Dane with just one of many flatties caught whilst fishing the flats and channels of western Fraser Island a couple of weeks ago.

Spring Has Arrived Early

My apologies for the 3-week hiatus from providing you with our usual weekly fishing report. Our Mega Garage Sale got in the way a couple of weeks ago. It was a huge success thanks to you good folks and your ongoing support by the way – so a big thank you for that! A week of illness and a week off for your scribe back-to-back fell at a time when so much was happening on the local fishing front, so there is plenty to catch up on and plenty to report this week.

Firstly though; the weather. Struth! Hasn’t there been some weather. Unseasonal rains in August brought “below minor level” flooding to local streams and raised the water levels in our impoundments. Extended periods of exceptionally light winds and calm seas were welcomed by all; that turned out to be the precursor to what has been a record-breaking warm spell for our part of the world. Right now, it is very warm with an out-of-season heatwave, yet it is still technically winter, apparently.

For those considering their fishing or boating options over the coming week, a mere glance at the forecast will disappoint many and perhaps excite a few others. The north-westerly wind is dominating the local weather-scene at present, and there will be no change this weekend. The north-wester will crank up to 20 knots today and Saturday will be a carbon copy. Father’s Day, Sunday, will be much the same, with the breeze tending more due north later in the day. It will be bright and sunny, and quite warm, so a great day for a BBQ or a little shore-based fishing or perhaps a boating sortie with dad in a local estuary or impoundment.

That very same north-westerly wind will prevail right through Monday, until a dramatic (yet supposedly dry) south-easterly change blows through some time Tuesday morning. Expect up to 25 knots beyond that change that will ease quite rapidly a day or two later. Better weather and boating conditions, with a lighter onshore breeze, can be looked forward to thereafter (we hope).

The tides are building right now, as we approach next Tuesday’s new moon. It is a shame it is so windy, as there will be plenty of fish keen to feed up over the coming tides. Make the most of the excellent shore-based options or head for the local creeks, rivers or impoundments until better weather offers access to the bay and beyond later next week.

Read on for a recap of the fishing from the past few weeks, with a few tips and suggestions for your week ahead.

Plenty of Action Along Our Local Beaches

Hints within fishing reports a few weeks ago alluded to the burgeoning whiting fishery that was set to unfold on our doorstep. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and many will concur that the whiting have shown up in numbers and many are enjoying regular catches. The Urangan Pier is a very popular platform for whiting fishos keen to avoid the sand and fish from a lofty height in comfort. You haven’t had to walk far either, with most of the whiting action coming from the first 100m of the pier.

That has been just one hot spot for whiting in recent weeks though, with plenty of fish falling to the usual yabbie or worm baits tossed out from the rock groynes to the west of the pier and from the Shelley Beach strip. There has been a few down Urangan way too, and a few up along Pialba beach. The local creeks flushed with localised run-off spewed fodder onto the adjacent flats and added just enough colour for the whiting to feed comfortably during daylight hours. 

Having said that, the best bite has been a nocturnal one for the past fortnight when it comes to town beach and Urangan Pier whiting. Expect an improved daytime bite over this new moon period, as the north wind pounds our north-facing beaches and creates prime feeding opportunities and turbid waters in which the whiting will feed. Fish the last half of the flood tide and early ebb for best results.

It hasn’t been just the whiting keeping landlubbers entertained recently. Minor localised run-off in our creeks has really kicked the flatties into top gear and they have been ambushing baitfish (and whiting) flushed down from upstream. Beelbi Creek at Toogoom has been a standout, yet Eli and O’Regans have had their moments too. There has also been a handy run of small GTs up Toogoom way that has entertained plenty of kids with their vicious hits and thumping fights bending light rods well and truly double.

The Booral Flats have offered a very special opportunity for anyone geared-up to fish that muddy terrain. Whiting and flathead have been the mainstays of late, yet grunter, salmon and sharks have also been possible. The north-west wind blows slightly offshore down that way, and with the chance of fish displaced by dirty water in the Mary system heading north-bound, there could be a few surprise captures for those working shallow lures or live baits during the early flood tide.

Urangan Pier Hosting a Plethora of Pelagics

Whilst whiting have been the drawcard for many fishos wandering the Urangan Pier after dark recently, there has been a variety of pelagics on offer for those with a little heavier tackle. A short walk to the first channel was all it took to encounter schools of marauding mack tuna some days. Queenfish also cruised the first channel and the sandbank when the tide was high. Both species were apparently keener on smaller baitfish such as hardy heads than herring, so were a little frustrating to watch for those that struggled to secure the right offering in the bait department.

Out the deep end, it has been a mixture of small tailor and plenty of mackerel. Schoolies have been caught in numbers some days, falling to the usual Flasha Spoons or a gang-rigged live bait. Broad-barred mackerel have also been turning up regularly, as have a few spanish mackerel. There have been a few undersized fish from each of the mackerel clans at times, so careful handling (and no gaffing) has been necessary to ensure these fish are released in good condition. Not all have been small fish though, as the fisho that caught the 17 kilo spaniard can attest.

Flathead have been a worthy target species from both the first channel and the slope of the sandbank out the end. Live baits have been their undoing, as usual, with pike boosting the confidence of any flathead fan. Not everyone is adept at catching pike though, so the standard pier lolly, the humble herring, is a great alternative. There has been plenty of herring seeking shelter along the pier of late, hence the increased pelagic action.

Pier-based bream fishos have had the best of their season, though they can persist and still reasonably expect to catch a few. This winter certainly wasn’t any record-breaker on the bream front, but enough big fish challenged the locals and visitors to keep them coming back during the peak larger tides. Any future forays might best be focussed on after dark, and within a matter of weeks, such efforts will likely prove fruitless. Those bream don’t just dissolve of course, so beach fishos and those fishing the mouths of our estuaries or local flats might enjoy some great bream sessions in coming weeks.

Exceptional Flats Fishing Set to Continue

Speaking of the flats fishing, if you didn’t take up the option to fish the skinny water over the past few weeks then you really missed out on some special fishing. The flats fronting Fraser’s western shores really turned it on, south of Moon Point, with whiting, bream and flathead abundant and hungry on the right tides. 

Fun sessions unfolded for many regular flats fishos and a few new to this aspect of our sport. Arming yourself with a couple of light spin outfits capable of delivering anything from the tiniest of lures for whiting and bream to what is an increasingly popular trend of oversized lures for flatties, has enabled a savvy flats fisho to mix it with all species in a variety of ways and test their skills amongst great numbers of fish.

Bigger tides such as these right now offer the perfect opportunity to work the flats in two primary ways. Firstly, fishing ultra-light for the whiting and bream when the tide is high, and secondly, beefing up the tackle slightly to take on the flathead, the queenies, the trevally, the blue salmon and the grunter when the tide is lower. Sight-fishing to big flathead with larger ultra-shallow-diving hardbodies and swimbaits has been giving a few fishos a thrill, whilst the standard softies and appropriately weighted jig heads have accounted for numbers for others.

With a bit of dirty water spewing from the Mary River, Fraser’s western flats and the Great Sandy Straits are prime for even more substantial predators to join the humble bread’n’butter species on our flats. You might find trevally and queenfish, mackerel and tailor, around the bay islands, with the chance of grunter or blue salmon at times. Head further south into the straits and your chances of hooking grunter and blues has grown substantially, and you can still enjoy a round or two with skinny water pelagics.

Barramundi fans have the opportunity to mix it with their favourite species from not only the creeks of the straits, but increasingly from the flats down that way too. They may not venture too far from a favoured creek system or a source of mullet, so focus your efforts around the mouths of such creeks and larger snake drains feeding on and off the flats. Obviously threadies can be found in similar environs. Side-scanning sounder technology makes the whole task a little too easy these days – if you know how to read the water and where to start looking.

The late winter sand whiting fishery hit top gear a couple of weeks ago, as we suggested it might. Local whiting fans, some usually more accustomed to much larger quarry, dusted off the light noodle rods and went pumping yabbies on afternoon low tides in readiness for evening sessions on their beloved ‘ting. Bag limits were achieved by those that have history in the fishery; some even sharing their knowledge and spots with new chums. This north-wester is a tad too strong for even the keenest of that fraternity to venture out over this new moon, and I am sure they are cursing the missed opportunity. They will get another chance as the full moon approaches in a fortnight.

A Minor Fresh in Our Rivers Was Very Untimely

I tipped over 130mm out of my rain gauge here in town following that unseasonal rain event a couple of weeks ago, and would hazard a guess that others tipped out even more elsewhere. Such rains are largely unprecedented in August and ‘upset the apple cart’ somewhat for we keen river fishos. We can all lament the renewed dirty water and curse the opportunities denied by such an event; though we might as well look forward to what positives it may mean for our estuary scene, and alter our future assaults to make the most of the new scenario.

It should be clearing waters and increasing numbers of larger predators such as barra and threadies moving further upstream at this time of year – but it’s not. These recent rains have changed that. Whilst there will still be fish well upriver for those keen to find them, the vastly easier approach will be to fish the lower reaches and the straits in lieu. At present, the waters around River Heads are only filthy during the latter half of the ebb tide and early flood. Prime time for targeting the abovementioned species you might say (and be right), yet now you will need to reconsider your timing if you are a dedicated lure fisho.

The River Heads area has been very interesting recently. The tailor and mackerel turned up on que and were caught quite regularly by land-based fishos spinning spoons and other metals from the rocks. Few of the initial run of these species have been of legal size, but better fish will turn up. They are inclined to make near-shore raids when the tide is high and the waters clearer, feasting on baitfish sheltering near the rocks after being dislodged from upriver.

The blue salmon schools have been highly mobile and will move through various water qualities from the clearest to the most turbid. Diving birds along an obvious current line can give away their presence in open stretches of the lower river at times, yet it is their tendency to mooch up onto the flats with a rising tide that makes pursuing them more appealing. 

Some thumping big blues call the Great Sandy Straits home right now; some of which will simply blow you away on tackle too light for the task. Fish to a metre are manageable, but bigger than that, they are a true challenge. Few get to witness, let alone hook such beastly blues, so if that is you in the near future, then don’t panic when they explode on your lure and unload line like a mega-pelagic (and hope your leader handles the battle).

The fresh in the river has drawn a number of threadfin salmon to the lower reaches of the Mary and Susan rivers. Seek them out around drains during the lower stages of the ebb tide, or spend a little time working the rock bars and major points not far from River Heads. Prawn imitation softies, smaller shallow-diving hardbodies and soft vibes will all tempt them. What lure to use where and when should be fairly straight-forward. Some of these threadies will be big, yet at this time, there can be a lot of rats of a mere 60-80cm doing the rounds.

Grunter are also a chance from the River Heads area. Land-based fishos might even connect to the odd one. Boaties working gravelly/rocky areas such as South Head, the big gutters nearby, or the waters beyond the river mouth, are just some that might encounter quality grunter. Those heading down the straits might have an even better chance. Schools of grunter will often join the blue salmon, as they await the rising tide so they can push up onto the flats. You would think the dirty water will only aid them in such pursuits.

Word from those fishing Kingfisher Bay Resort’s jetty recently reflect the substantial improvement in fishing that occurs at a site positioned such that it is; beyond the direct influence of the muddied Mary. Fishing the low tide period has seen the numbers of flathead caught increase, and if such a tide coincides with dawn or dusk, then jewies joined the fray. At high tide, it was all about the pelagics, with undersized spaniards, legal schoolies and yellowtail kingfish tearing the local baitfish a new one.

No word of the fishing in the Burrum system at present. Lenthalls Dam was over-topped by recent rains, so a plume of fresh has once again made its way down river. That dirty water has made it the heads and beyond, creating a green water effect beyond the river. No doubt this event has spurred the local barra population into some substantial movements, so there will be many interesting times on those rivers in coming weeks.

Indeed, this heat we are experiencing right now, coupled with a fresh in the rivers, should have the local barra gurus’ casting arms twitching. The extra flow around the new moon might make it a little more challenging for lure fishos, though those locals living out there on the river will be gathering live baits for a session or two for sure. The mangrove jacks residing within those rivers must be enjoying this warmth too, so their spring season has possibly kicked off to an early start.

Quality Snapper Snared Inshore Since Season Opened

We didn’t need to build the hype surrounding the opening of the snapper season mid-August. Those in the know were well attuned and pounced on their earliest opportunities to get amongst them. From memory, the season opener was a blowy one initially, yet thereafter, there has been many fish caught from several days of better weather.

Inshore hotspots such as the usual artificial reefs and ledges produced a few quality knobbies, but it was the better numbers in Platypus Bay and the central bay that really turned it on. Sessions dancing softies around yakka schools or obvious snapper shows on sounder screens resulting in some excellent fishing for a few local fishos. Double hook-ups were reported by a few crews, and many had to throw back more fish than they kept, due to size constraints and bag/boat limits. Most managed to avoid the dreaded noahs; indicative of this time of year. Thankfully, the sharks haven’t been as bad inshore this winter as they have in past winters. Let’s hope it stays that way!

Quality grunter have been caught from the usual inshore haunts over recent weeks. The Burrum 8 Mile and the grounds to the east there-of being just some. Larger-than-usual sweetlip are still the standard on the grassy sweetlip scene inshore. No big numbers, but bigger fish on average. Trout have been fairly lack lustre, but that will all change reasonably soon as our inshore waters warm.

Schools of golden trevally have been frequenting the inshore wrecks and artificial reefs, as they do. A jig or a well-presented softie will soon tempt them if they are in the mood. If they aren’t, it will be obvious; numbers of arches on the screen and no takers. Come back at a different stage of the tide or alter your offerings. If all else fails, drop a small prawn imitation to them. If they ignore that, then move on.

School mackerel numbers are swelling in the lower bay, yet they are still relatively scattered. There is enough lurking in the vicinity of the NU2 and the Bait Grounds to offer those not keen on venturing too far out a crack at them, otherwise a trip to the Outer Banks, the Fairway or the Burrum 8 Mile might be on the cards. The schoolies will cruise through our shipping channels as they seek out the herring inshore, just as they will home in on the bait-laden reefs further up the bay. There should be plenty of schoolies on offer after this weather eases.

There has been a few spaniards hanging with the schoolies as well. Packs of small, undersized fish can be a nuisance, whilst some much larger specimens, quite often predating on the schoolies themselves, can be found with a little effort. The 6 Mile off Arch Cliffs is just one site worth considering, whilst so many other central bay spots, lousy with yakkas in big numbers, can host large spaniards for extended periods. 

There are a few random mac tuna schools doing the rounds up the island, yet no talk of longtails. By the way, heading for Inskip Point and the channel between it and the southern extremity of Fraser used to be a ‘thing’ over the years for those chasing large longtails in August. Not sure if they turned up this season, but if they did, then chances are there were a few stray cobia in the area as well.

Teasing Talk from Offshore Fishos

No-one is heading offshore this weekend, with the first opportunity likely late next week. All the same, we might as well take a look back at catches from recent weeks – just as a teaser. Spells of exceptional weather not that long ago enabled many crews to head far and wide. Some went deep-dropping and scored very well. There were the usual flamies and other members of the jobfish clan, plenty of pearlies and snapper, and a few random bar cod caught from the usual depths to 250m. At least one crew that ventured slightly deeper and plumped the depths around 400m found alfonsinos, and were stoked to do so, as were all and sundry that got to enjoy those delicacies on the plate when they got home.

The shoal country east of Breaksea Spit was productive for crews targeting reef fish. Sharks were an issue, but not everywhere. Focused on depths of around 50-60m, some very nice hauls of mixed reefies graced large eskies, with venus tusk fish leading the charge, followed by red throats, snapper, maoris, coronation trout, hussar and other ‘sweetlip’. Cobia featured in the odd bottom-bashing session too, but time spent purposely pursuing pelagics proved most productive.

The list of pelagics from recent weeks is expansive. From the Sandy Cape Shoals and Spit Bombie grounds, there were GTs and spaniards caught on topwater, whilst out wider along the shelf line, there were mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna and wahoo on the prowl. Some of the wahoo even made their way “inshore” to the grounds of the far northern bay, apparently. 

Our offshore billfish season has kicked off and there have been some fine captures already. None topping the 330kg blue marlin caught wide of the 13 Mile trolling a large pusher. There will be increasing numbers of marlin caught in coming weeks, and within a month or so, the bay might get its first visit from some baby blacks. Who knows, this warmer weather might see them turn up earlier than usual this year. 

In the meantime, it is prime time for sailfish at the top end of Breaksea Spit, so anyone keen to do battle with the fastest fish on the planet can gear up and potentially do so as soon as this weather breaks. Sails are capable of speeds of almost 110km/hr by the way, so envisage hooking a passing truck on the highway and you will understand why you need top notch tackle with ultra smooth drag systems to handle these critters. 

Start your search somewhere east of the 13 Mile, not that wide of the bar, and ensure your spread includes a mix of smaller skirts (or go the swimming or skipping garfish options). Veritable wolf packs of sails made those waters famous in years gone by, yet for some reason, the modern fisho doesn’t seem to put the time or effort in at the right time any more. Perhaps all the billfish fans are waiting for the bay blacks a month later these days, eh?

Fraser Island Surf Scene Going Off!

“The best tailor fishing in decades” was a statement a Fraser Island regular made recently when describing the state of play on the island. Well-formed gutters and abundant baitfish have drawn the tailor in close and the fishing has been excellent of late. This hasn’t been the case for the whole of the past three weeks though, with periods of minimal activity due to onshore winds and rough seas limiting catches not that long ago.

When the tailor are on the chew, many simply focus on them at the appropriate times and rest up in between sessions. Fishos keener to sample the best the island offers, spend time seeking other quarry and are often rewarded for their efforts. Just lately, there has been a mix of whiting, bream, tarwhine and dart on offer for those on the move and willing to try different styles of gutter. Such fishos will carry multiple outfits, to be ready for allcomers. 

There has been a handy run of GTs to a few kilos stretching lines through the surf for a few weeks now. Longtail tuna scorched the odd fisho focussed on the southern end of the island, whilst a couple of solid fish were landed by some lucky lads. The headlands and surrounds are still closed to all forms of fishing and will be until the end of next month. With any luck we will get some more specific reports from surf fishos returning from recent forays to share with you in future reports, but for now, from what we know, it is looking sensational over there and there are fish galore.

No doubt many folks will be turning their attention to the impoundments this spring (and this weekend going on the weather) in pursuit of the mighty barramundi. Regular diehards such as yours truly that fished Mondy all winter (and loved it) will lament the loss of tranquillity and a largely vacant lake and have to contend with the ramp chaos and crowds on the water in the future. With such big fish on offer these days, there are expectations for huge numbers of visitors, so time will tell as to how the barra react to excessive traffic. I’ve waffled on too much already in this week’s report and probably bored you all senseless by now, so will offer a few tips and the latest observations from key lakes in future fishing reports. 

Good luck out there y’all …… Jase

Staff member Scotty now offers on-water training!

JUNIOR WHITING FISHING COMPETITION - FREE ENTRY

When: Saturday 21st September 8am 
Where: Lower Dayman Park Urangan 
Prizes to be won: 3 categories - Under 8's, Under 12's & Under 16's
What to Bring:  Your Smiles, Fishing Rod/Reel, Tackle, Bait, Bucket, Hat, Sunscreen & Water Bottles. 

ALL CHILDREN MUST REGISTER BY RINGING MARG ON 0407600119 PLEASE.
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT, WHO MUST STAY BY THEIR SIDE.

FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE AROUND 11AM, AND THEN PRIZE PRESENTATIONS

We will have our club members on hand for older children to learn how to rig a fishing line with tackle.  

Come join us for some fun, bring your imaginations and sense of adventure.          

    

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