Well it’s clear the weather has turned up the heat and as such we are seeing an early run of pelagic fish. The lack of rains this time of year is seeing water temps rise and with it mackerel are showing up.
Offshore, North Reef, Sunshine Reef and even down the coast around Mooloolabah, anglers are catching broad barred mackerel. Often mistaken for Spanish, they have a different head shape. The vertical bars are different and don’t look like camouflage which the Spanish have. They also have a smaller max size of 60cm before you can keep one so be sure you can identify one as Spanish are 75cm. If you need help with fish ID we have a range of pocket sized books which also include tides and moon phases. These fish have been caught on floated pilchards on gang hooks and even slugs like the Gillies chrome in 40 gram sizes.
Reef fishing continues to provide a great mixed bag from all the local reefs. You can expect to catch cobia, snapper, sweetlip, smaller reds, tuskies, pearl perch and various cod species to name a few. Fresh baits of mullet, squid and pilchard will work if using a traditional paternoster rig like the Black Magic snatcher rigs. For lure anglers, soft plastics in the 4-6 inch size range are killer when drifting. With many new options arriving in store, be sure to check out the new Powerbait, Gulp, Molix and Chasebaits options. If you need help with rigging, ask us how it’s done, as correctly rigged plastics are vital for success.
Surf fishing has seen a big influx of small whiting with some anglers reporting over 100 fish sessions. We sell beach worms which are perfect bait as well as all the gear to help you catch them. Many anglers struggle to keep hold of them when trying to catch them and we have Alvey worming pliers which really help keep hold of these slimy critters. With a recent stock up on light surf rods, now is a great time to set yourself up for the whiting, dart and bream this summer season.
River fishing has seen a big rise in huge XL flathead in the 80-90cm size. These fish will take a variety of baits with fresh and live two great options. Without doubt, lure fishing for one is very exciting as the hookup is very different. You can throw anything from a small diving lure like a Samaki Redic shallow to a Barambah lures Lively Mullet swimbait. Now is the time when swimbaiting for flathead is the best way to get the huge females. It should be noted these fish must be promptly returned as we near there breeding cycle.
Mangrove jacks will be on the chew as next week starts with the promise of some rain coming in. When you get a sudden drop in barometric pressure, this often fires fish up. You can try many different lures and baits with snag bashing or rock bashing a great way to hookup to one. You will need to go in heavy with fast action spin or baitcast rods preferred. The new range of Shimano Jewel rods have something for everyone at a great price point.
Freshwater is becoming more popular as water temps have risen. Borumba is now at 75 per cent capacity which means the upper reaches are fast becoming more hazardous. Always navigate with caution as there are many trees that will crack hulls or break props. All too often the fish are in the main basin and on the big weedy points saving the need to explore further up. Try the new Chinlockz finesse weedless hooks and your favorite soft plastic for the best option when fishing weedy points for bass and yellowbelly.
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!
