Tuna time

Amanda Bissell won the $100.00 Davo's Tackle World/ChaseBaits Fish of the Week prize with the colourful coral trout she caught at Sunshine Reef. Photo: www.fishingnoosa.com.au

By Davo’s Tackle World Fishing Report

Since the start of autumn there has been a noticeable change offshore. The start of the tuna has happened and the bays and coastline now features schools of mac tuna along with longtail and a mix of school and spotty mackerel. Although not big in size these fish are proving a lot of fun on light gear combo’s. If you have 4-5000 sized reels and a snapper rod or similar then you can chase these speedsters with a mix of metal lures. Look at the range from Gillies and Arma and grab a pack of single strand wire should the mackerel show up and snip you off.

Bottom bashing out on the reefs has been providing good sized snapper, pearl perch and tuskies. If you are on anchor then a light burly trail will not only bring in the snapper but also the mackerel. It is important to keep your burly trail light as you don’t want to attract sharks. Look at our various oils, burley pellets and frozen burly bombs. Soft plastics also work very well on reef fish and if you are new to soft plastic fishing then give some Berkley gulp a try as these are perfect for the first timer especially in pearl white 4 inch.

Beach fishing has been a little quieter with the rise in swell, however there are some great gutters all along the coast right now. Some have some really nice sized dart in them around the 40cm mark and on light gear these will go off and run hard! You can try small metal jigs like the Majorcraft Jigpara and rip them in quickly through the wash for the bite. Let these fish run or they will bust you off and keep lines around 4kg for the best casting and presentation.

The Noosa river has some really nice flathead in the drop offs around the mouth. The upper reaches have been quiet this past week so stay lower. The jacks have been slightly quieter, but as we move toward a new moon phase you can expect some exciting things to happen, not only at night but first light too. As the tides begin to build the morning high tides will see some great action from trevally smashing the bait, who knows we may even see tuna in the river mouth! For trevally give small metal lures a throw if you are on a budget as these work very well. Smaller soft plastics like the Keitech Easy Shiner is the perfect baitfish profile and with its super soft construction they swim like no other and certainly get the bite. Try these around the Woods Bays and the Dog Beach as schools of fish frequent this area on the hunt.

Freshwater has been fishing both well and slow. If you are a keen bass fisho then atmospheric pressure can effect these fish. A rising or stable barometer can indicate a great time to go fishing if you have the chance to decide when to go. For the rest of us it is a case of trying a mixture of soft plastics and suspending jerk baits. The bass in MacDonald have been hard to find so you will need to keep sounders running and flick any schools of fish balled up. Remember that Lake Macdonald is an electric or paddle power only. If you are looking to get into kayak fishing then come in and browse the range of Viking kayaks that hold a 30 year guarantee which is great piece of mind. We also have a great range of sounders and electric motors, even ones for kayaks.

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!