Sunshine Coast Fishing Report | Thursday 13 April 2023

With the exception of Good Friday, the Sunshine Coast has lived up to its name, with perfect school holiday weather. Boat and jetski numbers increased on local waters, as did recreational fishos. We were particularly pleased to see lots of kids getting out and fishing, with some having a go for the first time. It was great to see kids coming into our shop excited to show us photos of their catch and tell us about the fishing adventures. 

The Noosa and Maroochy rivers continue to be great spots to wet a line. Flathead, Bream and Moses Perch were caught in the Maroochy River around Bli Bli, with Flathead and Bream also caught at the Cod Hole, and Whiting towards the mouth. Diamond Trevally and Jewfish have been caught in the upper reaches of the Maroochy. There’s still plenty of prawns about, with Eudlo Creek and Coolum Creek the pick of the spots. If you’re looking to pump Yabbies, give the sandy stretch between Chambers Island and Twin Waters a go at low tide. 

The Noosa River is currently providing anglers with catches of  Trevally, Bream, and Whiting, with some anglers having success in landing Golden Trevally at the Noosa River mouth. Those casting a line in Woods Bay are finding plenty of Flathead and Trevally, while closer to Lake Cooroibah is yielding Queenfish and Jewfish. 

For those looking for the pick of the beach fishing spots, Marcoola has been great for dart, with plenty being caught on live beach worms from our shop.  

Offshore anglers are still seeing plenty of action, with Spotty and Spanish Mackerel, Yellowfin, Longtail, and Mack Tuna, and Cobia making up the bulk of the catch. Reports of Coral Trout and Cod catches have come in from Noosa, while Mooloolaba is still seeing Black Marlin and Wahool from the 50m line to the Hards, Mahi Mahi around the FADs and Snapper, Tuskfish, and Moses Perch on the Barwon Banks area. Caloundra fishos reported Grassy Sweetlip, Longail Tuna and Spanish Mackerel, and Snapper around the 12 Mile. As Snapper move closer to the coast in search of warmer water, there should be plenty to target in the coming weeks. 

In recent weeks, crabbing has become increasingly popular again. With the influx of tourists during the school holiday period, it's a good time to review Queensland crabbing regulations. Remember, jennies (female crabs) must be released back into the water, and male crabs (bucks) must be at least 15cm in size, with a maximum possession limit of 7 per person or 14 per boat (if there are two or more people on board). It's illegal to possess mud crabs with missing shells or claws without the rest of the crab, and interfering with another person's crab pots is strictly prohibited. Keep in mind that stealing crabs or pots is considered a criminal offense and can result in severe penalties.