Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
What a wet and windy week! As predicted the rains have arrived and with some serious falls across the coast this has seen rivers rise, turn brown and pump bait and nutrients out into the bays. Although this will quieten the inland fishing for a while the offshore should start to fire. This is the time of year where longtail tuna are present and will often come into the bays to feast up, especially after a big rain.
Although not known for their love or dirty water, longies will feed during times of poor water clarity. Reef fish will also fire up and one such fish that loves a good wet are sweetlip. Sunshine reef is a great place to find them. These fish fight hard when they pack on a bit of size and can be targeted on bait, plastics and jigs. Be sure to run heavier 25-30lb leaders as they will head to the reef once hooked.
If after a Spanish mackerel you would do well to head out wider toward North reef. The water should be bluer and reports of fish coming from this area have been consistent. These fish taking drifted pilchards for those on anchor and trolled bait and deep diving lures for those on the move. The new Nomad madmacs have claimed some good Spanish when trolled around 8-10 knots or more. These lures will certainly put a big bend in your rod so if looking to get started the Shimano backbone elite 15kg is a very well-priced rod with the perfect amount of back bone to run bigger lures when paired with TLD 20-25 reels.
The rivers have seen the window of opportunity for a mangrove jack start to close. The rains and lack of sun will see water temps drop and other species start to fire up. Jacks are still about, however you will have to work for them. Try the river mouth rocks and woods bay rocks as well as the jetties and boat ramp along Gympie Terrace. As one species fades another takes pole position. This is the time of year where GT’s are becoming more present. Although not the huge fish often associated with the name GT the river fish still fight hard especially on lighter 2-4KG rods and lighter 8-10lb lines. GT know how to use the current to their advantage and even when small they will sit side on to the current so take your time.
A favourite plastic is the Powerbait 4 inch minnow with a 3/8th jighead for deeper water around the sand bags and river mouth. This flick style bait has a great action that mimics a dying baitfish. Bigger trevally will smash these along with any other passing predatory fish. With the dirty water coming down from the Noosa Everglades you will find the better times to fish will be around the top of the tide. If you fish an hour each side of high tide you will find the water will be at its cleanest. Try to fish along the bottom and keep baits oily and fresh. Fresh mullet, pilchard and slimy mackerel are all excellent baits sure to attract the attention of a passing fish.
Freshwater will be quiet with all the rain. Lak MacDonald is over 100% and spilling. Big downpours tend to quieten the freshwater down so have those sounders on and find the fish before you start casting. Use high vibration lure like the Hot Bite Gang banger V2 spoons and try different retrieves until you crack a pattern that triggers a bite. Borumba is at 78% and as always is hard to navigate. The timber is a dangerous place and even experienced anglers have hit trees only a couple of inches below the surface at speed. Use electric motors once beyond the float line and be on the lookout. The bass are deep in the snags right now and the Hot Bite Spectre assists are proving a consistent performing lure.
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 Tackle World Noosa, Noosa Boating and Outdoors and 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!
