Christmas Storm Chaos and Fishing Success: Navigating the Gold Coast Waters 

The weather took a wild turn on Christmas Day, starting pleasantly but ending with a massive storm wreaking havoc across the Gold Coast. The aftermath left locals with significant damage and a massive cleanup on Boxing Day. As stormy conditions persist this festive season, it’s crucial to stay updated on the weather for a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Despite the challenges, those who ventured out on the water over Christmas managed to land a satisfying feed. As we approach the weekend, showers linger, and a South Easterly wind is expected to pick up on Saturday afternoon, easing on Sunday and shifting more easterly. With New Year’s approaching, be cautious of the increased waterway traffic, and prioritize safety on the water. Always check the latest weather forecast before setting out and let’s explore the recent catches.

Offshore Pursuits: Navigating Unsettled Weather:

For those considering an offshore adventure over the weekend, an early start is recommended to avoid potential unsettled weather, including storms in the afternoon. The 18 and 24 fathom reefs have yielded impressive hauls of Snapper, Trag Jew, Silver Jew, Moses Perch, Tusk Fish, Maori Cod, Spangled Emperor, and the occasional Spotted Mackerel. Heading south, Mermaid Reef, Palm Beach Reef, and the Gravel Patch have seen catches of Spotted Mackerel, with the occasional Spanish Mackerel. Casting metal slugs has proven effective, and for bait enthusiasts, WA Pilchards and Live Yakka’s are top choices. Offshore, chasing Dolphin Fish around the fads has been successful, while Little Black Marlin fishing has been quieter, requiring time and effort, especially when trolling skirted lures.

Mud Crab Bounty After Rainfall:

The recent rainfall has made Mud Crab hunting a rewarding endeavour around the Gold and Tweed Coast. The increased river flow has spurred crab activity, making them more inclined to feed. To optimize your catch, set pots in various positions from upriver to down towards the river entrance. Fresh chicken pieces, mullet, and fish frames are effective baits if placed in the right crab-rich spots. Explore locations such as the Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Coomera River, Pimpama River, The Never Fails, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Logan River, Russel Island, and Karra Garra Island for a successful crabbing experience.

Whiting Feeding Frenzy Under the Full Moon:

The favourable moon phase has created ideal conditions for Whiting fishing, especially during the full moon. Larger tides and increased river currents make it easier for Whiting to find food. Productive spots include the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, Nerang River, Wave Break Island, Crab Island, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Bedrooms, Tiger Mullet Channel, and the Logan River. Bloodworms, Beach Worms, and Yabbies are top bait choices, with nighttime sessions yielding better numbers of fish, including impressive catches ranging from 38 to 40cm. Daytime fishing remains a viable option, particularly for those looking to introduce younger kids to the joys of fishing.