Nearly no crab november

Matt with a solid Inskip Point Tailor

This week it looks like there will be a bit of unstable weather along the coast with storms, showers and predominantly South Easterly winds making for interesting fishing conditions.

Beach Travel is still good at present, however Mudlow rocks at Rainbow Beach quickly became unpassable after last weeks article, and in the process claimed several vehicles.

If you’re fishing the beach, please use common sense in this regard.

If it looks tricky don’t attempt it and use the alternative access to Teewah Beach and Double Island via the Freshwater Road.

For those towing a boat to Fraser, the previous weeks swell has flattened the beach nicely aiding travel.

Indian Head By Pass has been tricky spot though with reports of very soft sand and long wait times due to vehicles stuck in the track blocking others pathway through.

Its a big effort but those who have made the journey understand how well it pays off fishing wise.

In the surf, tailor are still on the menu.

Some quality specimens to 75cm have been bagged in the vicinity of the oaks at Inskip point in the evenings.

Pilly’s and flesh baits like Mac Tuna and Bonito have been working exceptionally well.

Another place to try for them is the northern end of Teewah beach.

Numbers of tailor should start to drop over the coming weeks as the spawning season comes to a end.

As number drop though the quality picks up remarkably.

It won’t be long before we see some real animals of 80-90cm fish making a appearance.

One species that loves the SE wind are sand whiting and with the coming full moon they will definitely be on the chew both in the surf and in the Straights.

If you’re thinking a trip to Inskip point to target them try this little tip:

Fish mid tide to high tide on the sandy flats inside Pelican Bay, they will be in the shallows in almost ankle deep water especially at night feeding.

Next, fish the last 2 hours of the run out tide to first hour of the run in tide in the surf along the Natone camp area, the whiting get sucked out of the bay and into the surf with the tide and end up in good numbers around this area on the lead up to the full moon.

As always, fresh or live worms, size 4 aberdeen Tru Turn hooks and light gear will do the most damage.

In the Straights the mud crabs are definitely starting to thin out now which is the usually pattern for QLD through October and November. The next full moon may be the last peak period to scratch up a feed before “no crab november” as said commercially.

In saying that, those that work hard and crab out of the way spots or the far reaches of the creek systems will be rewarded with some absolute stonkers.

Feel free to drop in and see the team at Gardiners Fisheries for tips on finding crabs this time of year and hang in there if you bomb out, new season crab normally kicks off on the first moon in December.

Unfortunately last weeks weather limited many to inshore fishing with only a few boats getting out and reporting some quality pearl perch and squirey snapper but little else.

The NE winds definitely did a good job of shutting down the fish offshore so reports were slim on the ground.

Looking at the swell forecast it will be seen if many, if any get out offshore this coming week and at the very least the fishing grounds will get a good break.

Catch up with you all next week.

Until then, stay safe and keep those rods ready.