Well that’s the end of autumn and with May behind us let’s hope the next few months turn it on weather wise. There weren’t that many opportunities the last month for the offshore anglers. We had a few great weekends but the swell and persistent strong winds really prevailed. This really highlights the need to become adaptive and maybe try different styles of angling in different locations. We are blessed to have so many on offer from inland dams to lakes, estuaries and offshore. Maybe look at surf fishing for big jewfish which will soon be here?
With offshore pretty much on hold this past week only a few charter boats made the run over the bar. The bigger conditions kept a lot of smaller boats grounded as did the winds. Out wider North reef held the usual species with a noticeable change. With the mackerel almost gone the focus is all about snapper, pearl perch, jewfish and in closer on Sunshine coral trout and sweetlip. As the focus switches to snapper over the coming weeks/months many anglers will be thinking of alternate methods to target them. Nothing beats the action of a well presented soft plastic on lighter braided lines. The Powerbait Nemesis in pink glitter colour has been a consistent performer since its release. It is a great entry level option if new to this style of fishing as it has inbuilt swimming action.
Away from the swells the estuary will also see a change with big bream coming into focus. These bigger fish are already preparing to spawn. If you do catch the big 40cm+ fish it is best returned as they are in excess of 30 years old. These fish are the healthiest and strongest and will pass on their genes thus keeping the next generation strong. A great way to target these bigger fish is to use the hidden weight jigheads and smaller 2 inch grubs. Cast these on 4-6lb leader and let them slowly drift downward in the current. This natural presentation usually sees the bigger fish smash them and on light 1-2Kg rods provides some great action. To make unhooking easier try squashing the barbs on your hooks. If you bust off the fish has more chance of throwing the hook and if deeply hooked it is so much easier to remove it.
Smaller flathead around 50cm are starting to school up in the lower estuary and with the cleaner water small jewfish are also on the move. Small soft vibes and hard bodies on the troll have picked up some great fish. Try the run from the Woods Bays toward the Noosa Marina for some great trolling ground. Look at the many lure options we carry from 50-80mm in size with a wide range of dive depths to suit your speed and line strength. Jewies love vibration and the Keitech easy shiner in 3 and 4 inch are the perfect profile with great inbuilt scent sure to attract them. You can try to find these fish beyond the ski zone toward the deeper holes between the lakes. If targeting these fish keep leaders no greater than 12lb as this helps to keep presentation at its best.
Away from the estuary the bass will certainly be schooling up following the cold snap this week. Now is the time to break out vibes, spinnerbaits and jigs. Last week I mentioned the use of the Ecogear ZX blade, especially for yellowbelly. If you are looking for another option try the new Berkley pro tech 60mm vibe. At 18 grams it will certainly get down and stay down when worked. This makes targeting schools of fish that are close to the bottom easier. Don’t forget from the start of June the wild Australian bass closure comes into effect. This makes them a no target species in the Noosa Everglades as this is a tidal area.
Now for all the latest information log onto www.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!
