Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
On the offshore scene, with the weather blowing up early morning for most of the week, those lucky enough to head out fished in close so they could do the run home as soon as the wind started to pick up. Angler headed to Sunshine Reef and were treated to a mixed bag of reef fish including pan sized snapper and sweetlip. There are some very sizable Coral Trout getting caught around Sunshine Reef and this particular species requires some quality gear to get them to the boat, make sure you have your drag set fairly heavy, 40lb or more leader and a couple of snelled 6/0 – 7/0 Octopus circle hooks along with a size 8-10 running ball sinker right the way down to the hooks, a lumo bead is also a must as you don’t want that heavy sinker banging on the knot. Using a short jigging rod to ensure you get some pressure onto these masters of the reef. Now if you are not sure on how to snell those hooks come and see the crew at Davo’s and we can show you how to get set up. Livies are of course one of the best ways to catch a big trout so make sure you stock up on live bait jigs next time you are instore. Out wide reports of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Venus Tusk fish, various cod species and Hussar were coming through from the larger charter boats. If heading out wide be sure to take some larger 6-8inch soft plastics and 1-1/2oz jig heads with you. Using smaller jigs in the 40-60g range is always worth a try as these can and often out fish bait and livies.
In the Noosa River the windier conditions keep anglers in smaller craft in the river system, fishing during the early morning or the later afternoon bite proved to be the best option for those chasing the Diamond and Golden Trevally in the lower parts of the river. These fish require finesse techniques, lighter lines rigged with smaller plastics and a good coating of Pro-Cure sent to get the bite. Once hooked these fish provide multiple drag screaming runs and lots of fun. Further up-stream and around the river mouth good sized Flathead are still very much around in good numbers. These fish respond very well to a wide range of baits and lures and are one of the first fish you will catch on soft plastics. The range of Entice plastics is a great way to start along with the TT Estuary Pack of jig heads. These are on special offer so come in while we still have them. Whiting are on the hunt and we have seen some big fish this week. Fresh beach worms, prawns and yabbies are great baits. If you need a bait pump or spares don’t forget we stock these along with the sieves, bait buckets and aerators to ensure your baits stay in tip top condition. If using lures then the Strada Viral and Jackson Ebi Panic are a couple of must have options that are working well on the flats. The Ebi Panic has twin assist hooks trailing from the back to get hook up on fish that aren’t fully hitting the lure.
On the beaches; the deeper gutters are still providing anglers with lighter setups a lot of fun on the Bream, Whiting, Dart and Chopper Tailer. Worms, small pilchards, whitebait and prawns have been the go too baits. Fresh mullet, larger pilchards, and bonito fillets have all been great baits for the beach anglers heading up to Noosa’s North Shore in pursuit of those big tailor. The headlands have been a great option, casting light weighted baits and plastics into the wash is a great way to get some cracking Bream and even the chance of a Snapper or two. Be sure to take a few metal slugs with you as these cast and retrieved at speed through the wash works very well when the Trevally and Tailor are in feeding.
In the fresh water; Lake MacDonald has been providing those anglers up early great fun on surface lures in the shallows. As the sun rises then working the drop offs with smaller grub style plastics is an effective method of getting the bite. Don’t forget to get your SIPS fishing permit before you head out for a day on the water.
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 in Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting, and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines!
