By JACK MANGROVE
THE Noosa River has been the place to be, as the offshore scene has been virtually shut down over the past week with the onset of high winds and big swells.
This week the mangrove jack has been the standout species. Try places like the river mouth on the change of the tide as well as Munna Bridge with live baits and lures.
Also something that we have on the chew in the river at the moment is whiting. Whiting have been in good numbers around the frying pan as well as the dog beach.
Another great fish of the river is flathead. With the dirty water we have the flathead is in his element with his wait-and-hide technique of hunting, perfect at the moment. Try casting soft plastic over the flats at mid to low tide on the run out as the fish lie waiting for a passing baitfish or prawn, a slow roll across the bottom, even kicking up a little sand and mud should see you tangle with a nice “flatty” or two.
There have been a few good mud crabs in the river and canal systems with some great sized bucks being taken. The perfect bait for the crab is the good old mullet, “chocolate for crabs”.
For the beach anglers, with the rough weather we have been having there are quite a few nice gutters with exposed coffee rock at the moment. Dart, whiting, bream, tailor and jew will all be in the area as the smaller bait and prawns make their way out of the river looking for more saline water and a place to hide. Early morning has been the pick of the times before the wind picks up.
Don’t forget to bring your metal slices or twister for your next beach session as pelagic species are always herding baitfish into the shallows and are well within casting range.
Offshore, the inner reefs will probably be the pick at the moment with the wind and swell conditions changing all the time, just make sure you have checked out the condition before heading out.
Bottom fishing around Sunshine and Halls Reef will be the pick of the places to catch a few trout, sweetlip and a whole host of species.
On behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures.
