By Jack Mangrove
Finally saw some good weather on Friday and first thing Saturday morning before the dominant South Easterly winds kicked in again. The swells on Noosa bar were still pretty messy for anyone in a smaller boat, however they dropped off enough to allow anglers a chance to get offshore through Mooloolaba. Those who made the effort got stuck into some hot tuna action and a few big Spanish mackerel were also boated. Fishing with fresh baits on the bottom also provided reef anglers with smaller snapper, sweetlip and pearl perch. The longtail tuna were of course hard to approach, but the smallest of well-placed slugs got anglers hooked up but only if using light fluorocarbon leaders and 15-20lb braid. Light jigging and casting soft plastics on 3/8th-3/4oz jigheads with 4-5 inch sized jerk shad and paddle tails saw some great trout, sweetlip and snapper landed on Sunshine Reef. These methods are best done when the winds are light and the current is moving the same direction so you maintain direct contact. As the weather starts to change you can expect to find a mix of summer and winter species coming in. When headed out be sure to be rigged to fish for both mackerel and tuna along with snapper and jewies.
The Noosa River is holding a lot of fresh water and heavy sediment from all the run off. If you are going to fish the estuary then concentrate your efforts in the lower areas to avoid catfish. Best baits on light running sinker rigs would be fresh mullet strip and whitebait on small gang hooks for flathead, bream and golden trevally. Early morning high tides around woods bay and the current line is the best bet if still wanting to throw surface lures for gt and tailor. Whiting will be holding along the drop offs of Gympie Terrace, the river mouth and along the beaches. Fresh beach worms and yabbies are going to be the better options if wanting to catch a few. April has been the best month for catching mud crabs with some huge males caught in all river systems so be sure to load your pots up with fresh mullet and let them sit throughout a tidal movement.
Surf fishing has improved with some good gutters all along the coast line with bigger dart and bream reported. These fish have been taking prawn baits and fresh mullet chunks. Larger bream, jewies and chopper tailor have started to show up around rocky outcrops of the various headlands, especially under low light. These fish will take fresh beach worm, mullet, pilchard and various cocktail baits in worm hooks and snelled rigs. Whiting are also around and provide fun for any anglers on lighter estuary gear.
Freshwater is providing anglers with solid sized bass and the occasional saratoga in both Lake MacDonald and Lake Borumba. These fish now taking sub surface lures and hardbodies as water temps start to drop. Be sure to use your sounder to find the schooled up fish and work the lilly edges with lots of pauses when using a jerkbait. Micro jigs are also great for deeper water fish sitting closer to the bottom that may have a case of lock jaw. Often a lure worked in their face for long enough will get smashed so persistence pays. Be sure to keep your SIPS permit with you when fishing and it is up to date.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!
