Weekend Weather Overview

After a pleasant weekend, the week on the Gold and Tweed Coasts started with some much-needed rain. Although the rainfall was less than expected, the runoff is anticipated to positively impact local waterways. Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday appears to be the optimal day with a small offshore swell and light NE winds, transitioning to N/NE later. Stay updated with the latest weather forecast before heading out.

Inshore Fishing Opportunities

The recent rain is beneficial for the rivers and estuaries, providing a flush-out effect. This stirs up bait, attracting various species like Trevally, Tailor, Grunter, Bream, Tarwhine, Jewfish, and Moses Perch. Focus on river and canal entrances, moving up main channels in search of bait schools. Use a mix of lures, including Soft Plastics, Vibes, Micro Jigs, and Metal Slugs. Fishing at the current lines where dirty water meets clean water can be productive, especially during tide transitions.

Offshore Fishing Highlights

Offshore fishing has been fruitful with the current easing back, allowing for successful bottom fishing on the wider reefs. The 36 and 50 fathom reefs have seen good catches of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tusk Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amber Jack, and Samson. Fads are holding Dolphin Fish. Best baits include live bait, WA Pilchards, Squid, Bonito Fillet, and Mullet Fillet. Early starts are crucial for offshore trips.

Mangrove Jack and Warm Weather

With warming weather, targeting Mangrove Jack becomes a good option. Look for structure in areas like the Tweed River, Nerang River, and Coomera River System. Live baits such as Herring, Silver Biddies, and Mullet work well, while lure enthusiasts can experiment with soft plastics, hard body lures, and surface walkers.

Mud Crabbing Post-Rain

After recent rain, consider throwing in crab pots for Mud Crabs, particularly in the upper reaches of local rivers. Fresh bait like Whole Mullet, Fish Frames, and Chicken pieces are effective. The rain may stimulate crab movement, providing a chance for a successful crabbing session.

Quotes from the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports

“The early mornings began with sounding some deep holes around the tide changes and I must admit they were pretty quiet, but we did manage to deep water jig a few Flatties and a few Jewies. The next technique on the agenda was to start some trolling with pontoon 21 crackjacks, hurricane slams and samaki redic df 50 jerkbaits depending on the depth profiles of the river. These 3 lures all dive to a slightly different depths and I like to match the lures to the depth of the areas i am trolling so that they are always tapping and skimming across the bottom. It is vital that your lures are hitting the bottom especially if you are targeting Flathead, Bream and Whiting which we also caught this week.“

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

“Quality Whiting again this week, plus school Flathead, Spotted Grunter, Barred Grunter, and a few Giant and Tealeaf Trevally. We mostly fished the middle area of Nerang River and the Southern end of the Broadwater where there is large schools of Winter Whiting which readily attack prawn blades including Ecogear ZX’s and TT switchprawns. For the Sand Whiting and Flathead Samaki Redic 50 lures have been deadly. The best colours were coral trout and gold assassin. Each time there is a S/SE wind change the water cools a few degrees. It looks like more showers and storms on the way this week, which is good. It staves off drought and fire risk, and flushed and fires up the river fishing. We have neap phase of the moon this week, then lead up to full moon which is 27 November.”

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