What a mixed bag of weather we have seen this week. As predicted last week the spotties have started to show up along with the Spanish. Although not in large numbers they are definitely up on the last week. With this rain and the new moon the Noosa River will be flushing bait into the bay which means the reefies will be chewing too.
Offshore those boats who struck it lucky have found trolled gar, slimy and floated pillies have been getting the bite on the mackerel. The bite has been on and off so moving around has been very important, especially around the busier Sunshine reef areas. Trolled hard bodies like the ever popular Halco Laser Pro and Rapala Magnum are also working well. If you are looking for a quick way to change lures offshore the Mustad Fastatch with swivel clip are perfect and very strong.
The tuna are about and there are some bigger 10kg plus fish about so its always worth pitching a pilchard into the school if you don’t have a metal lure on. We can always tell when the fishing is getting better as mackerel lures fly off the shelves. Be sure to grab some on your next visit as the fish aren’t too far away. Reef fishing around North Reef is also productive although sharks are plentiful at times. Besides the odd mackerel there have been a few tuna, sweetlip, tuskies and snapper. With a reduction in current the old school pilchard floater has been getting the job done. The beauty of this method is hooking up mid water gives you a better chance of getting your fish to the boat. Keep burley trails light and have a couple of baits dropping at different times to ensure the water column is getting properly fished.
Away from the offshore scene, the beaches have been pretty quiet. The water clarity is yet to clear up with the rain and swell. Trying around the river mouth on the last of the run in tide will see the clearest of water and the turn in the flow is often a great trigger for fish to feed. Try oily baits like fresh mullet, slimy and small pilchards. For lure anglers smaller 3 inch soft plastics and shallow diving lures are a great option. The shallower Atomic jerk minnow will be great over the flats and be sure to secure a flathead or two.
The Noosa River will be fishing better closer to the mouth after the steady rainfall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The continued run off will see the fish moving downstream to find saltier waters. The bait will also get pushed downriver making areas like the Noosa Sound, Gympie Terrace, The Frying Pan and Woods Bays ideal for anyone looking to try their luck. Keep in mind next week we will see a new moon and with that the currents will be strong. If you are crabbing be sure to have pots weighted down and keep them closer to the sides of the river.
While we have fresh mullet be sure to grab a couple as the head and frame makes an excellent crab bait and then you have 2 fillets for fishing. With the big spring tides early next week be sure to have pots tied off and not out in the open as they will get dragged. Many anglers fish at night and pot floats in the channel often cause entanglement with outboard motors and pots are then lost. Lure anglers should take a look at the new Chasebaits flick prawn in the smaller sizes. This size will suit the river very well and will be a hit while the fish aren’t committed to larger lures or baits. Drift fishing around the dog beach toward the river mouth should see some great flatties getting caught. Flicking the jetties should see you pull out a few estuary cod and trevally making the Noosa Sound a great starting point.
Freshwater is fishing well and Borumba is reported to be low at under 80% capacity. Many anglers have come in contact with trees sitting just below the surface so caution must be taken once beyond the float line. Bass are taking Jackall TN60, Hot bite spinnerbaits and weedless rigged soft plastics in the smaller 2-3 inch size. Lake Macdonald is soon starting the release of water so that works can start to the dam wall. This makes now a great time to experience one of the best bass fisheries on the coast. Make sure you have a SIPS permit when fishing dams and lakes and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
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 Davo’s Tackle World, Davo’s Boating and Outdoors in Noosa and Davo’s 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!
