With the Easter holidays all done and dusted, Mother Nature continues to put the brakes on the offshore scene with two metres of swell and persistent southeast winds.
This has kept many anglers searching for other options with the estuary the most popular.
When the opportunity arises, a few of the larger charter boats made the effort to fish Sunshine Reef and with lighter current they had some success. A mixed bag of reef fish including sweetlip, pearlies, some cracking coral trout and the occasional big Spanish mackerel hit the deck. These fish falling for live baits and whole pilchard dead baits fished hard on the bottom. The tuna are very much active and out on the feed but, at this moment in time, all we can do is watch from the land.
Inside, the whiting have been on the move and the river mouths of both Noosa and the Maroochy have been holding good fish around the mid 30cm mark. These fish have been feeding hard on worms, yabbies, and small strip baits of squid. Simple running sinker rigs with 4-6lb lines provide the most fun as these fish certainly fight hard for their size. As we have been having a reasonable run of prawns in the Noosa of late, it’s not a bad idea to chase these whiting on surface poppers as well.
Focusing on the river mouth, the bigger flathead have been found along the deeper drop offs, especially around the dog beach and current line. Using the same running sinker rig works very well here too. It is wise to step up leaders to 12lb or more and try using light gauge gang hooks with whole hardy heads or pilchards as bait. These bigger whole fish baits will get the attention of the bigger fish. Be sure to safely release the bigger fish as they are fattening up for the winter breeding season. Lip grips are a great tool to help with hook removal and to support bigger fish under their belly for photos and return.
In the lower estuary around woods bays, Noosa sound and along the current line, the trevally and the occasional tailor have been giving anglers a run for their money. These fish are taking a wide variety of baits with small herring live baits the go to along with larger 70-90mm surface walkers and poppers. These fish love to feed off the surface during the early mornings so get out there and be sure to have something ready to throw at any bust ups as it can happen very quickly and be over just a fast. Running 8lb gear gives you more chance to apply a bit of pressure and get these fish in. Look at Bassday Sugapens and Skinny Pops as well as Rapala x-rap poppers. If anglers are wanting to chase these fish under the surface the Keitech easy shiner in silver flash minnow and wakasagi have been smashing the diamond and golden trevallies.
Lastly, the crabs are on the move! We have seen some cracking catches and if you own a pot or two, now is the time to get them in the water. Make sure your pots are compliant and clearly marked as fisheries have been out on patrol over the holiday season. Be sure to leave your pots along the mangrove edges and not in the main boating channel and hopefully you could be dining on a big buck!
On the freshwater scene a few reports from Borumba of bass being captured on small blades and Jackall TN 60. Also, at Lake McDonald search baits such as spinnerbaits cast to the edges of the weed should get you amongst a bass or two.
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, Boating and Outdoors in Noosa 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!
