For those on the coast who fish the next few weeks will see a big change. Our daytime temps are hitting the high twenties as are the water temps inland. As the rivers, dams and ocean temps warm many species start to fire making now a great time to be fishing.
Offshore we are starting to see northerly winds coming through which of course brings hotter conditions. These winds allow anglers the chance to head north and come home with the winds. Double island is a spot that instantly springs to mind if leaving from Noosa and has been fishing well for jewfish, snapper, cobia, pearl perch, venus tusk fish and amber jack to name a few. Drift fishing this area is a great way to discover new ground and areas can certainly be very extensive. Heavier 1- 1 1/2oz jig heads rigged on 30lb gear in 50-60 meters lets you fish vertically in current. Bigger plastics like the PowerBait nemesis range swim very well when not been jigged which big reef fish love.
This method works really well for the inshore reefs especially drifting from northern Sunshine Reef to the south. This system has many pinnacles and drop offs which trout and sweetlip call home. In this area you are best to run longer leaders around 3-4 meters so you don’t get busted off as quickly.
Surf fishing has been quieter with smaller bream, dart and whiting coming from the inshore gutters. The waters are very clear so leave the heavy gear at home and get setup with a super light 2-4kg surf outfit. The Abu Garcia Rayrex 10ft 6 surf rod is a super light rod that is perfect for this style of fishing. Match this with some ultra light braid or mono and you will certainly see better results.
The Noosa River is seeing a strong run on small jewfish in the 40-70cm size. These fish will take just about everything and can be found anywhere from the ski run to the Jew Hole and beyond. It is important to keep jewfish in the water once in a net so they recover as they aren’t tough enough to be kept out for extended periods. Remember anything under 75cm must be returned.
The Berkley catch and release nets help protect these fish and are a crucial part of any catch and release anglers kit. Other fish turning up in good numbers are flathead and golden trevally. These fish can be found in similar areas as goldens feed off the bottom during run out tides and flathead will sit in channels during run out tides preying on passing baitfish. A great lure to throw in these deeper waters are the Zerek fish traps in the 65mm and 95mm for heavier outfits. Hop these along the bottom and big flathead will stalk these lures and smash them when you least expect. Smaller Zerek Fish Traps will work well on the local golden trevally population and 8lb leader. For other types of fishing in the river there is a lot to be learned from flicking the snags in the lower part around Weyba, The Sound and the jetties around the Wood Bays. These areas can hold some huge bream and jacks that will certainly test casting accuracy, lure presentation and an anglers skill. Take a look at the new Shimano Kairiki 4x braid which is perfect for this application as it will handle hard pulling fish in structure.
Freshwater continues to warm up with lilies starting to fill in around the edges of Borumba. These warmer temps will see the bass sitting in close and taking small lures off the top. Try ZMan Frogz and small surface lures flicked as close to the edges you can will work well. It is important to let any surface lure sit after casting for at least 5 seconds before retrieving. Bass will often smash any lure on the pause so make sure you put plenty in. Lake MacDonald has stopped over flowing so try around the bubble trail and along the edges toward the float line as bass will follow flowing water.
Remember to keep your SIPS permit up to date before you fish and always wash your trailer and boat off before leaving Lake MacDonald.
