While the winds persist and the swell continues to hit the bar, the offshore scene has experienced less traffic.
Some boat owners braved the bar and took their time to make it safely across the set waves. With the full moon mid-week, conditions were tough with a slow morning bite and, with winds picking up mid-morning, the opportunities were in short supply.
Those who went out ventured to North Reef and wide from Sunshine Reef to find the cleaner water.
Before rains and winds, the mackerel were in close feeding on the big bait schools. The dirtier waters have now pushed them out wide into deeper water. Those who went out found Spanish on the troll using a mix of Rapala and Halco deep divers. Top tip when doing this is not to run heavy lines and leaders, remembering that mackerel will bite through just about anything.
Once we see the winds drop off and the swell become more manageable, the fishing should be some of the best going. The reefs have had many weeks’ reprise from the daily traffic and as such the fish have had more time off. As for sharks, we will have to wait and see, but assume they are still there for now.
Surf fishing has also been a bit quieter due to the wind and swell, however, the inshore gutters have been the target. These are well within casting distance for most anglers and are holding smaller whiting and bream and, of course, small dart. These fish do not require traditional 12ft rods and heavy lines and are more fun to target on smaller whiting rods with lighter 6-10lb lines.
With the focus still in the rivers it comes as no surprise that more fish are getting reported from here. Flatties, bream and whiting are the main targets for most anglers. These are generally the easier fish to catch with the lower part of the river the best place to find them. For bait anglers now is the time to break out the light stuff and use well presented baits on smaller size 6-8 hooks. It is important to match your bait to the hook size as the name of the game is to hide the hook and not have it on display.
For those looking at getting setup, we carry a huge range of tackle for fishing in the estuary and can show you knots and bait rigging techniques. For those that won crab pots, the mud crabs are still on the move and this is the best season for crabbing the coast has seen in a long time. If looking to get started, we carry a wide range of pots and have all the accessories to get you compliant including plenty of bait.
Away from the river, the dams are murky, causing a slower surface bite. It is always worth trying first and last light, especially if you find a patch of water with some structure free from weed. The cicadas are about so grab a Tiemco soft shell cicada and cast around the base of trees and overhanging shrubs. Be sure to keep it motionless for a while and tap your rod tip to send small vibrations down to the lure. This vibration will be detected by bass allowing them to hone in and blow up on the surface.
Borumba has a lot of vegetation floating on the surface which shows you which way the wind is blowing. Often bass will follow this vegetation as insects get caught up in this. If you have an electric motor, you would be wise to spot lock in a bay and spend some time watching and seeing if you have found the fish. If ever you have thought about an electric motor but need help, we can certainly advise you on the best option for your boat.
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!
