Mastering Gold Coast’s Fishing Secrets

Navigating the Gold Coast for a fishing expedition can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially when facing unpredictable weather conditions. As the persistent Southerly winds and showers persist, this report aims to guide anglers through the best strategies, locations, and bait choices to make the most out of their fishing ventures.

Unravelling the Inshore Haven

Strategic Retreat to Sheltered Waters

While the South-easterly winds and showers have persisted throughout the week, sticking to sheltered inshore waters has proven to be a successful strategy. As the upcoming weekend mirrors the past weather patterns, anglers are encouraged to explore rivers and sheltered waterways for a promising catch, with Whiting topping the list.

Whiting Hotspots and Techniques

Locations: Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, Nerang River, Coomera River (both south and north arms), Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, and the Logan River.

With the salinity levels improving, Whiting enthusiasts can expect quality catches in these sheltered areas. The upcoming new moon will bring significant tides, enhancing the Whiting chase. Recommended baits include a mix of live Bloodworms, Beachworms, and Yabbies.

Daytime and Nighttime Tactics

While daytime fishing has seen improvement in the Broadwater and Jumpinpin, nighttime expeditions remain fruitful during March. As the weather cools down, daytime fishing is expected to become more rewarding. Be prepared to move around if the bite is slow, and patience is key when fishing for Whiting. Optimal gear includes a long, sensitive rod paired with a small spinning reel or Alvey side cast, spooled with 6 to 9lb mono, and a 6lb fluorocarbon leader.

Offshore Challenges and Opportunities

Weather Windows and Reef Species Bounty

Limited weather windows have posed challenges for offshore excursions. However, early-bird fishos last weekend were rewarded with a mixed bag of reef species. It’s crucial to note the ongoing closure for southern waters regarding Spanish Mackerel, ending on 21/3/2024.

Prime Offshore Locations

Once the wind and swell conditions improve, heading south to Mermaid Reef, Palm Beach Reef, and The Gravel Patch can be highly rewarding for Spotted Mackerel. The 18 and 24 fathom reefs have witnessed impressive catches of Jewfish, Snapper, Trag Jew, Maori Cod, Moses Perch, Spangled Emperor, and Tusk Fish.

Bait Choices for Offshore Success

Best baits for offshore adventures include WA Pilchards, Whole Squid, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, and Live Yakka’s and Slimy Mackerel.

Mud Crab Adventures: A Tasty Alternative

Feeding Time for Mud Crabs

With big tides from the new moon and fresh rain stirring the waters, this weekend offers an excellent opportunity to chase Mud Crabs. Strategically placing pots in sheltered locations can enhance the chances of a successful catch.

Top Mud Crab Spots and Baits

Prime locations for Mud Crabbing include Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, Coomera River (both South and North Arms), Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Tiger Mullet Channel, Cabbage Tree Point, and the Logan River. Utilize Whole Mullet, Fish Frames, and Raw Chicken Pieces as bait, and consider using a bait bag to ward off smaller fish, eels, and crabs.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, strategic planning, the right gear, and a bit of patience can make fishing on the Gold Coast a rewarding experience. Always stay updated with the latest weather forecasts, adapt to changing conditions, and make the most of the diverse opportunities these coastal waters have to offer.

Quotes From The Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“The water clarity in the Tweed River is really starting to clear up after so much early season rain. The deep holes are at present loaded with baitfish being herring and the predatory fish are taking advantage of this smorgasbord of food. One of the main species that are patrolling and marauding the bait are Giant Trevally and they should hang around now right through to May if the conditions continue and we don’t receive any more heavy rainfalls. The other species caught this week were Flatties, Beam, Grunter, School Jew and small Mangrove Jacks.”

Clint from Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“Yet another week of hot weather and a bounty of big Summer Whiting again in the Nerang River. It was good to see some stable weather with light breezes and brief rain showers. Once again, the big Whiting have been the dominant species, but they are not a fish we ever get tired of catching. There has also been a lot of Trevally, Grunter, and Tarwhine in the river, even during the small neap tides. The fish are gradually moving back up Nerang River as the water slowly clears. Hinze dam is still spilling, with the official level at 101.3 %. New moon is on 10 March, the small tides will grow as the week goes on. Low tide gets later in the day too, which will be good for morning fishing as the run out is bigger than the run in. More run will mean more fun.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“There has been good catches of Spotted Mackerel over the last week in close casting small slugs working the best, also at the fads still few nice size Dolphin Fish getting around also few Jew in close.“