Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
As we cast our lines into the first half of December, the Sunshine Coast is anticipating some changes in weather due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper in north Queensland. While we are currently outside the direct cyclone warning area, it’s expected that next week we’ll experience significant impacts along our coast, including large swells and strong wind. Jasper – currently a category 3 system – is forecasted to intensify as it moves into the Coral Sea, potentially reaching category 5 before gradually weakening. However, it will remain a tropical cyclone next week, with its track heading southwest towards the Queensland coast.
This weekend will be warm with partly cloudy conditions and light to moderate northeasterly and easterly wind. The temperature is expected to hover around 30C during the day, dropping to low 20C overnight. There’s a slight chance of rainfall, particularly on Sunday. If you are looking to get offshore, get out early before the wind picks up. As Jasper approaches early next week, we anticipate more unsettled weather, with increasing chances of showers and winds intensifying.
OFFSHORE
The fish aggregating devices are sizzling with mahi mahi action. For best results, try cubing up pilchard or slimy mackerel on an unweighted hook. If you prefer trolling, hard-bodies or slow trolling with dead or live bait are excellent choices. The Hards continue to be a hotspot for tuskfish and pearl perch. At Noosa, anglers are reeling in impressive catches of goldspotted cod, cobia, longtail tuna, tuskfish, pearl perch, snapper, and moses perch. Spanish mackerel are making an appearance along the coast, responding well to slow trolled garfish. Additionally, amberjack were actively hitting jigs and live bait. With a cyclone on the horizon promising large swells, now is the prime time to head offshore.
MAROOCHY RIVER
Mangrove jack are heating up on these hot muggy days, with MMD Splash Prawns and live or fresh bait such as herring, mullet, squid and garfish proving effective. Whiting are still plentiful, especially towards the mouth of the river, biting on live beachworms and European nightcrawlers. Flathead are also active, including some large 90cm models. Meanwhile, trevally are causing a stir, busting up bait schools from Bli Bli to Twin Waters, with bigeye and giant trevally showing a preference for small Keitech Easy Shiner and 62mm Pro Lure Clone Prawn.
NOOSA
Noosa has delivered a mix of species this week, including flathead and estuary cod at Tewantin, while Woods Bay is a great option to try your luck with flathead and trevally. Over at Lake Cooroibah, there’ve been reports of sand whiting and grunter bream.
BEACH
Local beaches have seen some action with whiting and dart but the windy conditions are proving challenging. With the incoming cyclone expected to bring large swells and further windy conditions, it might be wise to steer clear of beach fishing this week.
FRESHWATER
The freshwater scene is buzzing with activity, especially with saratoga responding to the high water temperature and recent rain. Bass and sooty grunter are becoming increasingly active, with frogs and small soft plastics being the go-to lures.
As we close out this week’s fishing report, we have some exciting updates from Bait Master Fishing and Tackle. First, we’ve extended our trading hours! We are now open from 8:30am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, giving you more time to stock up on all your fishing essentials. Other days remain unchanged. Don’t forget to check our social media for our special Christmas trading hours.
Just in time for the festive season, we’ve had a massive restock of fishing gear. From lines and lures to crabbing equipment, reels and combos, we have everything you need for a successful fishing adventure or the perfect Christmas gift. Speaking of gifts, don’t miss out on our gift cards – they make a fantastic present for the anglers in your life.
And remember, we’re the only tackle shop north of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast that offers live beachworms. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday fishing trip or looking for that ideal gift, we’ve got you covered.
Tight lines, and we look forward to seeing you in the store!
Trent & Corinne
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle
