The forecast was definitely volatile last week.
Two southern low pressure systems made for unstable weather and increased swell on the open beaches dashing all hopes of getting offshore across the wide bay bar.
At the time of reporting, it looks like the effects will still be felt this coming week but should improve somewhat.
Beach Travel is still good at present with Mudlow rocks passable at 1.5hrs either side of low tide.
For those heading to Fraser the solid SE swell has created a narrow pinch point along Hook Point to North Spit so make sure you check tide times and travel around low or you will be using the inland road.
The swell has definitely flattened off Teewah, Rainbow and Fraser main beaches making for easy cruising.
In the surf, those that were able to find protection from the wind and swell fared well.
Tailor, flathead, big whiting and dart are still firing.
Inskip point is a top place to get out of the wind with the family and a awesome place to introduce juniors to fishing.
Many kids with huge smiles on their faces excitedly told tales of their catches from there this past week.
There has also been some quality snapper that many don’t realise are a great target species landbased along Rainbow Beach during inclement weather and swell.
Targeting the coffee rock patches at low tide with long casts or using a drone to send out baits is a great way to spend a day out of the strong south easterly’s.
When the swell stirs up the bay area turning the usual clear water discoloured, species such as snapper work in close to shore to take advantage of the stirred up food and concealment.
Fresh baits such as local squid, mullet flesh or mack tuna strip baits are ideal.
If you ever dreamt of chasing landbased snapper in Qld this is definitely a good option.
Drop in and see us at the store if you need help with this we can definitely help you tick that box.
In the Straits, Big flathead are on the menu again, they don’t call it croctober for nothing.
With the forecast I’d be sussing out the banks throughout Teebar creek as there’s been some real animals caught and released at the time of writing.
Trolling is a great way to target them and a useful tool to learn where they like to congregate for future sorties.
I prefer starting my troll session on the bottom of the tide hugging the exposed banks in about 1-1.5m of water using smaller lures like the Zerek Tango Shads trolled just above idle.
If I’m not successful I’ll make another pass of the same area but in 2-3m depth range with deeper divers like the Atomic Shiner 60’s.
These lures also have the advantage of relatively small trebbles straight out of the box that make them almost self cleaning when trolling edges of exposed weed beds.
If they pick up a little weed on the troll a quick jerk cuts through the debris and they return running true.
As the tide makes a move, efforts will improve up on to the now covered banks where the flathead as they will push up looking to feed. Flathead fishing offers great sport and the sandy straights offers almost endless places to chase them.
Looking forward, Offershore fisherman will have to see if the weather will be kind enough to keep up.
Remember, never risk crossing any costal bar if in doubt.
It’s far better to call it off and use the down time to check over safety gear, catch up on some basic maintenance of your vessel or even drop by Gardiner Fisheries and check out all the new gear.
Just remember at the end of the day it’s a great break for the fish also.
Catch up with you all next week.
Until then, stay safe and keep those rods ready.
