By Jack Mangrove
In the lead up to the full moon the fish were certainly chewing hard with some outstanding captures offshore and in the river. Out wide DI, The Hards and Barwon banks produced snapper, cobia, scarlet sea perch, pearl perch, venus tusk fish, amberjack, kingfish and some solid jewies too. Live baits seem to be the go so be sure to take some live bait rigs with you. North reef has been providing snapper, tuskies, pearlies, cobia and jewies.
This is the time of year where jewies and snapper are certainly coming on strong so be sure you give soft plastics and jigs a try when the currents drop. Using 5-7 inch paddle and curl tail soft plastics loaded with scent will help bring your offering to life and don’t forget to tie a loop knot when attaching your jighead. If headed out that way don’t forget the spanner crabs are about so set a few dillies for a great mix of seafood on your return.
Sunshine reef continues to provide anglers using baits and lures with a mix of snapper, pearlies, sweetlip, cobia and even the odd mackerel. Having a floater out is still a great way to connect to one whether it be a live bait or a drifted pilchard. In close along halls, castaways and further south toward Arkwright Shoal, reports of big snapper have been in the shallower waters. These fish taking a mix of soft plastics and baits lightly weighted.
The river has seen some amazing captures with some huge diamond trevally coming from Woods Bay. These fish fell for a micro jig which is one of the best ways to target trevally. Be sure to use finer gauge assists for maximum hook penetration if fishing light lines and leaders. The lower areas of the mouth and dog beach continue to provide anglers with big flathead and bream along with big golden trevally. Of course up river they can be found too. Flatties and bream are also found around these areas so there really is no need to head up steam while the lower area is going so well.
Surf fishing is going well with light winds and swell. The dart, bream and whiting are around the river mouths and along the various beaches up and down the coast. Tailor and jewies are still a bit quiet but the low light has been best for these fish. Set up at dusk and keep baits of worm, mullet and pippies fresh.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!
