Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Noosa – Cool snap continues
This time last year we were busy feeling the heat. This year, we are still wrapped up in jeans with cool wind and rainfall ever present. With the bad weather this week, the offshore scene has been on hold for most anglers. Some boats made the crossing over the Noosa bar and the swell was certainly up, so only experienced boaters attempted to cross.
With the wind picking up early, most fished Sunshine Reef for a mixed bag of grass sweetlip, snapper, cobia, tuna and tuskfish as the main captures. Next week is the run up to the new moon phase and, at the moment, the weather forecasting looks a bit wet, so plan wisely and keep an eye on the local radar if heading out.
This leaves some to fish from the surf and only the diehard anglers have tended to. All too often these are the best surf fishing conditions. With swell and wind comes the disturbance of the bottom and bigger fish can prey on disoriented baitfish and whiting hunting on crabs and worms. You will also see new gutters and holes emerging, giving you the possibility of being the first to fish them.
Medium heavy gear is advised for this and the popular Crucis 12’ Surf rods are some of the more popular super-light graphite rods with full Fuji componentry. Pair one of these with a Penn Spinfisher reel and you have a surf-ready combo more than capable of stopping anything you are likely to cross paths with. Come in and we can set you up and show you how to present bigger mullet and pilchard bait for the bigger tailor and jewfish.
The Noosa River will always be popular because many parts offer full protection from a wide variety of wind. Munna Point, Noosa Sound, Woods Bay, the Frying Pan and the dog beach all face different directions and allow for fishing year-round.
As per previous reports, flathead, bream, trevally and whiting are the consistent captures. These fish will provide much excitement for many and are relatively easy to catch. Try to fish where the clean water is and fish around the turn of a tide to take advantage of the clean water from the ocean. Fishing light is key to success, as is pre-setting your reels drag. We can show you how to do this, but line should be free to come off the spool without excessive force.
We hear so many stories of fish lost due to line breaking and the main culprit is a poorly set drag or an old knot. As anglers, we should get into the habit of using fresh leader and tying a new connection knot after every session. We can show you leader knots, and having a quality leader such as Sunline FC Rock or Shimano Ocea ensures you have the highest quality Japanese line available.
This coming week, don’t forget to set your crab pots, as the tides are building and we are forecast to get a good flush of rain. Always ensure you keep your pots tied off and heavily weighted if under a float. The building tides and floodwater will pick up and move pots, so be prepared. If you need any last-minute supplies, be sure to pop in and grab clips, floats and ID tags so you are compliant.
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!
