Whiting, alongside healthy numbers of flathead and bream around the river mouth and through the Tewantin stretch. In the Maroochy River, whiting continues to be caught around Chambers Island and near the river mouth. Live beachworms remain the top bait choice, though small peeled prawns have also proven highly effective. For those targeting flathead and trevally, the area around the Cod Hole and the Bli Bli stretch has been particularly rewarding. Mangrove jack don’t seem to mind the dirty water and continue to be caught around structures and pylons. Mud crabs also on the move, so get those pots in, particularly if we see some rain over the weekend.
Whiting have also been caught at the mouth of the Mooloolah River, with some good sized trevally also reported. Mud crabs continue to be caught in the mid to upper reaches. Caloundra continues to fish well, with the passage delivering plenty of flathead, bream and whiting. Muddies are also being caught in local creeks.
Beach
Conditions improved briefly this week for beach fishos, with report of some good-sized whiting and dart from Kawana through to Coolum.
Freshwater fishing
Freshwater fishing continues to be slow in creeks due to high water levels and dirty water. Dams that have overflow have been producing very good bass, saratoga and the occasional sooty grunter and yellowbelly.
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle is here for all your fishing essentials including bait, tackle and ice. You’ll find us at 3/99 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, opposite Aldi. If you’re here on school holidays and are wondering where the best spots are to wet a line or you just need a bit of advice, drop in and see us. We’d love to help make your next fishing trip a success.
Tight lines,
Trent & Corinne
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle
