The offshore scene hit the pause button for the start of the week and this saw many anglers exploring the more sheltered spots around the Noosa River. The Noosa River offers great protection from South east/west winds and there is plenty on offer. The weekend saw light winds and the ramps in full swing as everyone hit the water.
The Barwon Banks and the Hards were popular for the bigger boats. Despite the current a good mix of snapper, amberjack, pearl perch and some unstoppable fish were reported. Most of these fish taking slab baits and whole pilchards. North reef saw reef fish on the chew with gang hooked pilchards working well for snapper, pearlies and a few tuskies. Sunshine and Halls headed north toward Teewah were also popular reefs. Slow trolled dead baits saw a few lone Spanish pick up and run away with prized baits. With bird action becoming less, now is a great time to do a bit of slow trolling if after a big pelagic. These fish will be more focused on bigger bait so go slow and have a spread of different options available. If you are running trace make sure you use single strand wire and super small swivels to reduce bubble trails.
Surf fishing has been going great after dark and the major moon saw the focus on jewies. There have been reports of big fish lost so be sure you are going with big reels and spooled with fresh 20-30lb mono. Daytime fishing has seen larger dart and some quality sea bream showing up along with bigger flatties to 60cm. These fish taking live beach work, fresh mullet strip and pipis.
Noosa River flatties have also been on the chew around the frying pan the Noosa North Shore and some bigger fish found around the dog beach. With the building spring tides and the full moon, fishing during the last of a tide and the turn is the better time. Next week will see neap tides which will see more options available for the land based angler. The cooler mornings have seen queenfish showing up with chopper tailor in hot pursuit in the lower estuary. These fish are usually focused around Woods Bay, the current line and junction of coastguard and the main channel. These fish will take a wide range of lures and baits so be sure to try a few options and look for nervous bait on the surface. From poppers to stickbaits and even soft vibes, queenfish usually put on great shows and when they get over 70cm to 90cm you can be assured of a battle. Have landing nets ready and ensuring fish are out of the water for a limited time will see a strong, healthy release. Elsewhere in the river you can expect to start seeing golden trevally and small giant trevally feeding along the tide lines. They will also congregate around points and deep holes where bait can get swept up in these. Small grubs in the two inch size work really well here on super light jig heads and 8lb leaders. Now is a great time to get out there with the cracking weather and winds more in our favour.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!
