With the rains starting to subside we have seen some great fish caught not only offshore, but in the river too.
Even though the waters are still brown it is still worth going out and having a go as the fish still have to eat. The channel of the Noosa bar has not moved much after the recent swell and flooding rains last week so as always proceed with care.
The local offshore reefs of Sunshine, Jew Shoal and Halls Reef have seen some great captures of reef fish. The rains have fired these fish up and if you have a lighter 10-20lb outfit with a 4-5000 sized spin reel now is the time to try some soft plastic fishing as you explore new ground. If you can find the bait fish on your sounder simply drift over these fish and work your plastic up to five meters off the bottom for the best results.
For bait anglers, small mullet chunks, pilchard and squid baits are proving best especially when using simple twin hook paternoster rigs. Whole bonito are still proving deadly for catching the big lone Spanish mackerel. Staying in closer around the 20 meter and below mark are where these fish like to patrol so keep hooks wired up and ready.
The Noosa River has seen a good run of mangrove jacks and flathead. These fish are found throughout the lower estuary with jacks around the river mouth rocks, Noosa dog beach and the bridges of the Noosa Sound. Other than live baits, fresh mullet cut into strips is dynamite for these fish.
If after flatties then concentrate your efforts around the Noosa river mouth, frying pan flats where you can see deeper drop offs. If lure fishing then heavier jigheads a bigger curl tail or paddle tail plastic will draw some attention. With the rains the mud crabs are on the move so now is a great time to put any pots you have out. Remember to overweight your pots as the flood water continues to come down stream and has been moving lightweight pot. Having a longer rope can help you find them should they move. Remember new moon tides are almost on us so that means big tides and more tidal run.
As freshwater temperatures are yet to fully stabilise you may have to work to find the schooled up fish, so keep sounders on. Check inside shallow bays during the daytime where the sun will heat up the water.
In both Borumba and Lake MacDonald there are many areas that were previously high and dry and have not been covered with weed. These spots will be great to explore with soft plastics and hardbodies as fish will be up on these areas looking for food. Remember to try high vibration lures to have the best possible chance of the big one.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!
