Fishing Report

Bream and Flathead Action Await this Weekend!

Despite challenging weather conditions earlier in the week, the Gold and Tweed Coasts are now basking in sunshine, making it an ideal time for fishing enthusiasts to venture out. Just a reminder of the Snapper and Pearl Perch Closure commenced 15 July (from 12.01AM) for all Queensland waters for the next 4 weeks please see link to information https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90132.

Let’s explore some exciting options for targeting Bream and Flathead over the upcoming weekend.

Bream Fishing Tips for a Memorable Night Out

As the winter nights linger, targeting Bream offers a delightful opportunity for both land-based and boat or kayak anglers. While the larger schools of Bream have been elusive, a cool night on the Gold and Tweed Coasts may just unlock the chance to reel in some quality catches. Be on the lookout for baitfish schools, as Bream often follow their favourite food sources, such as white pilchards. When seeking Bream, focus on fishing around structures like rock walls, bridges, boat harbors, and submerged trees, where they tend to congregate. A well-placed burley trail, consisting of frozen burley blocks with minced tuna or WA pillie cubes, can attract these elusive fish to your area, significantly boosting your chances of success. Opt for a basic light estuary combo with the right fishing gear, and you’ll be ready to cast your line at prime spots like Tweed River rock walls, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and other promising locations.

Flathead Frenzy in the Gold and Tweed Coasts

Flathead enthusiasts are in for a treat, with plentiful catches of all sizes observed around the Gold and Tweed Coasts. The deeper main channels present excellent opportunities for targeting school-sized Flathead, ranging from 35 to 50cm. Drifting with soft vibes, metal vibes, or heavier soft plastics can entice these beauties to bite. Alternatively, try drifting baits like white pilchards, blue bait, prawns, or yabbies for a successful catch. A crucial tip to remember is to keep an eye on your sounder to locate bait schools, as this will lead you to the best feeding areas. When the tide rises, don’t miss out on exploring the shallower sandbanks, where Flathead eagerly chase baitfish like whiting, mullet, white bait hardy heads, and prawns. To avoid spooking the fish, anchor or use an electric motor to spot lock your position, allowing you to cast in all directions with soft plastics or soft vibes. A 3 to 4-inch soft plastic or vibe usually works wonders in local waters. Some excellent spots to try your luck include the Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and more.

Wrap Up

With the weather looking more favourable and an abundance of Bream and Flathead awaiting your bait, this weekend promises an exhilarating fishing adventure along the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, be sure to pack your fishing gear, check the latest weather forecast, and embark on a thrilling fishing journey you won’t soon forget! Happy fishing!

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“I must say I love this time of the year with the chilly morning starts and clear but comfortable finishes once the sun warms us up and the jackets come off. Wintertime does not offer the number of different species available to be caught on the Tweed in other seasons but what it does deliver is a ridiculous number of Flatties both big and small. If you are not aware a new regulation was brought in earlier this year that only five flatties of legal length of course can be kept in NSW which I believe is fair. One thing I am really surprised about is that the big schools of spawning Bream and Tailor have not come up the Tweed River yet but hopefully they will come. Maybe this is due to the major flooding the river has received over the last two years, but I am not sure. I still think they will come before Winter ends.“

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“It’s been a fantastic week with some superb weather and plenty of fish and squid on the bite. The water is incredibly clear though even on the bottom of the tide, so natural presentation is essential. That means using small lures, quite transparent lures, and the best lure- live bait, especially on sunny, calm days. Yabbies have been working incredibly well on those sorts of days, catching lots of good size Flathead, Flounder, and Winter Whiting. When there is some cloud and/ or breeze on the water the lures come into play with Ecogear ZX40’s and breamer vibes, Zman 3 inch Minnowz, Pontoon 21 3 inch Awaruna, and MMD prawn vibes all working very well. The Squid have been in good numbers in the Broadwater, on one charter this week we chased fish in the morning then caught 31 squid in 90 minutes later on. My favourite Squid jigs have been Majorcraft Egizo, Fish Inc. Egilicious, Ecogear Dartmax, and Duel LQ Lens. When the Squid aren’t going for the bigger jigs I switch to 2.5 size. Most of the time green and gold colours work very well, and also prawn type designs in orange, red.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“With the Snapper and Pearly closure in place it’s time to target Kingfish, Amberjack and Samson fish on the 50s using live bait or jigging, even try the fads might be able to pull a few Dolphin Fish off them. In closer try for Cobia, Silver Jew and Trag Jew with live bait and dead bait.”

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