Sunshine Coast Fishing Report | Thursday 30 November 2023

Welcome to this week’s report. We’ve enjoyed warmer days and some good rain and storms this week which has helped clear out our rivers and creeks. As we head into the first week of December, anglers can expect similar conditions, with showers and storms predicted tomorrow through to Sunday. Expect the odd shower early next week, before clearing up to partly cloudy and mostly sunny weather towards the middle of the week. Summer is definitely here with hot conditions set in for the next week. If you’re heading out to wet a line, make sure you slip, slop, slap and take plenty of water with you!

Offshore

The inshore reefs have been a hub of activity this week, yielding an impressive variety of catches including Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tuskfish, Cobia, and Sweetlip. Anglers targeting the FADs have been rewarded with Mahi Mahi, while those venturing to the Hards have encountered Amberjack, Cobia, Kingfish, Pearl Perch, Snapper, and Tuskfish, indicating a vibrant offshore fishing environment.

Freshwater

Freshwater fishing is on the rise with the swelling of the rivers. The weirs are producing Yellowbelly and Sooty Grunters, and Bass are becoming more active, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. Anglers using spinner and chatterbaits, as well as small soft plastics on light jigheads are finding success.

Maroochy River

Fishing in the Maroochy River seems to be picking up, likely influenced by the current moon phase and recent rains. Golden Trevally are making a significant appearance in the river, along with Estuary Cod, Bream and Grunter. Flathead and Bream are being caught in good numbers through the Bli Bli section of the river. Plenty of Mangrove Jacks are being caught, predominantly on live baits, but also on the the larger Pro Lure Clone Prawns. The lower reaches have seen Sand Whiting and Sand Crabs, while some good mud crab catches have also been reported. There’s been plenty of reports of large bait balls of herring this week. The incoming tide has been the most productive over the last week. 

Caloundra

In Caloundra, anglers have reported Sailfish, Spanish, Spotty and School Mackerel offshore, while closer to shore, the Passage has continued to deliver good catches including Longtom, Mangrove Jacks, Golden Trevally, Sand Whiting and Sand Crabs. The inshore reefs have also yielded some good Sweetlip catches, while Flathead have been reported near the new bar entrance. Mangrove Jacks are also making their presence known in the creeks and canals.

Noosa

In Noosa, the Tewantin reach of the river continues to deliver Bream, Whiting and Trevally, while Woods Bay has been great for Flathead. If you’re targeting crabs, the lower reaches have delivered some good catches of Sand Crabs, while Mud Crabs have been caught in the mid to upper reaches. 

As we wrap up this week's Sunshine Coast Fishing Report, there's some good news for the local Sunshine Coast community – the Bli Bli Bridge is now open again, bringing easier access back to the area. We look forward to welcoming back some familiar faces and new visitors alike, especially as we gear up for the upcoming school holidays. It's a perfect time to stop by, catch up on the latest fishing stories, and get ready for your next fishing adventure. Here’s to smooth travels, great catches, and exciting times ahead!

Tight Lines!

Trent & Corinne
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Cover Photo Credit: Pete celebrated a new personal best with the season's first Mangrove Jack at 60cm, caught using a 120mm Pro Lure Clone Prawn  @stingray_pete