Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
With the holidays behind us the weather certainly changed and the swell ramped up for the offshore scene. With only the charters headed out during the start of the week the bite was pretty quiet and with wind and currents building as we pushed toward the new moon the fish were on the chew but it made for a lumpy ride.
In close Sunshine reef was the popular spot as it’s close to home and a great place to target chunky coral trout which were chewing on live baits and fresh slab baits fished hard on the bottom. For anglers using the paternoster reef style rig then sweetlip, cod, venus tusk fish or tuskies and moses perch we on the catch list. There were also a few smaller sized snapper coming in too. Mid-week saw a few locals creep out and get stuck into some cracking Spanish mackerel around jew shoal and along the halls reef section headed north toward Teewah and Double Island. These fish taking trolled hardbodies like the Nomad DTX minnows, slugs and gang hooked pilchard floaters for those on anchor. Be sure to carry wire as you can go through a lot of gear and these fish don’t stop when in the mood to hit everything in sight. The longtail tuna and mac tuna have been prevalent all along the coast when we could not get out to them due to conditions, however Saturday saw a break in wind and although the rains came through the sea state stayed calm and reports of longies getting caught in close and mackerel too were a welcome start to the weekend. Be sure to have a casting rod rigged with a stickbait or slug as you never know when these speedsters will show up!
In the safety of the river things have been a little slow due to run off from up river. The freshwater coming from the Noosa Everglades is keeping things murky so fishing in the lower estuary is a must to avoid catfish that will be found further up. As the water cools from the fresh and cloudy days you can expect to find some thumper flatties and bream in the lower reaches around the dog beach, river mouth and along the Gympie Terrace stretch toward the boathouse. These fish love big baits or whole whitebait and hardy heads on light gauge gang hooks for the bait fisherman. Cast these along the drop offs and let the current gently wash it along. For the lure anglers soft vibes like the Jackall Transams and Samaki thumper tails have to be the go during the dirty water times. Check out the Midori mullet colour for one that stands out and work these toward you from up current allowing time for the lure to sit on the bottom. Dirty water allows us to step up leaders to 12lb or 14lb which helps prevent bust offs that big flatties are known for. Trevally are still about but fishing around the tide change is the best option especially when the tide is full and clearer. Working soft plastics along the bottom and well as small soft vibes will entice a strike. With the rains be sure to try prawn style lures as these will be getting flushed out and matching the hatch will certainly help. Lastly with all the rain comes the continued success for the crabbers. Be sure to place pots out as we push toward the new moon this Sunday and keep them weighted down or close to the edges as the current will be strong. As always using fresh mullet is best or grab yourself a pack of heads.
The freshwater scene has been quiet this week. The cold rains and strong winds will have pushed the fish deeper so now is the time to pay attention to your sounder and search for the fish schooled up on the bottom. Ecogear zx blades and Jackall mask vibes will be a great vibration bait as well as Hotbite gang bangers which have awesome action and heaps of flash in the dirty water. Be sure to check your SIPS permits are in date and remember to keep a copy with you at all times.
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!
