Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Well, summer is definitely here, and things have heated up dramatically, with consistently warmer temperatures.
And of course, the water temperature has warmed up as well. weather
So, with this, I have noticed that fishing the flats and shallows has not been producing at all.
What this means to me is, the fish that would usually inhabit these areas have moved into slightly deeper water, where it would be somewhat cooler and the temperature more consistent.
So, when I see this happening, I fish water depths from 3-10m.
I look for rubble grounds, isolated pieces of structure and wrecks that are in deeper water.
One species I do target and catch a lot of in summer is our snapper.
I would rather target them in the warmer months than the colder weather, as I find that while there may be less fish about, they are of better quality and I don’t have to fight my way through the small fish to get the bigger 40-60cm models.
When targeting snapper, either on rubble grounds or isolated patches of structure, you’ll generally encounter cod, grass sweetlip, sand and dusky flathead that have moved to deep water, as well as good-sized bream and trevally.
One of the downsides to this is that you have to look out for the nasty beasts in grey suits because they are definitely about in warmer water.
As you know, I prefer to always fish light but, if the tax men turn up, you will definitely need a 3-6kg rod and a good 3000 spin reel spooled with 15lb line, as a minimum.
When working rubble grounds, one of the techniques that works very well is drifting with soft plastics.
And a method I’ve used for years for snapper is trolling hard-body lures in these areas.
Both of these techniques are great ways to cover a lot of ground, avoid smaller fish and pick up larger models.
Also, when undertaking this type of fishing, keep your eyes on the sounder, particularly if you have side scan.
These are the types of spots you will see sunken boats, extra large pieces of rock and debris – areas we all know will hold good fish.
I’ll come back to these locations to fish on the turn of the tide with some bait and soft plastics, which helps us pick up cod, squire, grassies and such, contributing to a mixed bag at the end of the day.
Another thing to consider at this time of the year is, when we get large amounts of rainfall – which will definitely dirty up the southern end of the bay – try to avoid the dirty water if you can.
One way is to fish on the big summer incoming tides, this will ensure you’re fishing in cleaner water.
And, if you’re going to try the technique of drifting with soft plastics or trolling hard-bodies, you’ll want to do this when there’s maximum current flow and again when the current slows.
Move onto the isolated patches of reef and wrecks, then cast some bait, and perhaps throw a few soft plastics around while you’re waiting for the better fish to take the bait.
I find summer fishing is always a little harder. weather
You may have to cover more ground, you may have to go further out to find deeper cleaner water, yet if you put the effort in, good quality fish can be found.
Also try not to miss your opportunities, the weather windows and bite times are smaller, so try fishing around the good moons.
Try to get an early morning start, coinciding with a nice incoming tide, to give you that clean water – all of these little things can make a big difference.
Above all, have your tackle and fishing gear in good order, so that when you do hook fish, you land fish.
With reduced opportunities in summer, it can painful losing fish due to gear failure.
This year, we’re going to trial fishing tuition in your boat.
So, while I’ll still be doing my charters, I will also be available to do tuition in the comfort of your own vessel.
This will cover things such as working out good tides, better moon phases, how sounders work, how to identify fish on your sounder, how to find rubble grounds, how to drift with soft plastics, how to troll a hard-body lure for snapper, techniques for bait fishing including correct bite presentation, what size hooks, line, sinkers, rods and reels – everything that will help you to be more confident on the water and catch more fish.
Also, for lure fishos, we still have stock and will be making plenty of Fish Goop – the ultimate fish attractant – into 2025.
If you’re interested in any of the tuition and Fish Goop, my details are below.
Let’s hope it’s a good year for everyone.
As we all know, with our jobs and lives we are time poor, so if you can learn more to optimise your time on the water, why not – remember knowledge is key.
Until next month, stay safe on the water and, if you’re interested in our fishing tuition or want to do a fishing charter, give me a call on 0432 386 307, send an email to seanconlonsfishing@hotmail.com or check out the Facebook page Seano’s Inshore Fishing Charters and Tuition.
And check out the new Fish Goop page on Facebook. weather
