By JACK MANGROVE
THE mackerel are here in good numbers!
Fishing in Noosa over the last week has seen some exceptional catches, with both offshore and the Noosa River fishing extremely well.
Offshore, spotted mackerel have been plentiful, with numerous anglers getting their bag limit without too much trouble.
The good sized schools can be easily spotted by the bird activity, with most lures offered quickly get snaffled up by a hungry mackerel.
The other species that is among the spotties are the infamous Spanish mackerel.
With a bag limit of five spotties and three spanish mackerel, anglers are having to go look for other species as they reach their limits quickly.
On the bottom we have seen some nice reef species like coral trout, sweet lip and cobia with the deeper reefs holding pearl perch and snapper.
On the beaches we are seeing good catches of whiting as well as dart, bream and tailor. Sand worm have been one of the favored baits, with most of the fish inhabiting the close in gutters.
Kids have been having a ball while mum and dad are running up and down the beach baiting up and returning the smaller fish to the sea.
Up north of Teewah the tailor have been on the chew, with the low light periods the most productive. Big bait like mullet fillets and large pilchards seem to be the most productive baits.
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 species on the move at the moment, with the waters of the river mouth and the sheltered shallows of Weyba Creek providing the best results on these tasty fish.
Elsewhere in the river trevally in various species are on the prowl, with “bust ups” occurring just about anywhere or anytime.
The best method to taking advantage of the fish is to have a second rod set with a surface popper.
Best of luck on your fishing adventures!
