‘Out came the sun and dried up all the rain. We say it’s time to get the rods out once again!’
A weak attempt at re-writing a childhood nursery rhyme perhaps, but it is so refreshing to write an editorial that includes photos with smiles all round.
After months of unfavourable weather, fishos finally got a five-day reprieve. Those lucky enough to wet a line didn’t struggle to find the fish either.
With persistent southerly winds, fish have continued to shelter in the lee of Rainbow Beach. It is very common for fish of all species to move in close and several fishos were caught by surprise.
Fishing light gear while chasing whiting and dart, we saw catches of Snapper and Sweetlip taking baits off the coffee rock. A very decent by-catch when spirits are low. The run-out tide was generally more favourable. The clouded water encourages fish of all species to feed in close.
Our live and freshly preserved beach worms are an irresistible bait for most fish. Being on the bottom of the food chain, there aren’t too many fish that won’t take a chance on our trusty worms. It’s always worth mixing things up and this applies to baits, bait presentation and tackle.
Most land-based reef fish catches were on larger long shank hooks with a whole worm (or two) threaded onto the hook. Nothing pretty, just a big enticing feed for hungry fish. Seasoned fishos did not hesitate in casting out whole baits like squid or pilchard on two or three ganged hooks, retrieving an incredible mixed catch.
An extremely positive sign has been the quantity of long tail tuna busting the surface around the shark nets. Stand-up paddle boarders, Jet-Ski riders and tinny rats wasted no time getting lures and baits out there. We remind all fishos to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations.
There have been conflicting media reports relating to recent changes, particularly around Double Island Point. These changes relate to all vessels. Clarification can be found at www.msq.qld.gov.au
“Double Island Point Lagoon. A 6-knot speed limit zone is now in place within the Double Island Point lagoon bounded by the high water mark from the approximate position of 25°57.010’S, 153°9.891’E, heading generally North East and then North following the high tide mark to position 25°55.744’S, 153°10.938’E, then extending South West generally following the sand spit along an imaginary line to the approximate position of 25°56.624’S, 153°9.891’E, then continuing South to position 25°57.010’S, 153°9.891’E that encompasses the entire Double Island Point lagoon.”
Lighter winds and easing swells have seen Teewah Beach return to some form of normality. Beautiful gutter formations, particularly between the beach access track at Lake Freshwater, North to Double Island Point. Dart, Whiting, Bream, and Tarwhine have not just been in good numbers, but great quality. Using 60-80cm of 8-12lb fluorocarbon leader, a three or four ball sinker and ‘Tru-Turn’ hooks is our recommendation. Casting from the beach, (not standing in the water) and fishing the first 3 – 5 metres of any gutter, will find the fish. Big long casts over the back banks are unlikely to produce results on bread-and-butter species. Our advice when beach fishing is, ‘The fish are at your feet’.
We saw a recent social media post with the catchphrase; ‘Take 20 for Teewah’, referring to picking up 20 pieces of rubbish to help clear the beach. As flood waters continue to flow into the ocean, we agree this is a great concept. A simple way we can all make a difference. Our worm harvesters have been doing this daily. It all counts.
We will largely skip over the estuary this month, other than to report it has continued to produce impressive catches of quality mudcrab, beautiful whiting to 40cm’s and some surprising quality topwater action from Queenfish and other pelagics in the shallows. The Mangrove Jack season has extended well into March. As the temperature begins to drop and the barometer stabilises, we expect bite rates to decline. Don’t be deterred though. Throwing out a whole flicker mullet or whiting close to structure will always entice Jack’s, Cod and Grunter. Using soft plastics and shallow diving lures this time of year can really wake up these sleepy monsters.
Rainbow’s offshore charters are finally back in business! The first back-to-back charters since Christmas have had Skippers and punters smiling. With offshore grounds well rested, the quality of fish landed is no real surprise. Snapper, Pearl Perch, Trout, Nannygai, Red Emperor, Cod, Moses Perch, Sweetlip… they are all biting hard.
Most operators have run six charters in four months at best, so we encourage everyone eager for an offshore trip to support local businesses. Offshore charters from Rainbow Beach produce some of the highest quality and largest variety of fish on the East Coast. Each operator provides a unique experience, and they work cohesively to ensure sustainability of this great fishery. Gardiner Fisheries are proud to support Rainbow’s local charter operators, so if you’re chasing a tailored charter, give us a call or contact us via FB.
Our team at Gardiner Fisheries are dedicated local fishos. For genuine local knowledge, the biggest range of the freshest locally caught bait, and quality tackle, talk with a team member in-store at Gardiner Fisheries.
Find us on Facebook or at 1 Karoonda Rd, Rainbow Beach or you can call us on 0404 853 232.
‘Our goal is to help you catch fish’
