By JACK MANGROVE
WITH a change in the weather late last week, things were a little quieter, prior to that anglers were spoilt for choice with the offshore scene really firing. The closer reefs were going off with Sunshine Reef one of the main targets. Pelagics were on everybody’s mind and most anglers were able to find the fish. Spotted mackerel – and their larger cousins spanish – were hitting the decks as well as tuna and wahoo. The odd dolphin fish also got the reels screaming with a couple of decent fish taken.
North Reef was also firing with bottom dweller like sweetlip mori cod and snapper all finding their way onto the hook. Micro Jigging has again been a popular way to target the bottom species, Palm Slow Blatts in the oval shape have been doing a lot of the damage, 30-40g is the size to go for. Out wide, the Barwon Banks and the Hards have also produced some outstanding fish, with large pearl perch, snapper and cobia taken.
Jacks have again been on the minds of most river anglers, with the warmer days and the evening run out tide night time has been the perfect time to plan an attack. Structure is the key, so the pontoons around the sound is a great place to start.
For those of you with a boat the upper reaches of the river “between the lakes” has produced some outstanding fish. Larger paddle vibes are a great start if you are throwing lures, the Fish Candy Jack Hammers from River2sea in the 98mm size has got the runs on the board. Down at the mouth of the river whiting have again been in good numbers, worms, prawns and yabbies have all done the job. The rocks and at the end of the dog beach and at the mouth have also been producing, with quality trevally and queenfish hitting small fish baits like pilchards, hardy heads and whitebait. Muddies have started walking with the fresher water in the system, larger bucks have been taken around the lakes and around the ski runs, fresh mullet has been the key.
On the beach, anglers fishing at night have had some great success, good sized tailor, smaller jew and large flathead have all graced the plates of beach anglers, the rock hoppers have also done well with some quality snapper and sweetlip coming from the national park and down Coolum way.
Davo’s Tackle World is running a Mackeral Mania Competition during January. With the spotted mackerel coming on the bite you’ll have the chance to win a $500 gift voucher. To be eligible, bring in your best spotted mackerel to be weighed, measured and photographed. There will be points awarded for length, weight and condition of the catch and bonus points for best smile and best story. The winner will be decided on 21 January and announced as soon as possible after that date. Both Davo’s stores, Noosa and Marcoola, will be accepting entries.
So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures!
