Well here we all are and the offshore crews can again catch all species without restriction, apart from bag and size limits, of course.
The Queensland annual snapper and pearl perch closure is now done and dusted and for most it wasn’t too much of an issue as we had some pretty wild weather which gave the fish a break along with our lockdown.
So the last week saw anglers experiencing a rather quiet bite post-new moon. There was a big high pressure system that sat over us and gave us perfect weather conditions.
For those who got a mid-week fish in, the deeper marks appeared more productive. Without snapper and pearl perch on the take list it was tuskies sweetlip, red throat, cobia and jewies from The Banks and beyond. Double Island, of course, provided AJs, cobia, longtail, and the occasional red emperor.
Reports have been coming in that the waters are super clear so drop line and leader strengths if possible. This is where super fine extra strong PE braids excel. If you look at PE2 which is traditionally 20lb you can expect breaking strains close to 40lb. Come in and ask us more about PE braids to get an edge over fussy fish.
In closer smaller fish have been on the list with tusk fish, moses perch, sweetlip, undersized reds and some nice cobia swimming about mid-water. During tough times, a steady but light flow of burley can really help fire the fish up. The old saying, less is more, is true as heavy burley trails will bring sharks in. Take a look at our tuna oil which is super thick and goes a long way. Combine this with some pellets and fish scraps to get the best scent trail.
Always having a pilchard floater out is best and only use weight if absolutely required. There is a lot of weight in a pilchard and these can be dropped over the side and allowed to float down with your burley mix.
Shore fishing has seen a few tailor showing up along with good numbers of whiting, bream and dart. Most fish tend to be smaller in close but those with medium weight rods are reporting better catches out wider of the surf zone. Take a look at our range of Gary Howard rods that just arrived. The “Dart” rod is a personal favourite designed to cast medium light baits the required distance. These will take spin and Alvey reels so there is something for everyone.
Inside the river we have seen some big flathead showing up as the seasons start to change. There has been a boost in water temps and smaller flathead still feature heavily around the mouth and sand flats of the Dog Beach and Munna Point. You can get these fish on small baby blue pilchards which are currently the best we have ever seen. These super clean fish suit 1/0 gangs perfectly and appeal to a wide range of other fish including trevally, tailor and winter jacks.
If in a kayak, then pick up a few shallow diving lures like the Samaki Redic shallow diver which sits less than a metre deep when worked. As previously mentioned, the waters are super clean so get main lines and leaders down to 6lb max if after better fish. For those in doubt, huge fish can be landed on light lines by setting drags correctly. If you need help with this come in and get the low down before you next trip.
Up river around the mouth of Cooroibah you can also expect to find flatties and trevally. Just before the lake the big hold is referred to the Jew hole. Although not always producing jewfish, this area features other fish and often jewies aren’t too far away. Sounding the bottom will show you various areas of structure and, if you dare, a soft vibe can be excellent in this part of the river. Look at the smaller Samaki or Berkley Shimma fork if on a budget.
Freshwater has been very much on fire and then quiet. The bite has been later in the morning/afternoon so there is no need to be up before first light. Current water temps are now 18-20.5C depending on where you go and this has the bass on the move. It is essential to have side scan and down scan running here as the fish are scattered or hard on the bottom. Once you find them it’s a case of finding out what they are interested in. Take a range of plastics like Keitech easy shiner and Gulp paddle tail. You should also grab some blades like the Ecogear ZX and also try smaller soft vibes and work them through the schools until you get a bite 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, 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!
