River a refuge for windblown offshore anglers

Sue Makin from Brisbane caught and released this 64cm flathead in the outer Woods Bay while on a Noosa River Fishing Safari.

By JACK MANGROVE

WITH the wind being the way it is, the river has been a lifesaver for frustrated offshore anglers.
Up river has seen some great action with the area between the lakes the main focus of anglers.
With mangrove jack and threadfin salmon on the chew, anglers have been well rewarded for an early start. The area around Johns Landing has also been very productive with nice jacks tending to hang on the rock ledges and drop offs in the area. They have been enjoying a range of diving lures that have been tugged past their noses as angler troll in the area. Live bait has also been a favourite and has also been enjoyed by large flathead around the Tewantin ski run.
The stretch of river along Gympie terrace has been great for whiting, this is a great place to teach the kids to fish and the happy smiles that you get when the kids catch, make all that baiting and casting worthwhile. Down toward the mouth has again seen a great deal of activity, this has to be one of the best land based spots on the coast.
Trevally have been thick, chasing the bait that comes in on the tide, jew and tailor have also been smashing the schools of bait fish. Fast moving lures are your best bet here, they imitate a fleeing baitfish with the bite is usually quite dramatic.
Offshore the wind has still been a major factor, with only the larger charter vessels tending to get out. A trip to the Barwon Banks saw some great results, large jew, cod and knobby snapper where all subdued by angler on that trip. On another trip headed to Chardon’s Reef there were some nice amberjack, tuskies and sweetlip on the menu.
Noosa’s North Shore has again been a little wind affected but the early-morning anglers have seen some nice tailor, dart and whiting.
On behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!