So here we are, the last few weeks of 2021. What a year it has been for many, and what a year it will be going forward.
School holidays are about to kick off and for many they have already started. The good news there are other schools out and about in the form of mackerel!
We have seen a few reports coming in from the kayak fraternity who are often the first to start hooking up. Although not big, the fish are around the 6kg mark and make excellent eating. Remember the size, bag, and boat limits on Spanish mackerel. There are also smaller mac tuna, spotty mackerel and even mahi, mahi.
Most anglers have been flicking slugs for mackerel and while drifting, having a gang-hooked pilchard out just running in the current can get quality fish. The currents have picked up which could be the reason for the mackerel showing up and, as such, sitting on anchor is harder. Other fish taking floated pilchards on gang hooks are cobia around the 4-6kg range. These fish are excellent fighters and big ones will live up to their name of black kingfish and head straight to the bottom.
Other fish that head straight to the bottom are XL amberjack. These are often found wide of the Barwon Banks and Double Island. If you are looking for a workout then you best break out PE5-6 gear and run 80-100lb + leader. The beauty of these fish is they they will hit plastics, live baits and, of course, jigs. Come in and check out our range of jig specific gear for one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean.
From the surf we have seen good numbers of smaller whiting taking beach worm baits. There have been good numbers of worms showing up along the Sunshine Beach stretch. If you need help catching them be sure to come in and ask us how to do it. There have been a few trevally and flathead caught around the river mouth with the change in tide.
Whiting have also featured inside the river with fish starting to get near the magic 40cm mark. Although hard to find, you can start around the Dog Beach and along Gympie Terrace. Using simple running sinker rigs works exceptionally well. Smaller shallow diving hardbodies also work well if kept on the move. The good news is that you can also pick up flathead, trevally and even bream using this method. It is recommended to use polaroid glasses to spot the schooling fish and flathead in the shallows so you can cast at them. Look at the many lures in the Berkley pro-tech range and grab some 6lb leader at the same time.
Mangrove jacks and mud crabs have also been on the chew and having a few pots out in front of the many drains that can be found between the lakes could land you a nice surprise. This area is a great place to tangle with a jack, especially if you enjoy flicking lures. You can also try pitching live baits into the snags. This obviously requires you to have a cast net. If you need help throwing one, be sure to ask us, especially if picking one up for the first time.
The dams are starting to clear up a little more following the previous week’s heavy rainfall. Many anglers have reported an early morning top water bite and a good edge bite in Lake Macdonald. Working surface lures away from the weed lines can be done with Atomic Bulldogs and Lucky Craft Sammy 65’s for big bass and maybe a saratoga. In the weed then the Zman Finesse Frogz are excellent when paired with a suitable finesse weedless hook.
Now for all the latest information log onto fishingnoosa.com.au for up-to-date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Tackle World Noosa, Noosa Boating and Outdoors and 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!
