CLARKIE’S GC FISHING – Crabs, Whiting and Weather
Changing Weather and Exciting Catches: A Week in Fishing Adventures
The past week has provided excellent fishing conditions with light winds and a moderate swell, allowing anglers to seize the opportunity to chase a satisfying feed. However, a shift in the weather pattern is on the horizon as we approach the weekend, with stronger north winds and the possibility of showers or storms. Seek sheltered waters until the winds ease, and as always, stay informed with the latest weather forecast before embarking on your fishing trip.
Tidal Bounty for Whiting Enthusiasts
With the new moon bringing larger tides, this is an opportune time for anglers to target Whiting, especially with the forecasted increase in wind for the weekend. Whiting thrive in increased tidal flow, making it essential to choose the right sinker to keep bait on the bottom where these tasty fish feed. Stick to a simple tackle setup with a 7 to 9ft light rod, a small reel spooled with 6 to 9lb main line, 6lb fluorocarbon trace, a small bait holder hook, and a sinker ranging from 3 to 5 balls based on flow. Optimize your chances by fishing in areas like the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgerra Creek, Nerang River, Wave Break Island, Crab Island, Paradise Point, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Bedrooms, and the Logan River. Nighttime fishing is recommended for larger catches during the summer months.
Offshore Pursuits
Pelagic Action and Inshore Bounty: As Christmas approaches, offshore conditions are intensifying, with strong currents and rising water temperatures signaling the time for trolling skirted lures, diving lures, and live or dead baits. Keep an eye out for key indicators such as changes in water color, current lines, temperature shifts, bait schools on the sounder, and diving birds when venturing to the 36 or 50 fathom lines. Closer to shore, the 18 and 24 fathom reefs promise a mixed bag of Snapper, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Tusk Fish, Maori Cod, Spangled Emperor, and substantial Silver Jewfish. An early start and monitoring wind and swell conditions are crucial for a successful outing.
Family-Friendly Fishing and Crabbing During School Holidays
With school holidays underway, it’s an ideal time to introduce kids to the joys of fishing and crabbing. Whether land-based or from a boat, consider the age and experience level of the youngsters. Local tackle stores can provide the necessary gear and recommend suitable spots. Land-based activities around jetties or sandy beaches offer opportunities to catch Bream, Whiting, Flathead, Trevally, Tarwhine, Butter Bream, and more. Don’t forget to drop a crab pot for a chance at Mud Crabs or Blue Swimmers in the area.
Quotes from the Boats
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“It was extremely hot on the water this week, so early morning starts combined with lots of sunscreen and water was needed. The best bites also came early around the tide changes with some deep-water jigging and shallow water trolling producing the results. Flathead and Whiting were the main species caught but we also caught some Bream, Whiting and small School Jew. We were a little bit unlucky this week as we came across a couple of schools of big Giant Trevally but they went down deep and moved to quickly before we could cast some surface poppers at them. Giant Trevally move up and down the river all through the summer months, so we get plenty of opportunities to catch them over the next few months.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:
“The beautiful weather this week has made it a pleasure to be on the water. We caught Mangrove Jacks, Flathead, Squid, Sand Whiting, Winter Whiting and more. The fishing has been mixed with the rivers now slowing down with the hot temperatures, making night fishing the best options upstream. The shallow flats near the seaway have been good for Flathead, Whiting and Bream during run in tides bringing in cooler ocean water. Casting hardbody lures like Samaki Redics and Daiwa double clutch have been producing the goods. New moon is on Wednesday 13 December, and the morning high tides get bigger. It looks like Cyclone Jasper will stay well North and our run of great weather will continue. I’ll likely fish the flats on the run-in tides with soft plastic and hardbody lures, and the deeper channels with vibes and blades on the run out.”
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
“With very strong currents out wide and on 36s it has been a little bit tough on the bottom fishing side, so try trolling for Black Marlins , Dolphin Fish and Wahoo and then if that fails try the fads. In close try for Jewfish around the tides and also some Snapper in close.“
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries
Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water: http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/
Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/
Good luck with the Fishing. Brett
CLARKIE’S GC FISHING – A Challenging Week on the Gold Coast
CLARKIE’S GC FISHING – A Challenging Week on the Gold Coast 19/10/2023 Posted by: BrettC No Comments Gold Coast Fishing: A Challenging Week on the Gold and Tweed Coasts The past week has been a tough one for anglers on the Gold and Tweed Coasts, with relentless south winds making fishing conditions less than ideal....
