Staff member, Scotty, with an 86cm snapper from a catch of many fine fish this week.

A Mid-Winter Polar Blast Heading Our Way

The weather over the past week was wetter than expected initially, and then the wind eased faster than forecast. Good news in some respect, but nonetheless frustrating for those attempting to plan fishing and camping trips in advance. You won’t hear too many complaints from those that avoided work this week though, as the last few days were very appealing to boaties and fishos alike.

No doubt some folks pulled sickies today, that are already well on their way to esky-filling missions all over the bay and beyond. This morning’s light southerly will tend northerly-westerly this afternoon and remain quite light. Saturday morning will dawn a tad cooler as a gentle south-wester of around 10 knots kicks off a potentially extended period dominated by winds from that direction. A slow-moving low in the Tasman, combining with a slowly north-bound high in the bight are set to crank up the chill factor down south and spill that dry cold ex-Antarctic air into Queensland.

That south-wester will increase through the day to 20 knots by Saturday night and will plunge the mercury, so sleep-ins are likely all-round Sunday morning. Last night’s forecast for Sunday changed dramatically, from an early south-wester dropping out, to a sustained 15-20 knot south-wester, when re-checked this morning. Should that breeze actually drop out, then there will be many eager boaties hitting the water late to enjoy the calm conditions Sunday afternoon (for one last crack at a snapper perhaps). Seems unlikely at this stage though, so monitor the ever-changing forecasts and make the call late if applicable.

The working week looks like starting out windy and cold, and staying that way for the duration. 15-20 knot south-westerly winds are set to dominate the whole week, and those winds may even strengthen further at times. The wind chill factor will be significant, especially for we warmth-loving Queenslanders. Clouds will be scarce after this weekend, and rain simply won’t be an issue. 

Neap tides at present will start to make again after the first quarter moon phase this Sunday. There will be stuff-all run in the tide for the next couple of days – barely a metre of variation during the afternoon/evening. If we are blown out and restrained inshore or within our estuaries over coming days, then no big loss. Hopefully there will be better weather for better tides in a week’s time.

Local fisho, Deano, risked frost bite down Bathurst way and was rewarded with this chunky 90cm murray cod.

This young fella was happy with this squire caught with Tri from Fraser Guided Fishing Charters.

Nathan Lingard did the miles with his old man and came up trumps with this nice red emperor.

Snapper and Pearl Perch Closure Imminent

If you haven’t been out and caught a Hervey Bay snapper as yet, then you have until midnight Sunday night in which to do so. At that time, as of the 15th July, both snapper and pearl perch will be off limits for a calendar month. This annual closure was initiated by Qld Fisheries in recent years to help recover snapper and pearl perch stocks by protecting both species during their key spawning period.

We can all do our bit for the future of these species by taking measures to avoid them during the closure. Sure enough, there will be accidental captures at times, but interactions can be limited dramatically by simply avoiding their likely hangouts and seeking alternative species via techniques that appeal less to the snapper and pearlies. That can be a tough ask offshore – particularly for those new to deep-dropping strategies - but is a relatively simple one in the bay. (Obviously there are no pearlies in Hervey Bay itself, as they are an offshore-only species). 

Experienced skippers will know their fishing grounds well, and know what it takes to catch snapper and pearlies. They will therefore know where to avoid and what techniques to avoid. Bait fishos can limit float-lining techniques and fish harder to the bottom for other species. Whilst those favouring lures can fish heavier jig heads and heavier leaders (in the bay at least) and lessen their chances of attracting snapper. Such technique changes will likely see other reef species caught, as they are at any time.

Any snapper caught accidentally should be released unharmed immediately. We simply aren’t naïve enough to believe that everyone will do the right thing and avoid fishing for snapper, but we can hope. No doubt there will be folks that think they are doing no harm by targeting bay snapper during this closure for catch and release purposes, who will hold back their brag shots until after the 15th August. In reality, they have likely upset spawning fish and risked shark depredation at a critical time. Snapper require our help if that fishery is to recover. You only need to assess the dramatic decline in local catches nowadays compared to times of the past to see why there is such concern over the species’ future. Do your bit, and hopefully, one day, our snapper fishery might bounce back to something similar to its former glory.

Scotty took Joey for a snapper session this week and the boys caught plenty of fish over 70cm that they were happy to throw back.

Another fine snapper for Joey. The boys enjoyed a great session and are now happy to target other species until after 15th August.

Pearlies are off limits with the snapper for a month from the 15th. Ash and Chris will find plenty of alternatives to catch whilst deep dropping.

Reef Fishing Alternatives to Snapper and Pearlies

There is no denying that the imminent closure is frustrating, particularly at a proven prime time of the season. Fishing for alternative reef fish species over the coming month will still keep the family fed and your rods bent double, so all is not lost. The great run of red emperor from beyond the bay is just one facet of a great winter reef fishery, weather permitting. Nannygai, coral trout, sweetlip and a host of other prime-eating fish are out there in the northern bay and beyond.

Grunter have been largely bycatch for some folks whilst fishing for snapper in Platypus Bay and the central bay in recent times. So, they too can become target species outright and quickly fill the void in your esky left by the lack of snapper. They are every bit as tasty by the way, and fight equally as well. Grunter are bottom-dwellers more inclined to snaffle baits and lures worked close to the sea floor, so hook-ups to snapper can be avoided to some extent. Their tendency to skirt the reef fringes and feed best after dark has its similarities to snapper though, so admittedly, grunter hunters may struggle to avoid the knobbies altogether.

Recent nannygai catches inshore in the bay have declined when compared with the early autumn period. The waters north of the bay proper have produced much better specimens since then though, and the central bay and Platypus Bay regions also gave up a few. Masses of baitfish are now entrenched throughout much of the bay, so finding bait schools hovering above low-lying reef or weed out wide could see nannies featuring in your future catches.

Heavy jig heads attached to large prawn imitation softies have been coral trout lollies for many years in Hervey Bay. This is a good time to target larger trout north of the bay when the weather allows. Some will do so this weekend. The rest will have to wait out the south-westerly blow. Live baits fished hard to the bottom, close to the gnarlier coral reefs, will be pounced upon by trout, cod, spangos, reef jacks, and occasionally reds or nannies, all the while avoiding the snapper that cruise the wider fringes or above.

Simply fishing smaller baits, be they cut baits or squid pieces instead of whole fish or squid can reduce your chances of tempting larger knobbies and appeal to smaller reef species such as hussar, tusk fish and various perch. Hussar numbers increase in the northern bay at the Gutters and beyond at this time, and the tuskies etc also bite well right through winter. They may not offer the glitz and glamour of the more prestigious larger reefies and snapper, but they sure taste great and are welcome in most Hervey Bay reef fisho’s eskies these days.

Those staying closer inshore might repeat catches similar to those of late, that included a few decent sweeties, some very solid grunter, school mackerel and golden trevally. The goldies have returned to certain high-rise artificial structures and the schoolies have been terrorising the baitfish out around the banks. A little beacon-bashing can be productive at times through late winter as schoolies are drawn to the likes of yakkas and herring seeking refuge around the poles. Focus on the deeper beacons in clear water such as we have now.

Scotty's big grunter was welcomed aboard. Fish such as this happily crunch plastics fished close to the bottom.

Balin Whitford was happy with this nice trout.

Tusk fish such as this one from a Hot Reels charter are a handy alternative to snapper for those fishing the northern bay.

Plenty of Pelagics to Pursue 

The vast majority of the bay’s longtails are long gone, yet there is likely to be substantial numbers of trevally willing to snatch your next softie or jig dropped in the vicinity of northern bay reefs after this latest cold snap. For that matter, your live baits, whole fish or squid baits, and even those smaller baits mentioned above are all in jeopardy if the trevors are below your boat. The bait has arrived, and the trevally clans are typically hot on their tails. There will be many species on some reefs, whilst others are dominated by just the long-nosed variety out wide.

You might trip over the motherlode of trevally during a future northern bay adventure, so be prepared. Take the kids and make a fun day of it. Get them stretched on the bigger goldies, maybe a trophy diamond, some teen GTs or any number of brassies, bludgers, gold spots or turrum. Head for Wathumba or other bait-rich parts of Platypus Bay and mix it with many schools of smaller trevally. Get lucky and find those big goldies and diamonds and the kids will soon be groaning under the relentless thumping pressure of a big side-on trevor.

You never know, their next hook-up might even be to a giant cobia. There are numbers in the bay right now, and they will be with us for a while to come. Big cobes have featured amongst catches from the Gutters, off Rooneys and further south into the bay. These brutes grow ridiculously large and can pull some serious string when provoked. As mentioned in past reports, tackling cobia via the softly-softly approach can pay dividends and shorten the battle with a fish that could, and probably should, simply spool you on certain tackle.

Spanish mackerel are still about in enough numbers to make them viable targets. The northern bay reefs and grounds within the central bay have hosted a few in recent times. The Gutters, the 25 Fathom Hole area and the 6 Mile off Arch Cliffs are just a few areas that produced spaniards recently. The increased biomass of baitfish might just make them that bit harder to track down now, so trolling tactics might be worth considering if you are a fan.

Mac tuna numbers are quite obvious when traveling through Platypus Bay. There won’t be anyone up that way when this impending south-wester takes hold though. Forays up the western side of the bay might appeal to folks desperate for a fish over the next week, and if the tuna are scarce up that way, then they can always fall back on chasing school mackerel or queenfish.

Huge cobia are cruising Hervey Bay at present. This ripper came from a Hot Reels fishing charter a few weeks ago.

Nathan Bauer caught this solid golden trevally from the bay recently.

Focus on Winter Species in Our Estuaries

This latest cold snap will create a substantial challenge for anyone daring to catch our warm water loving estuary predators. Barra will be hard to tempt, as will jacks, yet threadfin salmon can be a lot more willing. They too will be very lethargic during expended periods of a tide, then seemingly abandon their lock jaw and feed well at the usual prime time. 

Soft vibes will tempt those found in deeper holes, whilst smaller prawn imitations will be almost mandatory to entice a bite from any threadies giving the jelly prawns a hard time. The creek systems of the Great Sandy Straits offer threadfin fans a greater chance of success at this time, though the Mary and Susan are also worth a look for those that know their winter thready fishery.

Numbers of blue salmon have been terrorising the baitfish around River Heads this week. Some are reasonably large too, so there is plenty of sporting opportunities right there. Blues would have to be one of the least fussy estuary predators you will encounter. They will eat all manner of lures, from softies and vibes worked through the water column, to hard bodies twitched hard over sunken snags, and divers that swim at various depths on the troll. It can be a rather messy and bloody affair dealing with blues, whether destined for a future meal or release. Their power and high-speed runs will impress, yet their eating qualities may not.

Blue salmon can be found further upriver too, and throughout much of the straits. Down that way, they share waters with queenfish, broadies and grunter as they mooch about up on the flats with a rising tide, then retreat to the channels and feast on the baitfish forced off with the receding tide. The week ahead should be a big one for blue salmon fans, particularly as the making tides get some speed and size about them.

This coming week will be a significant one for bream fans too. Such a cold snap during their spawning run will have them on the chew big-time. The south-wester will deny fishos access to more exposed waters, yet the straits and the lower Mary will be worth a look, as will the lower Burrum. The bay islands have a population of bream that have gathered recently, and they have been reasonably easy to tempt into taking a lure. Much protection is offered by Woody Island and to a lesser extent the other smaller bay islands, so if the wind isn’t too much to handle getting there, then an option exists for a little island-hopping bream action this week.

Launching at Gatakers Bay might appeal to others chasing bream. They are due to go crazy over the close reefs along there and are some chance of being caught in significant numbers. A berley trail and float-lined baits - akin to miniature snapper fishing perhaps - can be super deadly. Enough large bream of a kilo or so can get in on the act too, so be prepared for a scrappy battle or two on the light gear. The coral is very unforgiving. Lure fishos will find the pike frustrating if attempting to catch bream in those waters. Add the chance of tailor and schoolies, and a day spent in close, not far from the ramp and sheltered from the wind might be quite interesting.

Back to the straits again, and we must mention the chances of school jew and small trevally along some of the deeper ledges. Catches of tailor from deeper water down that way should come as no surprise either. Tiger and pencil squid are possible too, so ensure you have squid jigs handy should you venture into the straits. Other than that, time spent seeking flathead from the many creeks along Fraser’s western shores would be time well spent. You might find a few in the mainland creeks too, but over along Fraser has proven most productive of late.

Those fishing the Burrum system have plenty of bream on offer, and quite a few flathead too (without needing to go too far upstream). There were quality whiting biting well over the bigger tides a week ago, and a few random grunter were also caught over that set of darks. Tailor will return for the next full moon period most likely, whilst in the meantime, the system’s blue salmon population upstream can be entertaining. A jewfish is some chance from Buxton Hole, the mouth of the Isis or other deep holes further upstream for those willing to put in the effort.

Deano had no trouble ticking a successful bream session off his winter to-do list.

Flathead are about to hit their straps. Tri from Fraser Guided Fishing put his clients onto some rippers recently.

Encouraging Early Tailor Catches on Fraser

Word from one of our regulars is that the fishing post-blow over on Fraser Island has been great. A bag limit of chopper tailor was achieved just yesterday in a fish-a-cast bite. The tailor have been consistent, yet somewhat mobile, in recent days. They have been biting well for up to an hour or so, then disappearing altogether. Well-formed gutters in the central stretch of the island is where the action has been for this one crew at least.

Whilst some of the choppers were as small as 30cm, their average fish were around the 40cm mark. Enough 45cm fish were in the mix to keep them keen and a few went a tad bigger again. The humble gang-rigged pillies were all that was required to get the bite happening, then out came the Halco Twisties when the bait was low and the tailor just kept coming. The bite was over as quickly as it started in a given gutter, so, when necessary, a move was called for and the process started over again. The incoming tide proved most successful over recent days.

Word from the same fisho a week ago featured in last week’s report, and mention of a return of weed to the eastern beach courtesy of the south-easterly blow at the time was thankfully a short-lived affair. The weed has pushed back out again, and the island’s gutters through the central stretch are once again weed-free. Great news!

Interestingly, the pippies that were so prolific pre-blow, were much harder to find after the heavy surf post-blow. You can scrounge up enough for bait still, but it just takes longer. The worming isn’t too bad again, after being quite challenging during spells of rain and heavy weather. 

The whiting fishing picked up after the blow too which was a bonus, particularly as the tides had started to decline. The whiting were of much better-quality too. Large dart continued to entertain and feed the crew and quite a few were real stonkers, caught in many cases on pillies aimed at tailor. Tarwhine catches were sporadic, yet notable, from sandy gutters devoid of rock. Should rock-strewn gutters be fished in the future, then tarwhine and bream might be expected.

Chris Byrnes with a brace of large dart from Fraser. If you knew how big Chris is, you would appreciate just how big these dart are.

Chris' better half with some fine whiting from a shallow gutter on Fraser's eastern beach.

Fairly Quiet at the Pier

The fishing has been quite lack-lustre on the Urangan Pier this week. There is loads of baitfish, yet the pelagic action has been fairly minimal. Undersized spanish and small schoolies were caught, and queenfish spotted at least, yet the chances of decent spaniards exists as does the revisit of marauding schools of mack tuna. Bream fishing will appeal to those willing to rug up to beat the wind next week, as will a spot of flathead fishing in the first channel.

Apparently, there were a few whiting caught from our town beaches over the recent dark moon. Fishing the evening being necessary in such clear water. A better class of bream were possible, particularly when efforts were focussed around near-shore rocky outcrops such as Torquay Rocks, the groynes and Pialba. Bream fishing from the rocks from there to Gatakers can be entertaining, and potentially frustrating. Bait fishos will be on a steep learning curve when it comes to sinkers and snag-ups, whilst lure fishos need to get their timing right and get the bigger breams’ heads up if they are to avoid being trashed amongst the coral and rocks.

Those venturing into our local creeks found flathead willing to scoff softies or shallow diving hard bodies. Not big numbers after the relentless pressure of the school holidays, but an odd fish or two – just enough to warrant the effort and a little exercise. A few bonus grunter for beach fishos up near the Burrum were interesting and something those lucky folks will be keen to repeat. Westerly winds this week will give shore-based fishos a better than even chance at tiger squid from several rocky or structure-strewn spots too, so even if not planning to go look for squid, perhaps ensure you have squid jigs with you just in case.

Good luck out there y’all …… Jase

Deej headed for Stanage Bay and had to contend with some less-than-ideal weather to get a feed of reefies.

RTEs featured in Lee's catch from off Waddy Point.

Make sure you get MORE fishing updates by scanning the QR code below: