By JACK MANGROVE
WITH the wind up over the last week the offshore anglers have been struggling to get out.
For those with bigger boat the closer reefs have been the go – Sunshine Reef, Jew Sholes and Halls Reefs have all been favoured by anglers so if the wind gets up they can make a run for home.
We are seeing bigger tides in the morning with the new moon so an early morning fish is most defiantly on the cards.
With the abundance of bait on the reefs, the bottom bouncing has been terrific with good quality sweetlip, squire, coral trout and mori cod all hitting the decks. Fishing livies and floater pilchard baits has been producing as well as micro jigs and large soft plastics.
On the surface and mid water tuna – be it mac or long tail – are also on the chew. Mackerel are also around with some quality spanish mackerel around the 10kg-15kg mark also being taken.
Trolled lures and slugs have been also claiming their fair share of fish.
If the forecast drop in the wind happens this weekend, a trip to the outer reefs is definitely on the cards. Barwon banks, the Hards and Double Island reefs should all be firing with large cobia, snapper and pearl perch as well as larger pelagics.
In the river, the rain we have been experiencing over the last few weeks has changed our approach to the way we fish. It is best to concentrate your effort to the lower reaches of the river with the mouth and frying pan ideal places for bream, whiting and flathead.
Fishing a couple of hours either side of the high tide is best with the cleaner water on the tide.
Around the river mouth rocks, a night fish on the evening tide is also an option as you may also claim the odd jack or small jew with the new moon.
In Woods Bay, trevally and queenfish have also been smashing baitfish in the low light periods. Surface walkers and popper are well worth a try. Give the G Splash from Lucky Craft a go, and they come in a great range of colours and sizes.
The crabs are still very active in the river with the deeper areas near the mangroves producing some nice bucks.
On the beaches, the larger swells we have had over the last few week have really developed some great gutters.
We always talk about the North Shore but the southern beaches around Peregian and Marcus beaches are also producing some great fish. Large dart, tailor, whiting and bream have all been taken over the last week. Pilchards, fresh mullet, prawns and worms have all worked well in the surf.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures.
