Well, that’s just about it for autumn and with winter knocking on the door we can expect a mixed bag of weather.
For now, the sun is finally out and with predicted westerly winds and a brief drop in the swell, we could see a green light for the offshore crew.
With winds sitting strong from the southeast and consistent ground swell the start of the week was on hold for most. With Friday the first offshore day for big boats a few charters made it over the Noosa bar to fish the local reefs in the 1.5m swell.
Sunshine reef is still holding a few pelagic fish, but the dirty water can make them hard to find. For anyone heading out, the best baits include unweighted pilchards on 5/0 elkat gangs. To add more flash try using a tinsel head which catches any available light to help your offering stand out. Next in line would be a snelled rig on an 8 ball sinker fished hard on the bottom for the hungry reef species like trout and sweetlip. These fish will be feeding hard as we approach the new moon so make sure you are running 30-60lb leader as trout will take you to the reef in seconds.
If wanting to try something different we have fresh stock of spanner crab dillies in. With a few boat owners getting rewarded, it is always worth dropping one as they are supreme eating. Pop any crabs into a cold box or ice slurry and enjoy some fine crab meat. If you need help wetting dillies up we can help you with rope and clips to get your started.
Surf fishing is seeing the first of the winter piolet bream showing up. These old males are the prime brood stock and at over 40cm they should be returned after a quick pic. These fish are thought to go ahead of the main school only to return a short time later. If the returning numbers a significant the school progresses forward.
Regardless of this, catching one of these is something to enjoy as they resemble small snapper and on the right rod they will fight very hard. Baits to use include pipi, worm and pilchard baits on light 6-8kg gear.
Did someone say flathead? Well, the Noosa River is the place to target them. Right now, good numbers are showing up around the mouth and sand flats of the dog beach. Given its not their time for breeding, the amount of fresh in the upper reaches is what’s probably bringing them down. You can expect to get them on herring, mullet, prawn, whitebait and worm baits. For those without a cast net we have a wide range with help offered on casting for a successful outcome. Lastly, don’t forget that any fish intended for bait must be of legal size so check regulations.
With the fresh bringing flathead down you can expect there to be a wide range of other species. Trevally, bream and maybe a jack will also be showing up. Lure anglers will do well with paddle tail Keitech plastics and soft vibes in the smaller 60-80mm sizes. Give these a good cast up current and take your time to gently work them along he bottom.
If looking for a great casting braid, the new YGK X-Braid is one of the finest braids around which makes for sensitivity and distance.
Freshwater dams are still overflowing and with runoff still coming down from the hills you can expect this to continue for some time yet. With the dirty water slow wound spinnerbaits are finding the yellowbelly and bass. For those flicking edges try using smaller suspending hardbodies on 8lb leader. With the lack of sun and cool rains you will probably have to rely on sounders to find the fish but once found you can expect them to be hungry.
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!
