Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
After Monday’s full moon the bite started quieter during the start of the week along with hot and strong Northerly winds. This left people to fish the river with Woods bay and the back of Noosa sound some of the more sheltered spots. As the week progressed the winds and currents dropped which saw many anglers making the most of the situation with Friday showing early morning glass out conditions.
Early morning on Sunshine reef before the winds picked up saw a mixed bag of sweetlip, pearlies and coral trout. Come in and ask how to catch a trout as these fish are hard fighting and are a lot of fun. I forgot to mention they taste pretty good too! Elsewhere many people are anticipating an early pelagic season with reports of the occasional Spanish coming through along with school mackerel. Without a doubt the best way to target these fish is to slow troll a whole bonito. If looking for a lure option then grab a Spanish special while we still have them. These locally made lures look like a huge spinnerbait. With 3 Colorado blades and a gang hook these vibrate like crazy at low speed and when paired with a whole slimy mackerel or garfish they can tempt even the shyest of beasts. Elsewhere North reef has seen a few jewfish, cobia, pearl perch, snapper and a few tuskies. A few anglers made the dash to the Hards and weren’t disappointed with big snapper over 80cm, pearlies and tuskies. While the winds are blowing stay in close and enjoy a quick trip.
The Noosa River has seen trevally, flathead, whiting, bream and of course mangrove jacks. During the daytime you can expect to find whiting, bream and trevally around the various flats, jetties and bridges if land based. For those in a boat it is a case of assessing the wind direction and getting in the best possible location. With the recent fires in Cooroibah if headed between the lakes stay in the middle of the river and be aware of falling trees if on anchor. Up here you can find jacks and jewies and with the salt content so high who knows what else. The sand flats of the lake and surrounding areas are great to flick a small surface lure like the MMD splash prawn. This little lure is accounting for a wide range of species and is very hot right now! For jack anglers the new Jackall smash minnow 100mm is also going to be a great hard body lure not only for jacks but big flathead. This lure gets down deep and will work in waters over 3 meters if trolled. Elsewhere the lower estuary has flatties around the river mouth as well as a few whiting. Fresh live beach worm is always hard to go past when chasing whiting so be sure to grab some whiting tube and worms next time you are in.
Freshwater of Lake Macdonald saw a temporary closure due to bush fire support aircraft drawing water from the lake for water bombing. This is now open but always be sure to check SEQ water for up to date info before you plan to go to any dam or lake. This will also tell you the current levels and any planned works to the area. Borumba dam is still very much open and the bass are certainly on the chew with deep divers a must have. Spinnerbaits are also getting a few fish but trolling the weed lines is the more popular method. Saratoga are locked into breeding mode so expect to find the smaller fish more abundant while the bigger fish attend to their parenting duties. As always navigate with extreme caution as levels are dropping close to 80% capacity.
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!
