Gold Coast Fishing: Battling the Elements

This week, anglers faced a formidable challenge as strong southerly winds made offshore fishing off-limits. Inshore conditions also became tricky for eager fishers. However, there were ways to outsmart Mother Nature. Finding a protected spot in the rivers or sheltering behind islands around Jumpinpin offered the best opportunities for a successful fishing trip. As the weekend approaches, we have some good news regarding the weather forecast, providing anglers with more options for their fishing adventures.

Offshore Bounty

For those venturing offshore in pursuit of a bountiful catch, the closer 18 to 24 fathoms reefs are the place to be. A diverse array of species, including Snapper, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Maori Cod, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Jewfish, and Cobia, are waiting to be hooked. With sunrise occurring earlier in September, getting out on the water as early as possible is key to taking advantage of the dawn bite period. Use your sounder to scout for promising locations and plan your drift or anchoring strategy around the best displays of bait and fish.

Bait and Tackle Tips

When bait fishing, consider float lining for better control over the drop rate of your bait, presenting a more natural offering to predatory fish. Recommended baits include WA Pilchards, Whole Large Squid, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Fillet, live or dead Yakkas, and live or dead Slimy Mackerel. For an added thrill, try slow pitch and high-speed jigging techniques, which work well on certain offshore species. If bottom fishing isn’t yielding results, consider heading to the fads, where you can find fun-sized Dolphin fish. They’ll respond to both dead baits, live baits, and lures, so experiment to discover what they’re biting on that day.

Flathead Frenzy

Perfect for the Winter Months: Bream fishing is an excellent option during the winter months, and the Gold Coast offers plenty of land-based and boat-based spots to explore. If you prefer fishing from the shore, jetties, rock walls, and bridges are excellent places to try your luck. Don’t forget to use some burly to attract the fish. Some popular land-based spots are the Nerang River, Seaway Rock Wall, Broadwater Parklands Jetty, and more. If you’re taking the boat out, check out the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, and other locations. Bream are partial to Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Gut, White Pilchards, Squid, Prawns, and Yabbies.

Shark Fishing Season

As September brings warmer water temperatures and better weather, it’s an excellent time to target Sharks in local waterways. Land-based shark fishing can be highly successful with a medium to heavy combo spooled with 15 to 20lb line, nylon-coated wire trace between 50 to 100lb, size 6/0 to 9/0 J hooks or circle hooks, and a sinker for areas with tidal flow. Alternatively, you can fish the bait unweighted. Small pieces of Freshwater Eel, Pike Eel, Catfish, or Mullet are all you need to entice hungry Sharks. Consider exploring spots like the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Nerang River, Coomera River, canal systems, Jacobs Well, Aldershots, and the Logan River. Shark fishing promises an exciting adventure for those willing to give it a try.

With these insights, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your fishing endeavors in the Tweed and Gold Coast regions. Remember to stay safe, check the weather forecast, and enjoy the thrill of the catch!

Quotes from  the Boats

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“This week the fishing started slowing but the fish turned on suddenly on Thursday with quality sized Flathead by far the dominant species. Using Zman 3 inch Slim Swimz, Rapala Imposter, and Rapala Suspect soft plastics we caught around 30 Flathead per day measuring between 35 and 65cm. Best area to fish has been between the seaway and Browns inlet where there has been schools of small baitfish travelling along all the weed edges. For now, the snot weed has mostly cleared from the Broadwater, hopefully it doesn’t return in large amounts. This week tides are good with the new moon on Friday, with ideal run outs to chase Flathead during the mornings.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“There are Still plenty of Dolphin Fish around the fads and also plenty of Snapper on the 50 fathom reefs, coming off the full moon there was also a hot bite on some good size Silver Jew. “

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