Mixed Catches Despite Weather Challenges

It was encouraging to witness favorable weather conditions over the past weekend, allowing anglers to seize the opportunity and reel in some rewarding catches. Despite the wind’s strength, fishing enthusiasts maximized the improved conditions, enjoying fruitful outings and securing noteworthy fish. However, as I compose this report, the outlook for the upcoming weekend seems less promising, with forecasts indicating an increase in southeastern winds and offshore swells. Nevertheless, sheltered inshore waters remain viable options for those eager to brave intermittent rain showers. As always, it is advisable to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts before embarking on any fishing expedition. Let’s delve into the highlights of this week’s fishing activity.

Seaway Action: Mangrove Jack and School Jewfish Highlights

The Gold Coast Seaway has been bustling with activity in recent days, with anglers encountering substantial catches of high-quality Mangrove Jack and sizable school Jewfish, serving as the primary target species. Additionally, the Seaway has been teeming with abundant schools of bait, making it an ideal location to pursue a diverse array of voracious predators. Mangrove Jack and Jewfish have been congregating in significant numbers, particularly around the North Wall and the pipeline. As noted in previous reports, anglers seeking larger, hard-fighting fish are advised to upscale their gear to mitigate the risk of opportunistic sharks intercepting their prized catches. Furthermore, a variety of other species, including Queenfish, Tailor, Trevally, Spangled Emperor, Grassy Sweetlip, Bream, Tarwhine, and Flathead, may also be encountered in the area. Optimal fishing times coincide with the first couple of hours preceding and following a tide change, minimizing the impact of strong currents. Additionally, monitoring swell conditions is recommended for those planning weekend fishing excursions.

Crab Hauls in Broadwater and Jumpinpin

With water quality showing signs of improvement in the Broadwater and around Jumpinpin, anglers have reported successful hauls of Sand Crabs along the edges of main channels in both regions. In the Broadwater, productive areas include Wave Break Island, Crab Island, and the Aldershots, while around Jumpinpin, promising spots encompass the Neverfails, Bedrooms, Canaipa, and the mouth of Tiger Mullet Channel. Furthermore, Mud Crabs continue to be plentiful, with notable locations including the Coomera River, Pipmapa River, Brown Island, Tipplers Passage, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Logan River, Russell Island, and Karragarra Island. Preferred baits for Mud Crabs include mullet, fish frames, and raw chicken pieces.

Offshore Outlook: Spanish Mackerel Closure and Varied Catches

Once the wind and swell conditions stabilize, anglers will eagerly resume offshore expeditions. However, it’s essential to note that the first closure period for Spanish Mackerel in southeast waters commenced on February 1st, 2024, and will persist until February 21st, 2024, followed by a subsequent closure from March 1st, 2024, to March 21st, 2024. Prior to the onset of southeastern winds, anglers managed to secure satisfying catches throughout the week. Beyond coastal waters, a few Marlin have been captured while trolling lures along the 50 to 100 fathom line. Closer to shore, the presence of small Black Marlin has been inconsistent. Targeting bait schools within the 36 to 50 fathom line with skirted lures or live bait may yield favorable results. Depending on prevailing currents, anglers have enjoyed diverse catches, including Snapper, Pearl Perch, Job Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, and Dolphin Fish, primarily on the 50 fathom reefs. Additionally, the 36-fathom line has proven fruitful, yielding catches of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, and Dolphin Fish. Despite intermittent challenges posed by wind, swell, and currents, fishing efforts have remained productive, with notable catches recorded at the 18 and 24 fathom reefs, comprising Snapper, Moses Perch, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, Maori Cod, and Sliver Jew.

By adapting to prevailing conditions and strategically selecting fishing locations, anglers continue to enjoy rewarding experiences along the Gold Coast, demonstrating resilience and proficiency in pursuit of their passion for angling.