Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Talk about April showers! What a change in the weather we have had this week with building swell and heavy rainfall. This has basically put the brakes on anyone headed offshore so the fish have had a break and the freshwater run off should have the reefies fired up.
With Sunday and Monday showing good signs of dropping winds and swell we can expect to see good catches of sweetlip, pearl perch, snapper and coral trout on Sunshine Reef. With the dirtier water if using plastics, bigger grub and paddle tails are the go to.
The new Keitech fat swing impacts are sure to be a hit with lighter jig heads for a natural fall that snapper love. If bottom fishing there will be strong current with the new moon so use lighter lines to avoid using lots of lead. Using bait elastic will keep baits streamlined if fishing paternoster rigs or pilchard floaters.
Don’t forget the bigger Spanish mackerel are still about and will happily take big baits slow trolled around Halls and Sunshine reef. Out wider we should start seeing the occasional big snapper and jewfish falling for well-presented baits, jigs and plastics in the 7 inch size with lots of scent. Big pauses are the way to entice a strike and PE 2-3 gear will let you fish deep and stay in direct contact.
The estuary has been the more popular option and the beauty of Noosa is you can move around according to the wind direction so you have the wind behind you. Flathead and trevally have been the main captures around the dog beach, munna point and woods bays with some chopper sized tailor starting to show up as well as queenfish. As things cool down even further these two species will become more prolific.
Queenies can reach up to a meter in the river with the current line and woods bays two great places to find them. They love a fast paced surface lure like the river 2 sea skip stick or Storm chug bug. Fishing heavier leaders of 15-20lb is important for both fish as they can rub through lighter gear during their big jumps they are known for. Be sure to carry a decent landing net and handle both species quickly if intended for release.
For flathead and trevally then a strip of mullet is a great bait that also appeals to bream. Fish this bait on an octopus style hook for the best presentation. Mangrove jacks will be a lot quieter but can still be found around the heavier cover provided around Noosa Marina and along the various jetties and pontoons around Noosa sound. Casting vibes and hardbodies deep into cover and burning them out can trigger a reaction bite. If bait fishing then mullet or live baits are best especially during the darker times of the day.
Freshwater has certainly quietened down with the recent rains. The water temperatures have dropped significantly so fishing deep down with soft vibes and blades will give that extra vibration. Take a look at Jackall Mask Vibe 55 and Zerek Fish Trap. If fishing early morning for the surface bite choose lures with lots of action like the Dstyle reserve or Westin swim for a great subsurface 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 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!
