Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Well that’s May done and dusted! What a month it’s been for everyone. We have had cold snaps, mild rains and some great westerlies kicking in to keep things calm offshore. With restrictions lifted a little more we have seen some cracking fish caught and lost.
This week offshore was a little quieter this week due to strong winds and swell. Bigger boats made the crossings and on Thursday we did see a drop on the bar but conditions were still a little bumpy offshore. Most anglers headed to Sunshine and around Halls in the westerly conditions and it was a pleasant day for most. Saturdays conditions were the standout as the reports were wrong and we were greeted with light winds and not the forecast 20-30 kmph.
Some cracking fish were caught including the usual reef species of snapper, pearl perch a few cod and some solid sweetlip. Fresh mullet and pilchard baits were the standout along with a heavier weighted pilchard floater for small cobia and a few bite off’s from mackerel. The next month ahead usually sees a good run of big spanish and longtail tuna so be sure you go equipped with wire and gang hooked dead baits for slow trolling. Come in and ask us how to rig whole bonito or garfish for the best results.
Surf fishing has fired up once more with the run up to the new moon. With jewfish the popular target, the gutters from Sunshine dog beach toward Mooloolaba have been holding fish from school sized to unstoppable. We have a great range of Gary Howard surf rods in and the North shore and greenback are 2 popular tailer and jewfish rods that have the right taper to fight such fish. The lighter Breambo and Dart rods will give the daytime anglers plenty of fun with smaller baits and smaller species.
The Noosa River is easing further toward winter with some cracking fish caught including very big diamond trevally getting caught on 3 inch flick baits like the Powerbait minnow. With the recent cold snap you can expect to find more of these fish including cale cale trevally and golden trevally. These fish are generally found around the sandy lower estuary with Woods Bay and the current line two great areas. While the waters are clear, ensure you use a 6lb fluorocarbon leader. Flatties are also about in the same areas including the sandbags of the dog beach and the drop offs around the spit. They love strip baits of mullet on a snelled octopus hook. If you need a hand snelling a rig, come in and ask us how.
Queenfish are also on the catch menu and these fish always put on an ariel display. These fish will take surface lures, soft plastics and live baits. If you know they are about the leaders should be increased to 15lb as they have a raspy mouth much like big flathead. Often they will be found around tailor schools as they all chase small baitfish that get washed in during the spring tides. Have a good look around the current line and Woods Bays for starters.
The freshwater dams and Lake MacDonald are providing some great sized fish as of late. Both the bass and saratoga are feeding well, especially during the overcast days. Both fish are hitting surface lures with the Megabass dog x jnr and Lucky craft Sammy 65 two top performers. If the sun comes out then switching to smaller jigs and soft plastics like the zman slim swim 2.5 inch in baby bass will let you fish through the schooled up fish if there isn’t a strong edge bite. Don’t forget when leaving Lake MacDonald to wash down boats and trailers to prevent the spread of Cabomba.
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!
