By JACK MANGROVE
FISHING in Noosa this week has been nothing short of exceptional, with both offshore and the Noosa River fishing extremely well.
Offshore, spotted mackerel have been in good numbers, with some anglers getting some larger sized fish.
Slow trolled baits with squid skirts have been most effective.
There’s also been some nice Spanish mackerel mixed in and with bait schools around Jew Shoal and Chardon’s Reef.
Small slugs and soft plastics – matching the size of the bait – can also tempt mackerel and tuna.
On the bottom, North Reef has produced some nice pearl perch as well as sweetlip and the odd jew. There is a lot of talk of bill fish around at the moment, with some good sized marlin further north off Frazer and Double Island.
On the beaches and around the headlands there has been some nice jew and flathead caught, as well as the odd tailor.
The bigger jewies tend to inhabit gutters and are more prevalent at night or very early morning. Big baits like mullet fillets and good squid are perfect baits.
Those who do venture down to the rocks are reminded to be careful and to always have an escape plan.
In the river, mangrove jack are becoming increasingly active, with good sized jacks taking prawn style soft plastics around steep drop-offs and jetties like the ones located in the back of Noosa Sound.
Whiting are another plentiful species with the waters of the river mouth and the Gympie Terrace providing good sized tasty fish.
Elsewhere in the river trevally and tailor are on the prowl, with spontaneous “bust ups” occurring just about anywhere or anytime.
The best method for taking advantage of the fish is to have a rod already rigged with a surface lure cast at the nervous bait fish school and work those lures.
