A Bounty of Blessings: Fishing Adventures Around The Gold Coast

Perfect Conditions

Last week, fortune smiled upon the Gold and Tweed Coasts, showering anglers with a rare stretch of impeccable weather. Gentle easterly winds and a calm swell created optimal conditions, inviting fishing enthusiasts to revel in quality fishing moments. As we peek into the upcoming weekend, Saturday appears to be the prime day, with light NE winds and a small swell. However, a word to the wise: always check the latest weather forecast before setting sail.

Offshore

After grappling with unruly winds and swells, offshore anglers finally enjoyed a fantastic week. The good news extends into the forecast, predicting another excellent Saturday for offshore adventures. Venturing to the 36 and 50 fathom grounds proved fruitful, with FADS harboring impressive numbers of Dolphin Fish. Early risers have the upper hand, as the first boats often secure the choicest catches. Live baits, WA pilchards, soft plastics, and surface walkers have all proven effective. And if conditions allow, expect a medley of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tusk Fish, Pig Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, and Samson at the 36 and 50 fathom reefs.

Inshore

Closer to shore, the 18 and 24 fathom reefs have been a hotspot for big Snapper, offering a mixed bag including Moses Perch, Tusk Fish, Maori Cob, Trag Jew, Cobia, and sizable Silver Jew. Early starts are key for the dawn bite, and a thorough scan with the sounder enhances your chances. Best baits include live Yakka’s, Slimy Mackerel, WA Pilchards, whole large Squid, Mullet Fillet, and Bonito Fillet.

Flathead Frenzy

Flathead enthusiasts are in for a treat, with good catches spanning from the Tweed River North to Jumpinpin. The Gold Coast Sports Fish Club’s recent Dash for Cash showcased impressive catches, including 80cm plus models released with pride. Target these giants with large soft glide bait soft plastics, sizable hard body lures, and surface walkers in shallow waters. Drift with the current for bait options like White Pilchards, WA Pilchards, Mullet Fillet, Prawns, and Yabbies. And remember, use a bit of leader material to combat the raspy nature of Flathead.

Quest for Mangrove Jack

As the temperature rises and recent rains stir up bait fish, this weekend is an opportune time to hunt for Mangrove Jack. Expect thrilling bycatches like Estuary Cod, Trevally, and Jewfish. Seek out spots with ample structure—rock walls, bridges, pylons, jetty’s, pontoons, rock bars, and sunken trees. Whether you prefer live bait, dead bait, or lures, the Jacks are ready for a feed.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“This was a very interesting week due to the fact that after sounding some of the deepest holes in the river the normal bait schools were absent. I usually like to mix things up a bit and do some deep-water jigging but when there is no bait showing on the bottom it is usually a waste of time. The reason for that being no bait concentrations due to the lack of life bringing rain. Our rivers need some badly to liven them up and my best wishes go out to the poor people that are suffering through the horrific bushfires that need the rain more than we do. So once again the good old trolling and covering as much ground proved to be the best technique. The hero lure for me this week while trolling was without a doubt the new Samaki Redic 50mm jerkbaits. This little minnow absolutely fired for me particularly in the crystal prawn colour and even more so bright orange coral trout colour. The lures caught a heap of fish and different species which included Flatties, Whiting, Bream, Flounder and wait for it Mullet. Mullet are not a renowned lure taker but they were smashing the lures and although they are not regarded as a great eating fish they are good fun and are a great fighting on light gear.”

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

“Windy week with strong Northerlies followed by a Southerly change. Luckily the fish were still hungry in Nerang River and at Tweed River with plenty of quality Flathead, Grunter, and Whiting caught on Ecogear Zx’s, and trolling with Samaki Redic 50’s and Pontoon 21 crackjacks. The forecast this week is strengthening Northerlies until Wednesday then another S/SE change coming through then wind hopefully easing on Friday. Morning high tides and big run outs over the next few days, good for Flathead fishing throughout the river systems.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports

“The Dolphin Fish fishing has been great as always with also some good weather making life easier, try using live baits and using cubes of pilchards whilst on the reefs still try for Snapper, Kingfish and Amberjacks.”

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