It’s time to get excited because the coming weeks forecast looks favourable to slip offshore with small swell and light variable winds that may shift a little bit easterly.
Fingers crossed it holds that way as the fishing should fire with the shift into the neap tides in between the new and full moons.
Those that did manage a window to get outside last week struggled with the north easterlies that just love to shut down the bite.
Trophy fish were a hard task to find however reports from both our local charters and customers that decided to push through and chip away, reported they were able to find pearlies, good hussar, tuskies and smaller snapper.
Something to keep a eye out from this moon just past will be spanish mackerel showing up on the wider grounds.
It’s a good time to get out there for a troll before the move into the closer grounds.
Hardbodies and fresh baits both provide excellent results.
A standout hardbody to try in our region is the ever reliable Rapala X Rap Magnum Dive Bait (XRMAG20) in Dorado colour.
These are dynamite, diving to approximately 6 meters and can be both trolled slow or at high speed without rolling or kicking out all while imparting a great action that spanish cant resist.
If Fresh baits are your thing, a nice shiny garfish, wolf herring, XL slimy mackerel or even a smaller bonito will definitely catch the eye of a inquisitive spanish.
If you would like to have a crack at targeting them drop by Gardiner Fisheries in Rainbow Beach.
They can hook you up with the correct gear for the job, have endless choices of fresh baits and hardbodies to get your arms stretched.
On shore, Mudlow rocks at Rainbow Beach have been passable with caution.
You currently have to “rock hop” a few obstacles and its advised that only high clearance vehicles traverse the stretch and commonsense is used.
Several lower height vehicles were rescued from being hung up last week after not choosing the correct line or path.
Other then that the beaches have been good to travel.
Some nice formations are forming along Teewah Beach and the whiting are definitely making use of them.
Good captures are being reported form the low tide both during the day and at night on beach worms.
Big dart have been reported north of the Rainbow Beach swimming area in the Rainbow Shores section.
Specimens over 45cm have been landed once again on beach worms.
Underrated, dart provide excellent sport on light gear and once bled offer excellent eating qualities fresh.
Mangrove Jack are in good numbers along with estuary cod in the creeks.
Fresh flicker mullet and herring seem to be their fav feed at the moment.
As the weather gets increasingly warmer, lures will definitely be a great option also.
Cod are hard hitting, dirty fighters.
Plentiful and delicious to eat, they can be great fun to target.
If doing so, make sure you know the difference between protected QLD grouper and that of estuary cod (black spot and gold spot) as at times they can be very difficult to tell apart.
QLD grouper are a no take species and generally have a tinge of yellow colour on their fins which is a dead give away.
If in doubt, check out the Qld Fishing 2.0 app to make certain, the last thing you want is a fine from the fisheries officers at the boat ramp.
