Finally, we saw a brief break in the relentless weather that has been hitting us from all angles since last year!
It was certainly a case of the early bird got a shot at the fish with some cracking catches reported.
For most, it was all about the mackerel and a few fish were landed with several more lost. They were taking slow trolled garfish and even pilchard floaters for those on anchor or running a slow drift. North reef appeared to be the pick of the spots and, as expected, the reef fishing was great. Anglers reported catching solid numbers of pearlies in the deeper areas with sweetlip from Sunshine and wide of there.
Other than that, a few yellowfin tuna in the 4kg range showed, as did a monster wahoo, so you never really know what to expect on your next offshore adventure. South of Noosa was a similar story with the mackerel and reefies making this time of a year a great time to head out if you can.
For the surf anglers, it’s still a case of moving around the gutters and trying them from all angles with a light running rig. If you don’t find the fish inside half an hour, take a stroll down the beach to another gutter. Using hooks like the Mustad fine wire ensures the lightest bite ensures in a hookup and, when topped off with beach worm or squid, you can expect to find the fish if they are there.
The river has seen some solid fish caught and, as we move away from the full moon, the tides will drop off and the fish will be once again on the chew. Daytime angling offers flathead around the deeper drop offs during the run-out tides. Here you can work small grub-style soft plastics with the Berkley Nemesis a constant catcher of fish. Ensure you keep your plastic close to the bottom and work it along the edges for success. Trevally will pass through this area especially during tide turns and a minnow style soft plastic is preferred as they like a faster paced offering.
There have been good numbers of small GT in the system and Woods bay and the sound feature packs of trevs. Casting small jigs, plastics and stickbaits is a great way to catch a couple and if using lighter 1-3kg rods and 6lb line you will have a blast! Keep leaders around 1 metre long and be sure you let the fish run. If hooks get bent out on larger lures, Owner cutting point treble hooks are the preferred upgrade.
With the Noosa River clean, don’t forget you can take a paddle up to the everglades. This is a beautiful part of the river system and with an abundance of wildlife and wild Australian bass, this is one unique area to be experienced at least once. Fortunately, you don’t need too much gear and a kayak is the best way to explore.
If wanting to fish the freshwater the various dams and lakes in the area are all stocked with bass and other species. We have many lures to help you get connected to some cracking sport fish and with the swell often halting offshore anglers this makes a great backup. Be sure to pack some soft plastics, blades and surface lures and you can take these anywhere, even the local rivers.
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!
