Unsuitable fishing conditions have continued this week, with rain and wind hampering many efforts to wet a line.
There have been a few decent breaks in the weather, however, which has seen a few fishos finally manage to sneak offshore.
We are starting to see an improvement in river fishing but more rain is forecast, which will slow down the process of clearing the brackish water.
It’s been all about the Jacks this week, as they don’t mind the dirty water or rainy conditions.
Monday’s full moon should hopefully generate a bit of fishing action.
Offshore: Another week of tricky conditions has resulted in not many boats venturing out due to strong winds and big swells. A break in the weather on Wednesday saw a few boats sneak out, with reports of Marlin, Sailfish and Wahoo on the 8 and 10 Mile, and Tuna near the blinker.
Spanish Mackerel season has reopened, so hopefully the weather improves this weekend. We’ve got quality Garfish in store that we sourced from northern NSW and froze fresh, which is perfect slow trolled or floated to chase Spanish Mackerel.
There will still be plenty of reef species and Tuna in close, and Mahi Mahi at the FADs, once we can finally get out. Early on Sunday morning or Tuesday next week look to be the only promising options for the coming week. As always, make sure you check conditions before heading out.
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Maroochy River: Fishing continues to be tough due to weather conditions, but those who have braved the wind and rain have reported a few good catches. Mangrove Jacks have been firing in the dirty water and have mostly been active at night time. Live baits and prawn imitation lures like the Pro Lure Clone Prawn have resulted in some nice catches in the high 50cm range. Paddletails like Gobblers Lures Paddle Shad 3.75″ and Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly 4″ have also claimed some nice catches.
Flathead are still active throughout the river, taking just about anything on offer. Try around creek mouths if you’re chasing big Flatties. Trevally are also being caught in good numbers and have taken a liking to smaller lures and plastics retrieved with speed. Try the Keitech Easy Shiner 2″ or Gobblers Lures 2.6″ Shrimp.
Some nice Whiting continue to be caught from Chambers Island to the mouth on the top of the tide. Live beach worms and live yabbies are claiming the bigger ones, with catches of up to 40cm reported. There’s still a few Grunter, Moses Perch and the occasional Tailor about too.
Noosa River: The Noosa River has delivered some nice Mangrove Jack catches this week, with catches up to 59cm reported. They’ve mostly been caught during night sessions on live bait or the 95mm MMD Splash Prawn, which has been working well off the top. Pro Lure Clone Prawns and Holt Productions Swimprawns are also seeing some great results.
Trevally have also been active, with some nice GTs caught off the top. Bassday Sugapen 58F has been the lure of choice.
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Caloundra: The Mangrove Jack theme continued in Caloundra this week, with plenty of Jacks on the chew. There’s also been plenty of bread and butter species caught in the passage this week during breaks in the weather.
Beach: Fishing has been pretty good this week if you can sneak a spot out of the wind. The gutters are holding some nice fish, with nice Dart and Whiting reported over the last couple of days.
Freshwater: Fishing continues to be challenging. Decent falls have continued this week into our freshwater catchments, which has resulted in high water levels and discoloured water. In these sorts of conditions fish can be picky, so stick with a soft plastic paddletail for your best chance at enticing Bass, Tilapia, Yellowbelly and Sooty Grunter.
Don’t forget you’ll now find us in Maroochydore at 3/99 Aerodrome Road, opposite Aldi. We are open from 9am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. We’ve got your weekend sorted with plenty of premium gar, whole frozen mullet and live beach worms.
Tight lines, Trent and Corinne
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle is at at 3/99 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore. They have bait, live beach worms and all the gear you need to make your next fishing trip a success. Visit baitmasterfishing.com.au.
The team also love hearing about your catches, so make sure you tag them on Instagram or Facebook, or email them through to info@baitmasterfishing.com.au.
Fishing report contributors
Deep End Fishing Charters: Berth 28, Mooloolaba Marina, 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba. Phone 0499 044 458 or visit deependfishing.com.au.
Smithy’s Fishing Charters: Corner Nicklin Way and Point Cartwright Drive, Minyama. Email info@smithysfishing.com.au, phone 0407 574 868 or visit smithysfishingcharters.com.au.
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