Unfortunately, we’ve had another week of heavy rainfall and windy conditions.
The freshwater, combined with super high tides, has made our estuaries virtually unfishable again. Offshore has been a no-go, and freshwater options are flooded.
Hopefully, the sunshine we saw poke through the clouds on Thursday lasts over the Easter weekend. If not, your best option will be soaking the pots as there’s plenty of mud crabs about.
You can also try fishing the mouth for whiting, which are still being caught despite the poor weather. You’ll catch them on live beach worms, which have been bringing in some awesome-sized whiting.
Offshore: Conditions continue to be poor, with only a few short breaks in the weather allowing for some quick trips out. Those who have managed to sneak out have reported lots of grassy sweetlip and a good mix of reef species, with mackerel and mahi mahi around the FADs. If you’re itching to get offshore, early next week looks to be your best chance, before conditions turn again on Thursday. For anglers hoping to chase some Spanish mackerel, try slow trolling or floating garfish. We still have some premium gar left in our freezers, but make sure you load up before it’s all gone. As always, make sure you check weather reports and conditions before attempting to head out.
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A shout out to Zoe, our newest Bait Master Little Fisho. Zoe’s dad came into our store late last week for some live beach worms and mentioned it was Zoe’s birthday on the weekend. She’d asked to go fishing to celebrate, and celebrate she did. Not only did she catch an epic 43cm whiting, she backed it up with the 65cm jewfish. Thanks to Zoe’s dad for messaging us with the photos. We love hearing your fishing success stories.
Estuaries: Another dumping of rainfall mixed with super-high tides and Monday’s full moon have seen another quiet week in our estuaries. Mangrove jack and flathead are still being caught in the Noosa and Maroochy rivers, but not in huge number and only by those who have persisted in less than optimal conditions. Whiting however have continued to be caught around Chambers Island to the mouth, and out the front at Cotton Tree. Those fishing the creek mouths around Caloundra have also reported some good sized whiting, with a few flathead also being caught.
Mud crabs are another good option, with plenty on the move. With plenty of holiday makers expected on the coast over the long weekend, make sure your pots are properly tagged and secured, and please make sure you collect them. The number of cheap, lightweight pots that are left behind or are washed away damage our local river systems by creating a huge pollution problem. We recommend using heavy duty pots for an optimal crabbing experience.
Beach: Unfortunately, conditions haven’t been great for our beach fishos. We haven’t seen much action over the past week, however a few good whiting at Kawana have been reported during breaks in the weather.
Freshwater: Freshwater fishing has continued to suffer after another deluge, with most spots too flooded to fish.
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We are open all Easter long weekend from 9am to 2pm, including Good Friday, for all your bait, ice and tackle needs. You’ll find us at 3/99 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, opposite Aldi. Live beach worms should be arriving on Friday, depending on weather conditions. For updates, make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram.
We pride ourselves on our upfront and honest business style, and to be completely transparent the past 18 months have been tough. From interest rate rises to seven weeks of roadworks that limited local access to our shop, we’ve struggled to keep the doors open. We understand that the cost of living is completely out of control, because we are also living it. We know that spending on fishing is one of those things that becomes less important when trying to pay the mortgage and feed your family. If you are able to though, we’d love it if you’d consider choosing us over the bigger tackle shops. Your support is what will allow us to keep our doors open.
Bait Master Fishing and Tackle is at at 3/99 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore. They have bait, live beach worms and all the gear you need to make your next fishing trip a success. Visit baitmasterfishing.com.au.
The team also love hearing about your catches, so make sure you tag them on Instagram or Facebook, or email them through to info@baitmasterfishing.com.au.
Fishing report contributors
Deep End Fishing Charters: Berth 28, Mooloolaba Marina, 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba. Phone 0499 044 458 or visit deependfishing.com.au.
Smithy’s Fishing Charters: Corner Nicklin Way and Point Cartwright Drive, Minyama. Email info@smithysfishing.com.au, phone 0407 574 868 or visit smithysfishingcharters.com.au.
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