Almost the last report of 2020 so lets hope we see a better change for the end of the year. This week we all saw significant rainfall across the region with the rivers running full of fresh and the swell reaching epic proportions the offshore scene has been on hold. A few charters capable of tackling the bar head on made the crossing and fished the closer reefs of North and Sunshine mid-week. Fish coming on board were smaller snapper, the occasional tuna and small spotty mackerel as well as sweetlip, small cod, coral trout, yellowtail kingfish and a surprise visit from a chinaman.
Surf fishing has been quieter but whiting and flatties are starting to show up. In the gutters and drop offs around the mouth on the incoming tides. As the freshwater begins to subside the fishing should become better with bigger predatory fish moving in to polish off baitfish. To target on try a snelled rig with a whole whitebait and lightly weight it so it moves with the current.
For everyone else the focus is very much on mangrove jacks. The Noosa River holds good numbers of jacks and with more anglers tending to release these fish it continues to be a great fishery. The bite window was very good as the rains came down which saw a lot of baitfish getting pushed downriver.
These fish are very adaptive and their ability to tolerate freshwater has seen them caught throughout the system. While the waters are darker though lure anglers should be throwing anything that has high vibration. Take a look at Samaki Thumper tail soft vibes, Paddle tail soft plastics like the super tough range from Entice and the new Samaki Redic diver. For those using bait then of course live bait works exceptionally well as does mullet strip and even a prawn. While the waters are murky be sure to step up leaders and use no less than 16lb, especially if close to structure.
Another fish feeding well are flathead. These fish will take almost any lure or bait as long as you can get it down or mid water when the currents are lighter. Flatties will swim up for lures and even take them off the surface when conditions are right. If you want to try surface/subsurface then the OSP bent minnow is a classic flats lure which many other species like. Cast this out and gently twitch it and it will swim down like an injured baitfish. This lure is slow floating and often gets hammered on the pause. For bait anglers try using oily baits or even start a burley trail if the currents are too strong. A few small handful of pre mixed burley like stimulate which will certainly get the fish feeding. Lastly we have been hearing reports of good mud crabs in the various systems too. With all the rain, the muddies are certainly on the move. Don’t forget to get yourself up to speed with the new crabbing regulations and for all your crabbing gear make sure you pop in.
Freshwater has been quiet, however the sudden rise in dam levels will see fish exploring areas previously left high and dry for months in search of food. This is a great time to break out the kayaks and get into the super skinny waters and flick small surface lures like the soft shell cicada against the timbers and overhanging trees. Bass will be exploring and an early morning lure fish could see you land a fat bass or two. As always be sure you move as quiet as possible as still waters transmit a lot of sound. If you are looking to start kayak fishing check out the range of Viking kayaks in Davo’s Boating and Outdoors.
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!
