It finally looks like the weather gods might be a little nicer to us than the previous month or so.
Moderate easterly winds around 15-25km/h are forecast into early next week, with winds picking up again from Wednesday. If you are looking to try and get offshore, the earlier the better in terms of winds.
There is little tidal movement at the moment, which is impacting estuary fishing, and little to no rain predicted for the coming week.
Offshore
Conditions offshore over the past week have proved tricky at times, with those managing to get out enjoying some good catches.
The Hards continue to fish well, with Amberjack, Snapper and Pearl Perch in abundance. The Barwon Banks and closer reefs have reported good catches including Tuskfish, Cobia and Sweetlip, alongside the steadfast Snapper and Pearl Perch. Mahi Mahi were also reported in good numbers around the FADs.
With offshore conditions looking to be testing again this week, try the early morning before the wind picks up, or closer into shore.
Mooloolah River
The Mooloolah River’s lower areas have been good for catching Flathead, while fishing around structures such as pylons and trawlers have been hotspots for Trevally and Mangrove Jack.
The canals have been a quiet but effective place to fish for Bream and Trevally, especially when using smaller lures. These calmer waters offer a nice change of pace from the more challenging open sea conditions.
Maroochy River
The Maroochy River has been fishing well, with plenty of baitfish spotted in both upper and lower reaches. Good catches of Jewfish and Trevally have been reported, caught on Holt Productions Swim Prawns and Pro Lure Clone Prawns. Flathead and Whiting have been making a strong showing at the mouth of the creeks, with the flats also a hotspot for Flathead.
Dart, Whiting, Bream and Flathead continue to congregate near the sandbags at the river mouth, with Sand Whiting also biting around Goat and Channel Islands. Additionally, the mouth of Eudlo and Petrie Creeks are turning out to be favorable spots for Flathead catches.
For those with a taste for the elusive Mangrove Jack, the mid to upper reaches of the river are the places to be.
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Noosa River
Small tides and congestion have continued to make Noosa River fishing a challenge. A few Queenfish catches have been reported at the mouth, while Trevally continue to be caught around Tewantin, and Tailor at Woods Bay.
Those trying their luck at Lake Cooroibah have reported catches of Whiting, Bream and Flathead.
Beaches
We’ve had some reports of Dart, Whiting and Bream catches off Mooloolaba, but conditions don’t look to be favorable for beach fishos this week. Similarly to offshore, try early mornings on the beaches to wet a line before the wind picks up.
Freshwater
The recent rainfall has increased the river flow, which has in turn activated the fish, with more bites being reported. The water movement and the presence of prawns and bait fish have resulted in some good-size fish on the move. Catches have included Mary River Cod as bycatch, along with catches of Sooty Grunter, Bass, and the occasional Saratoga.
Trent and Corinne, Bait Master Fishing and Tackle
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle is at Shop 4, 311 David Low Way, Bli Bli. They have bait, live beach worms and all the gear you need to make your next fishing trip a success. Phone 5345 9824 or 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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