Sunshine Coast Fishing Report | Thursday 20 April 2023

Welcome to this week’s Sunshine Coast Fishing Report. After a relatively good run over the past few weeks, weather conditions for the weekend and into next week are not looking great, with rain, wind and swell predicted. The last week has seen some good catches both offshore and inshore, with some nice prawns and crabs about too.

Offshore

The recent run of nice weather has resulted in great offshore conditions and big catches. Smithy’s Fishing Charters at Mooloolaba reported that Mahi Mahi catches have been excellent lately, with the government FADs continuing to be productive. Spotty Mackerel have remained consistent from Coolum to Noosa, while mixed tuna schools have also been reported from Bribie Island to Noosa. Black Marlin have been caught at the 18-mile mark, while good catches of Hussar and Tuskfish have been reported on the Barwon Banks, and Amberjack and Hussar at the Hards

Glen from Deep End Fishing Charters advised that fishing has been good over the weekend, with many reef fish caught, including Cobia and a few Mackerel and Mahi Mahi still about. In the shop, fishos have also reported offshore catches of Grassy Sweetip, Coral Trout, Pearl Perch and Snapper.

Harry with his epic Threadfin Salmon caught on a Holt Productions Swimminnow

Estuary

Flathead and Bream continue to be active in the Noosa, Marooochy, Mooloolah Rivers, with big Mangrove Jacks caught in Stummers Creek and the Maroochy River. As the water cools down, Jacks will be harder to catch, so if that’s what you're chasing time is running out. There has been some Whiting caught around Chambers Island and around the sandbar at the Muller Park boat ramp on live beach worms. GTs and Diamond Trevally are still being caught in good numbers, with some great catches taken in the lower reaches of the Noosa and Maroochy river. Cale Cale have also started to make an appearance.

For those who fish soft plastics, Try Gobblers Lures 4” Paddle Tails or the new 2.6” Shrimp, Pro Lure Fishtail or Clone Prawns, otherwise pillies, prawns or beach worms should get the job done.

A nice Diamond Trevally measuring 60cm was caught by Brayth near Dunethin Rock

Beach

Dart and Bream catches have been good, with some nice Jewfish also about. If you’re fishing with baits, there’s been reports of lots of sharks and rays about as well as fish. If you fancy a fight with a stingray or shark, make sure your gear is heavy enough! A rod designed for beach fishing like the Atomic Arrowz Beach Series would be our recommendation, with a decent size Penn or reel to match.

We hope you have a great weekend of fishing and we'll see you again next week with our latest fishing report. Remember to drop in and see us at 311 David Low Way in Bli Bli, or check us out online at baitmasterfishing.com.au.

Tight lines!

Trent and Corinne

Bait Master Fishing and Tackle