The lead up to the full moon has seen the currents and tidal range build which is always a sign for fish to start to feed heavily. Offshore anglers have been turning their attentions to tuskies, cobia, coral trout, amberjack, longtail tuna and jewies. With conditions ranging from perfect to lumpy we saw the inshore reefs more popular. Many boats ventured wider to North Reef and beyond and scored the bigger jewfish and cobia on pilchard baits and big live baits. Sunshine still has a few coral trout and these respond very well to a live bait fished hard on the bottom with heavier gear a must. If in the market for some new gear take a look at the various new reels from Penn. These is something for everyone with estuary and offshore covered. These match up to the black ops rods to make a great all round combo.
Estuary fishing has seen the mighty queenfish coming into the estuary. These fish come in with the higher tides to chase the baitfish and stay for a while. The surface bite has been the most productive with the Bassday Sugapen and MMD splash prawn getting the hits. Fish around the lower estuary and keep your lure skipping across the surface like you do when fishing for whiting. Leaders must be upgraded to a least 15lb, but keep them to around 600mm as long leaders effect the action of small lures. Bigger sugapens can handle longer 1 meter leaders. Look at high quality options from FC Rock and Nitlon as these fish will put your gear to the test. Elsewhere in the lower estuary flatties have been on the move along with golden trevally and bream. Flick lures and lightly weighted baits around any rocky areas and sandy drop offs with the dog beach a classic area. This area has lots of structure, deep holes and sandy drop offs. Lastly the river mouth has seen a good run on the luderick. These fish are mainly targeted on weed but are also known to take prawns, worms and even bread. Be sure to use slow taper rods and grab a blackfish float if you are in store and need help setting up.
Surf fishing has seen things improve for the jewie anglers. Not only have there been some nice size fish around 70cm caught in the estuary but some cracking 15+ KG fish have been landed up and down the coast. If you are serious it pays to study and find an area in the daytime so you know where to cast at night. As we approach the full moon the tides build and so do the currents. This means that prime bite times will be around the turn before the currents become too strong. While we have fresh mullet be sure to come grab a few as there are few fish that will turn their noses down to a slab. Using a snell rig with 2 x 6/0+ octopus hooks and 40-60lb mono leader helps with the best presentation. Have a look at the new Rovex leader material for a great jewie rig.
Freshwater has been going off as late. The winds have picked up and made it slightly harder to fish but the results have been great. Borumba and Lake Mac have both been holding fish in high numbers especially in the main lower areas. The bass are schooling up and many are fattened up and full of milt which is a sign they are ready to breed but unable to reach brackish water to do so. These fish are holding in the deeper waters making fishing with heavier 3/8thoz jig heads a must. Keitech easy shiners are working well when slow rolled. Hot Bite V2 spoons have been securing the bulk of the fish with a slow retrieve and also during the fall. Be sure you crimp the barbs on all of these hooks as bass swallow these. This makes release faster, safer and safer for you. There is an edge bite for those that like to drift and flick the edges. Smaller suspending lures like the Bassday Sugadeep are perfect and with 10-12lb leader you can be sure that you won’t get dusted into the timber when you need to apply the pressure.
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!
