Gold Coast Fishing: Weather, Reefs, and Mangrove Jacks

Weather and Fishing Prospects

The Gold and Tweed coasts have been basking in warmer weather thanks to dominant northerly winds. While the swell is subsiding and winds are expected to ease, Saturday morning might offer a window of opportunity for offshore anglers. However, keep an eye on the most up-to-date forecasts before heading out.

Flathead Classic and Weekend Plans

This week, the Gold Coast Sports Fish Clubs Flathead Classic took center stage from Wednesday to Friday, possibly making Flathead a bit wary on the weekend. We’ll bring you the results next week, so stay tuned. Remember, it’s always wise to check the latest weather updates before hitting the water.

Offshore Adventures

Considering the current weather conditions, Saturday morning looks promising for offshore excursions. Reports indicate some strong currents along the 50-fathom line during the week, so it’s worth exploring the closer reefs, hoping for calmer waters near the 18 and 24 fathom reefs. Expect a diverse catch, including Snapper, Tusk Fish, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Cobia, Silver Jew, Spangled Emperor, and Maori Cod. The 36 and 50-fathom lines have been productive for bottom species, but conditions may vary with changing currents. If the current is challenging, consider targeting Dolphin Fish at the fads, which have been consistently productive along the coast.

Whiting Wonders

Whiting have been a dependable catch, especially with the recent windy conditions, heralding the upcoming Summer season. Anglers have reported quality catches spread across various locations. Live Blood Worms, Beach Worms, and Yabbies are top bait choices. Daytime fishing yields excellent results, while nighttime angling produces larger catches. Opt for a light rod from 7 to 9ft, paired with a small spinning reel or alvey spooled with 6 to 9lb line, 6lb fluorocarbon trace, size 3 or 4 ball sinker, and a size 6 or 4 bait holder hook, depending on your bait preference.

Pursuing Mangrove Jacks

The warming weather has enticed early season Mangrove Jacks to make an appearance, delighting anglers who relish the challenge of these hard-fighting estuary giants. Whether you prefer land-based or boat fishing, target areas rich in structure and abundant baitfish. Look around rock walls, rock bars, bridges, jetties, pontoons, moored boats, and fallen trees with a current. Live or dead bait options include Herring, Mullet, Winter Whiting, and Silver Biddies. Equip yourself with a medium to heavy rod, 20lb braid, and 40lb trace for most situations. If you’re battling it out on rock bars, consider beefing up your gear and drag to handle their tactics of diving into structure.

As the weather warms and fishing opportunities expand, make the most of these insights to plan your next angling adventure on the Gold and Tweed coasts. Whether you’re chasing reef species, casting for whiting, or targeting Mangrove Jacks, there’s something for every angler to enjoy.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“Here we are again at the end of another week and although the wind was blowing up to 40 kms today we still managed to catch some nice fish.  I moved around the Tweed River through the week working the lower to middle reaches. We did some jigging in the deep holes that were holding bait and cast some pontoon 21 minnow lures over the shallow flats. Both techniques produced fish, but my clients got a real buzz watching some of the Flatties following and smashing our retrieved minnow lures in the shallow water. My partner Clint has just sent me some of the newly released Rapala Imposter lures which are a great yabbie slash prawn imitation lure, so I am keen to get my clients next week casting them across the shallow flats. I reckon these lures fitted with a very light jig head are going to work a treat across the flats.“

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

“Dusky Flathead again this week dominated the catches, although with crystal clear water around the Seaway it was run out tides that fished best. The Flathead were taking Zman 3 inch Minnowz, and Samaki Vibelicious 70mm. There has been a huge amount of Sand Whiting in the rivers, which is a promising start to the season. In the mouth of the seaway there has been thousands of slimy mackerel, great fun to catch, great bait, and good to eat.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“The strong current is making it hard for bottom fishing out on the 50 fathoms but still plenty of Dollys around all the fads also still some good Snapper on the 50s but have to work really hard for them.”

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