Weather gods frowned down on the Sunshine Coast

May 23, 2019

After a week of nice weather the weather gods frowned down on the sunshine coast again and we have had a fair bit of wind, rain and swell. Earlier in the week a few boats managed to get offshore but only to the local reefs. Halls reef, Sunshine reef and Jew shoal were the picks with some pelagics still around. Local angler Justin Mc Nab smashed a huge Spanish mack off the top on a stickbait which went a whopping 30.5Kg and is certainly a capture to be proud off. Sunshine reef is still holding some great sized coral trout and sweetlip. These fish both taking live bait, flesh bait and also hitting jigs like the palms slow blatt ovals and similar with upgraded 3/0 assist hooks.

Be sure to run leaders in excess of 30lb if targeting these fish as they will always head for the cover of the reef. Other fish included spotty mackerel up to 80cm and mac tuna around the 4-5KG mark. These fish are taking River2sea Sea Rock slugs cast out and allowed to sink before making a rapid retrieve. The spotty mackerel have also been sitting down deep. One way to target these fish is let your jig hit the bottom and rip it up as fast as you can. You may get bitten off a few times so carry some 44lb single strand wire if your supplies of jigs are getting low.

The surf fishing has taken a turn for the good with good numbers of smaller jewfish reported all along the coastline. Looking for a decent gutter and going down during the evening on an incoming tide is one way to really set yourself up. Using strip baits of mullet, squid and bonito are the preferred baits right now on a snelled rig. The smaller fish are also taking smaller 3-4 inch jerk shad plastics which allow for longer casts. Take a look at Berkley gulp minnows as a great option especially if new to soft plastics.

The Noosa River has been a little quieter as we pushed toward the full moon. The stronger currents have provided the river with a much needed flush and the waters are clearing up from the rain at last. With that the upper reaches of Lake Cooroibah toward Coortharaba has started to fish with smaller Jewies reported along this stretch and down river through the ski run. Bigger flatties can be found around the lake entrance and love a well positioned soft plastic like a 4 inch bungy bait paddler in motor oil and a ¼ jig head and a good smear of scent.

Other fish to find on the flats in these areas are the much loved whiting and these can provide some of the most exciting fishing on 1-2KG lines and rods. When these feed in a pack and a small surface lure is cast toward them you can expect the surface to erupt. The frying pan and around the boat ramp at Gympie Terrace also provides some red hot action at times too. If after flatties then looking for the deeper darker waters indicates a good drop off. Soft vibes like Jackall Transams hopped along the bottom is a great way to find these fish. Running 12lb fluorocarbon leaders will ensure you don’t get rubbed off and you land that trophy sized fish.

Mangrove Jacks are still present and taking live baits and soft vibes cast under overhanging structure. The river mouth can be an excellent option as the rocks offer great cover and an ambush point. With these fish 20-30Lb leaders are vital when around hard structure. Be sure to upgrade your hooks and split rings as they can bend easily against these hard fighting fish. Trevally will be around woods bay and Munna Point toward the bridge and micro jigs like the jig parra and blue blues offer that perfect baitfish profile which can be bounced along the bottom to create some interest. Muddies are still moving around and picking up some fresh mullet so loading your traps up is a great way to catch a good feed.

Freshwater is fishing better if heading to the waters of Lake MacDonald and Borumba Dam. These are best fished with a sounder if after bass. These will be found schooled up on the bottom where the warmer waters are and dropping small jigs, metal vibes and 3 inch soft plastics on heavier 3/8^th jigheads will help entice a bite. Saratoga will be quieter on surface and will be taking suspending hardbodies like Jackall squirrels and Zerek tango shads. These are best given the longest pause as possible as toga are very inquisitive in cooler waters and slower to respond.

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!