Offshore and Seaway Action, Best Spots and Tips

The beginning of the week on the Gold and Tweed Coasts was met with strong south-easterly winds, causing a significant swell that limited fishing options. However, there’s good news on the horizon. As of the time of this report, the winds are expected to ease, and the weekend weather forecast looks promising with light NE/NW winds and a small swell, perfect for those planning an offshore fishing trip.

Before you head out, keep in mind that the Snapper and Pearl Perch Closure has been in effect since July 15 (from 12:01 AM) for all Queensland waters, lasting for four weeks. For more information, check this link: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90132.

Now, let’s see what’s been biting this week:

Offshore Fishing

The current weather forecast suggests favorable conditions for heading offshore. Although Snapper and Pearl Perch are off the menu, the close reefs around 18 to 24 fathoms can still yield a mixed bag of table fish. When selecting a fishing spot, look for areas with signs of bait schools and predatory fish. Some excellent catches reported include trophy Cobia (see Corey’s catch), big Silver Jewfish, Trag Jew, Moses Perch, School Mackerel, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, and Maori Cod. If you venture out to the 36 and 50 fathom grounds, you might have additional options such as Dolphin Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, Samson, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, and Pig Fish. For bait, consider using Mullet Filler, Bonito Fillet, WA Pilchards, Large Whole Squid, Live Yakka’s, and Live Slimy Mackerel.

Gold Coast Seaway Fishing

The Gold Coast Seaway has seen some promising fishing action lately, with large bait schools of Mullet, Yakka’s, and Slimy Mackerel attracting predators to the area. Anglers have successfully landed quality catches of Silver Jewfish, Trevally, Tailor, School Mackerel, juvenile Spangled Emperor, Grassy Sweetlip, and Tuskfish. Keep in mind that sharks can be a concern when fish are active, so use slightly heavier gear to bring your catch up quickly. Plan your trip around a tide change, about an hour before and after, for the best chances of success. The top of the tide and the first hour or two of the run-out tide are typically optimal times to try your luck.

Broadwater and Jumpinpin Fishing

The deeper main channels around Broadwater and Jumpinpin have been teeming with good-sized bait schools of white Pilchards, hardy heads, and Herring this winter. These areas are excellent spots to drift and fish. Use your sounder to locate fishing-worthy areas with bait schools and larger fish. Soft plastics, soft vibes, and metal vibes are effective presentations to match the hatch of the baitfish. Species you can expect to catch include Tailor, Trevally, Tarpon, Giant Herring, Flathead, Moses Perch, Bream, Tarwhine, Jew Fish, with the occasional Thread Fin Salmon and Squid being caught. For better fishing conditions, target the incoming tide, which has less current and offers higher water quality.

Remember, always stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts before planning your fishing trips for the best chances of success. Tight lines!

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“It was dynamic earlier in the week on the Tweed River but the bite slowed down a bit over the last two days. This can be attributed to a slight drop in the barometer but more so the lack of run in the tides. The more run the better as it makes the fish have to move and attack the bait or lures harder. Many anglers would have heard the cliche no run no fun. The good news is that the tides will be picking up again next week and so will their feeding patterns. The species caught this week were Flathead, Bream, Flounder, Tailor, School Jew and a couple of small Giant Trevally.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“The water has been astonishingly clear even at the bottom of the run-out tides. I’m very glad the big nighttime tides are dropping off, with less ocean water pushing in to make the vis crystal clear. The Flathead bite unsurprisingly has been timid, with small natural-coloured lures and live bait working best. Even the Squid are not as easy to catch as usual but there are some big ones around. I’ve been doing well using the 2.5 size Major Craft squid jigs. Soft vibes, Ecogear ZX40’s, and Zman soft plastics, which are all working well in the Broadwater. There have been huge schools of mature Winter Whiting in the Broadwater this week. While these fish don’t grow as big as their cousins the Sand Whiting, they are still a heap of fun to catch and superb eating. They are very easily caught in all the main channels on Ecogear ZX40 blades, Ecogear worms, live yabbies, or beach worms. They feed hard when the tide is running and put up a great little fight on light line. I release fish under 23cm, over that they are worth scaling and filleting then battered and shallowed fried. Delicious! A big bonus is Squid love hunting winter whiting so they can be caught in the same areas.“

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