The first change

Quality coral trout from a recent Cougar One charter to North Reef. Photos: fishingnoosa.com.au

By Tackle World Noosa

Well October really started with a bang! Big thunder storms over the region with some decent rainfall too. With light winds predicted and a mid-week new moon, things certainly looked great for anglers both inshore and offshore.

Offshore, the close reefs of Halls produced some solid sweetlip. These fish love a good downpour especially when the river runs brown and the bait gets flushed out. Prawn-style lures like the Zerek Cherabin will work really well on reef fish. These plastics will take a standard jig head, making them very versatile. These work well on Sunshine Reef for coral trout because most fish love a prawn.

Further afield North Reef still has smaller snapper around. These fish are certainly on the move and the recent rains could make the inshore reefs a better option to locate a bigger one. Setting up a slow but steady burley trail is important when on anchor as is super lightly weighted baits on fluorocarbon leaders. If you haven’t, then try 14-20lb FC leader, a single hook with a #1 ball sinker and let baits drift slowly down. The take is super aggressive from big snapper and you will learn how to fight fish on light gear. Check out our huge range of leader suitable for this style of fishing.

Surf fishing has seen many anglers taking a trip up to Teewah and beyond. This has resulted in some chunky tailor up to 80cm landed. These fish will take anything from strip bait to small chrome slugs cast into the wash and cranked back. The TT hardcore is proving a successful lure as it is shorter and fatter which keeps the profile size down. This helps when fish are locked into feeding on small baitfish. Whiting are in good numbers in the holes and gutters and a pack of live worms from the shop really helps catch a few. Don’t forget if you have a bait pump that needs a new washer, we have them too.

The river is seeing some nice sized golden trevally which provide some great runs once hooked. The bigger fish certainly know where the snags are so you will put your angling skills to test if fishing on lighter gear. They will pick up anything from a micro jig to a blade like the new Storm Ultra blade and of course a live worm, pippi or mullet strip. They are usually found in the lower estuary from Munna Point toward the river mouth and often come through in big schools. Flathead still remain around the mid 50cm size with the occasional larger fish in the mix. Try flicking around any holes or shallow drop offs with a gentle gradient as they will wait for small baitfish to pass overhead. If looking for a suitable outfit to get started the Shimano Catana is perfect, especially if looking to start with soft plastics.

Away from the river the freshwater is firing up with some huge bass getting caught at Borumba. They appear to be out and about on the flats and are taking blades and soft plastics. Having a small range of gear when targeting bass is important. Check out the many options of soft plastics and lures for all occasions. Don’t forget to purchase a SIPS permit for the freshwater which only takes a minute online.

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!