Ryder caught this 45cm Mangrove Jack on a 5” forktail soft plastic @ryder_fishin

Sunshine Coast Fishing Report | Thursday 12 October 2023

Welcome to the Bait Master Fishing and Tackle weekly fishing report for the Sunshine Coast. Over the past week, we've seen a mix of activity across the Coast with a variety of catches reported. We are still hearing that it's pretty tough going out there, so persistence is key! Bucking the trend are Mangrove Jacks, which are out in force.

The weather is looking pretty good for fishing over the next week. Friday and Sunday are expected to be sunny with maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C, although there's a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm on Friday evening. Saturday will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain. As we move into next week, temperatures will continue to rise, reaching up to 31°C on Monday, with partly cloudy skies expected for most of the week. Winds will generally be north to northeasterly, shifting to southeasterly mid-week. UV levels are predicted to be very high throughout, so sun protection is a must.

Offshore is looking promising for anglers this weekend. On Friday, expect northerly winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots and seas reaching up to 2 metres. The weather is forecasted to be sunny, but there's a chance of a late afternoon thunderstorm. Moving on to Saturday, winds will be north to northeasterly at 15 to 20 knots, with seas around 1 to 1.5 metres. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a chance of a morning and afternoon thunderstorm. By Sunday evening, winds are forecast to pick up to 22 knots, with wave heights reaching 1.2 metres.

Sunday’s New Moon will hopefully mean better fishing. The New Moon is considered a favourable time for fishing as gravitational forces are stronger, leading to higher tides and increased water movement. This movement stirs up nutrients and baitfish, which in turn attracts larger fish, making them more active and easier to catch. The darker nights also provide less visibility, making fish less cautious and more likely to bite.

Eli caught his PB Jewfish this week, measuring 83cm. Well done mate!

Offshore fishos have reported some great catches over the past week. The Hards have been a hotspot for a variety of species, including Amberjack, Kingfish, Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tuskfish, and Hussar. The FADs are the go-to spot if you’re chasing Mahi Mahi, while Yellowfin Tuna have been spotted on the shelf. Closer inshore at Mooloolaba has seen Snapper and Cobia, with Flathead and Bream at the rocks walls at the mouth.

Estuary fishing continues to be a bit hit and miss. Mangrove Jacks are making their presence felt in the Maroochy River. The shop has been pumping over the last week with keen fishos looking for the best lure options to chase them. We’d recommend MMD Splash Prawns or the Pro Lure Fishtails. Live bait is also a great option for Jack. Try your luck around sunset when live bait is abundant. Whiting and Flathead have also been active, particularly along the north shore, inside the river mouth and at the entrance to Twin Waters. Trevally are frequenting the Cod Hole, while School Jew has been reported in the deeper holes.

In the canals, both Trevally and Mangrove Jack have been active. Cotton Tree has been a good spot for sizable Bream and smaller Whiting. If you’re looking to do some beach fishing, Dart and Whiting are on the chew.

Ethan is enjoying a bumper run of Jacks, catching his third for the season @ethanfishing06

It's been a quiet week in Caloundra, likely due to the recent heavy rain. However, Dart are still being caught off the beaches on live beach worms. Wobbegong and blind sharks are appearing around rocky patches off the beach. In the passage, Flathead and shovel nose sharks are biting, while Tiger Squid have also been spotted around the rock walls in the passage.

In Noosa, Bream have continued to be consistent throughout the river, with reports of some Flathead catches along the Tewantin reach. If you’re chasing Trevally, try the Munna Point bridge. Woods Bay has been a good spot for Flathead and Trevally, and Whiting have been reported at the mouth.

Update: Bli Bli Bridge Lane Closure

We've noticed a slight dip in store visits since the Bli Bli bridge lane closure began. Hopefully this is just a result of everyone getting used to the roadworks and detour. Remember you can now make a right turn into our centre and additional parking is available upstairs. If you're able, you can also park at Muller Park and walk over the bridge, For our local supporters who can't make it in, we're offering free shipping on orders over $20. We are working on a few ideas including a click and collection point at Muller Park and a mobile mini bait and tackle shop, so watch this space!

Shovel Nose Shark at Caloundra this week

As we wrap up another week of fishing on the Sunshine Coast, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the continued support we receive both for these fishing reports and for our store. Your support helps us continue to provide the community with quality gear and advice. If you find yourself in need of some new tackle or just some friendly advice, feel free to visit us at 311 David Low Way, Bli Bli, or browse our online store at www.baitmasterfishing.com.au. Thank you for being a part of the Bait Master Fishing and Tackle community. See you on the water!

Tight lines!

Trent & Corinne
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle