Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Welcome to Autumn and with it lets hope we get a break in the winds that have dominated SE QLD for the past few months. For now while we are still getting strong SE winds and swell the offshore scene has been very quiet. This is a great time to do any work on hulls, trailers, bearings and outboards because the big longtail tuna and spanish are still yet to fully turn up and the next few months should see a big change. Be sure to pull out flair kits, life jackets and other mandatory safety gear and check for expiry dates. Go and see the boys in Davos Boating for everything you need.
For most, the estuary has been the safest and best option to get out of the wind. While we have south east winds the dog beach, Munna point, Gympie terrace will offer calmer conditions. The lower part of the river has seen some sizeable flathead caught with many getting close to the no take 75cm size. There have also been reports of big bream getting caught around the river mouth as the cooler water is a trigger for these fish to spawn for the next generation.
To catch the bigger flathead fluorocarbon leaders of 12-16lb are best as the bigger fish have very raspy mouths. They respond well to small while fish baits including whitebait, froggies and pilchards. You can use smaller gang hooks or use 2 octopus beak style hooks snelled together to fit the bait size and a small running sinker. For lure anglers it is best to use a bait that creates movement like grub style plastics in the larger 3-4 inch size. Soft vibes like Samaki thumpers and Jackall Transams are another great way to lure the big fish. Be sure to carry a landing net if after the trophy sized fish as they always have a big head shake in the shallows which sees many fish busted off.
For bream then they are a sucker for smaller 2-3 inch grub style plastics, crabs and prawn style plastics. With the recent rain you can expect to see prawns getting washed down and on the menu. Be sure to use some scent on your plastics and fish them slower than usual to allow fish a chance to take a bite. Take a look at the Storm 360 prawns and Gladiator prawns if using plastics. For bream 6-8lb leader gives the best for presentation and protection if around structure.
Other species in the river especially around woods bay and Noosa sound are trevally and tailor. These fish are making the most of the bait fish that have been pushed into the river after the huge tides. These fish will smash a wide range of lures including surface, subsurface and diving lures. If on the land then try an Arma twist metal slug around 10 grams rigged with a single hook for a better hook up. These mimic a baitfish and are a great way to experience using lures. Baits include prawns, pipis and mullet chunk on lighter octopus hooks and sinkers. Low light is the best time to target these fish, especially on an incoming tide so they can push the bait fish into the shallows.
Crabs are also on the move and with the rain that has fallen we have seen some good catches of muddies in the system. Remember to take a look at our 4 pots deals and when putting pots in keep them close to the mangrove edges and away from the main boating channel. We also have a supply of fresh mullet which is really going to help draw them in. Be sure to have your crab measure handy as you are going to need it.
Freshwater has been quieter with the sudden drop in daytime temps and prolonged winds. Working the weed edges with sub surface suspending lures and spinnerbaits is sure fire way to trigger a reaction bite. Be sure to thoroughly pepper any obvious hangouts with casts in the hope of triggering a bite. Having a lure out the back while underway is a great way to find the fish. Take a look at hardbodies from Atomic, Bassday, Cultiva and Rapala in the 70-80mm size range and if trolling have two very different lures working. This ensures you are fishing 2 different depths with different colours and actions.
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 Outdoor in Noosa and Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at 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!
