Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Earlier in the week a few of the larger charter boats made the effort to fish Sunshine Reef and with lighter current they had some great success. A mixed bag of reef fish including sweetlip, pearlies, some cracking coral trout and the occasional big Spanish mackerel hit the deck. These fish falling for live baits and whole pilchard dead baits fished hard on the bottom. The tuna are very much active and out on the feed but at this moment in time all we can do is watch from the land.
Inside the Whiting have been on the move and the river mouths of both Noosa and the Maroochy have been holding good fish around the mid 30cm mark. These fish have been feeding hard on worms, yabbies and small strip baits of squid. Simple running sinker rigs with 4-6lb lines provide the most fun as these fish certainly fight hard for their size. Don’t forget to use a length of red whiting tube to emphasize your bait and give you a bit of bite protection should you pick up a feisty flathead.
Still focusing around the river mouth the bigger flathead have been found along the deeper drop offs especially around the dog beach and current line. Using the same running sinker rig works very well here too. It is wise to step up leaders to 12lb or more and try using light gauge gang hooks with whole hardy heads or pilchards as bait. These bigger whole fish baits will get the attention of the bigger fish. Be sure to safely release the bigger fish as they are fattening up for the winter breeding season. Lip grips are a great tool to help with hook removal and to support bigger fish under their belly for photos and return.
Mangrove jack are certainly having one last big run this week with some great fish caught further upstream between the lakes and around the various bridges and jetties further down the river. Most of these fish are now taking well-presented live baits of poddy mullet and herring after dark and on the higher tides. Don’t forget the best way to gather bait over rocks is to get a drawstring cast net and have a live bait bucket with aerator running. Keep the water fresh and your baits will stay in tip top condition. If you need help throwing a cast net this holidays feel free to drop in and let us show you how it’s done.
In the lower estuary around woods bays, Noosa sound and along the current line the trevally and the occasional tailor have been giving anglers a run for their money. These fish taking a wide variety of baits with small herring live baits the go too along with larger 70-90mm surface walkers and poppers. These fish love to feed off the surface during the early mornings so get out there and be sure to have something ready to throw at any bust ups as it can happen very quickly and be over just a fast. Running 8lb gear gives you more chance to apply a bit of pressure and get these fish in. Take a look at Bassday Sugapens and Atomic K9 walkers a well as Rapala x-rap poppers. If anglers are wanting to chase these fish under the surface the Keitech easy shiner in silver flash minnow and wakasagi have been smashing the diamond and golden trevallies.
Lastly the crabs are on the move! We have seen some cracking catches and if you own a pot or two now is the time to get them in the water. Make sure your pots are compliant and clearly marked as fisheries will be out on patrol this holiday season. Be sure to leave your pots along the mangrove edges and not in the main boating channel and hopefully you could be dining on a big buck!
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!
