Noosa

There is much improvement of the offshore conditions as we move to that summer wind cycle with the typical northerlies picking up in the afternoons. Anglers are heading out early then ducking back into the more protected areas as the wind picked up. Most anglers in larger craft can cope with the conditions and hang out there.

The reefs off Double Island have been a fantastic hunting ground with some quality fish on offer. With not a lot of run, anglers are able to get to the bottom without too much bother. Snapper, pearl perch, Moses perch, red emperor, mulloway, tuskfish, cobia and cod all hit the decks. Bait anglers were using the standard pilchard squid combination on paternoster rigs, while the lure anglers were making the most of the conditions and dropping slow fall jig.

Pelagics are starting to gather some momentum now. North Reef and reefs off Noosa have seen some nice mackerel along with bigger tuna. With the warmer currents moving south we should start to see those bigger schools of spotted mackerel and larger Spanish off the coast. Gearing up for the mackerel season is all important with a lot of anglers using slugs and targeting the school of baitfish that these fish love to feed on. Matching the hatch with the appropriate size slug is important and having a range of sizes will definitely help. Another option is trolling larger hardbody style lures, again it is a good idea to have a range of colours and different dive depths to get the best out of your trolling spread. Speed can also be important with most lures these days able to troll at up to 12 knots.

Another species making an appearance has been the mahimahi. These fish have been spotted free swimming or hanging around any flotsam that is in the water. They can sometimes be a little frustrating, as you can see them but they will not eat. A good idea is to have a slow sinking bait out if you are drifting; they may take a bait as it gets a little deeper. Fishing this way may also see you with a cobia as they tend to feed mid water.

Sunshine Coast rivers has come alive with some nice trevally, Big GTs, goldens and big eyes have all been prowling the deeper channels and river mouth entrances. There have been some quality fish falling to surface lures like the Lucky Craft Gunfish in the 115mm size and Sugapen surface walkers in the 120mm size, fished a fast walk-the-dog retrieve with both these lures are sure to get you hooked up.

Whiting have been in abundance around the Frying Pan in the Noosa River mouth. For the bait fishers, live worms and yabbies have been working a treat with fish over 35cm not uncommon. Walking the flats first thing in the morning flicking smaller popper and surface lures is another great option for these sweet fish. A couple of great options to try are the Bassday Sugapen and the MMD Splash Prawn. A quick tip is to work the lure right up to your feet and to change the back treble for some small assist hooks.

Flathead have been in good numbers with bright coloured soft plastics around the 4” size doing the job. Colours that have been working well have been the bloodworm in both the Powerbait and the ZMan, and Sight Flash in the Keitech Easy shiners. For the bait anglers, frogged mouth pilchards on small ganged hooks have claimed plenty of fish. In the Noosa River the area around Makepeace Island has been very good and for the Maroochy the stretch between Petrie and Eudlo Creek has been producing results.

Anglers that have fished after dark have been rewarded with mangrove jack well and truly on the bite. Livies and big strip baits fished around the holes and rock bars around John Landing in the Noosa River have been very productive. For the lure anglers, skip casting plastic under snags between the lakes has also paid dividends. Remember to have your drag set at the right level not too tight to pull hooks but not too loose to lose fish.

Crab numbers are really starting to improve with plenty of quality bucks in the pots. With the summer rains look for those deeper sections as the crabs will hold in this area looking for more saline water. Remember four pots per person on board and a maximum of 7 crabs per person or 14 per boat. Mullet and chicken frames seem to be the baits of choice.

ON THE BEACHES

The Noosa Northshore has been fishing well over the month with some nice gutters around Double Island. There has been a bit of sweep up on the beach with the big tides so you will have to up your sinker size. Tailor are still on the menu as they make their

Halli Church got this very nice Spanish, one of the first for the season, off the Gneerings. It went 104cm and was landed with a little help from dad.

Amika Tippo got this solid sweetlip just out of Mooloolaba. Much to her brother’s disappointment, the fish was returned after the photo.

way back after spawning on the Fraser Coast. Fishing the evening tide is probably your best bet with some quality pilchards or mullet fillet. You’re always in with a chance for a mulloway, in fact tailor is one of their favourite foods so if you are prepared to give up a fillet for bait, you should stand a good chance.

If you’re after a good catch of whiting, the word on the street is just up from the Peregian Water Tower between Perigean and Marcus beaches is the place to be. Berley pellets and quality baits of live worms or yabbies are the key here, a sprinkle of berley in the white water along with quality baits will help to bring them on. • Don’t forget to check in to www.fishingnoosa.com. au for all the latest up to date info on fishing and bar crossings. The knowledgeable teams at Tackle World Noosa and Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola can provide you with the right equipment, bait and advice to ensure success!