The Prestige on the hard stand for maintenance and anti-fouling.
When it comes to keeping The Prestige and other houseboats in top-notch condition, one crucial maintenance task is anti-fouling. This process involves taking the houseboat out of the water to remove accumulated marine growth and apply protective coatings. In this post, we’ll delve into why anti-fouling is essential for boats and how it helps ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The Battle Against Marine Growth
Spending prolonged periods in water exposes boats to a variety of marine organisms, including algae, barnacles, and mollusks. These unwelcome guests can attach themselves to the hull, creating a layer of marine growth. Over time, this buildup not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the boat but also has significant consequences for its performance.
Impact on Performance
The Prestige – Hull maintenance and anti-fouling.
Increased Drag: Marine growth on the hull creates additional surface area, increasing drag as the boat moves through the water. This resistance can lead to decreased speed, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased operating costs.
Impaired Maneuverability: Excessive fouling can hamper the boat’s maneuverability, making steering and handling more challenging. This compromise in control can be dangerous, especially in tight spaces or adverse weather conditions.
Weight Gain: Marine growth adds unnecessary weight to the boat, affecting its buoyancy and stability. This can lead to a decrease in overall performance and potentially compromise safety.
Protection Against Corrosion
Apart from the performance issues, marine growth can also accelerate the corrosion process. Certain organisms produce acidic secretions that can damage the hull’s protective coatings, leading to metal deterioration. Anti-fouling treatments provide a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the hull and the corrosive elements present in the marine environment.
The Anti-Fouling Process
The Prestige being detailed whilst on the hard stand.
Hauling Out: The first step in the anti-fouling process is hauling The Prestige houseboat out of the water onto a hard stand. This allows for a thorough inspection of the hull, rudder, and propellers, identifying any damage or areas in need of repair.
Cleaning and Preparation: Once out of the water, the hull is meticulously cleaned to remove all traces of marine growth, using methods such as high-pressure water blasting or scraping. This step ensures a clean and smooth surface for the application of anti-fouling coatings.
Applying Anti-Fouling Coatings: Anti-fouling paints and coatings are specially formulated to deter marine organisms from adhering to the boat’s surface. These coatings contain biocides that discourage fouling and provide long-lasting protection. Different types of anti-fouling coatings are available, catering to specific needs and environmental considerations.
Regular Maintenance: Anti-fouling is not a one-time solution. To maintain its effectiveness, it’s essential to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. The frequency of reapplication will depend on various factors such as the type of anti-fouling used, water conditions, and the boat’s usage.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in fresh seafood, especially when it comes to the iconic and flavorsome Chilli Crab dish. Picture yourself relishing each mouthwatering bite of succulent crab meat soaked in a tantalizing blend of spices. To make this experience even more memorable, we have a downloadable version of our Chilli Crab recipe that you can enjoy at your convenience. And for an extraordinary twist, imagine preparing this delectable meal onboard one of our luxurious houseboats, using the freshest mud crabs caught from the Gold Coast waterways. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other!
When it comes to seafood, freshness is key. And what better way to ensure that freshness than by starting with mud crabs sourced directly from the pristine waterways of the Gold Coast? The brackish estuaries and mangrove-lined creeks are home to these delectable crustaceans, renowned for their sweet and delicate meat. By obtaining fresh mud crabs, you’re setting the stage for an exceptional Chilli Crab experience that showcases the finest flavors nature has to offer.
Onboard Houseboat Cooking:
Imagine the joy of preparing your Chilli Crab feast while cruising along the picturesque waterways of the Gold Coast on one of our luxurious houseboats. As you navigate through stunning scenery, the aroma of the crab mingling with the spices creates an irresistible ambiance. With a fully-equipped kitchen and spacious dining area onboard, you have everything you need to turn your houseboat into a floating culinary haven. Let the gentle sway of the water inspire your cooking as you create a meal that will linger in your memories.
Downloadable Chilli Crab Recipe:
To help you embark on your culinary adventure, we are thrilled to offer you a downloadable version of Mark’s irresistible Chilli Crab recipe. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, highlighting the key techniques and flavor profiles that make this dish truly exceptional. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of balancing the spices, this recipe will empower you to create a Chilli Crab masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together, and we encourage you to share your Chilli Crab adventures with your loved ones. Whether it’s hosting a dinner party featuring your homemade Chilli Crab or inviting friends and family for a delightful meal onboard your houseboat, these moments create lasting memories. Swap stories, laughter, and indulge in the shared pleasure of savoring this iconic seafood delight.
Unlock a world of flavors with our downloadable Chilli Crab recipe and experience the incomparable joy of preparing and savoring this dish using fresh mud crabs from the Gold Coast waterways. Whether you choose to cook it in the comfort of your home or onboard one of our luxurious houseboats, this culinary adventure promises to delight your senses and create cherished memories. Download our recipe now, gather your loved ones, and embark on a flavorful journey you won’t soon forget.
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters caught this big arrow squid on a 2.5 size squid jig in the Broadwater
As the showers ease and the winter weather settles in, anglers on the Tweed and Gold Coast can look forward to favorable conditions for fishing. With light winds and sunshine on the forecast, it’s an excellent time to hit the water and try your luck. However, it’s always essential to check the most updated forecast before heading out. We’ll take a look at what’s been biting this week and offer some tips for targeting specific species.
Offshore Fishing
The offshore grounds have proven fruitful for dedicated anglers who have put in the time and effort. Before dropping anchor or choosing your drift line, it’s crucial to spend some time scanning the area you plan to fish. Look for bait schools or signs of fish activity on your sounder to maximize your chances of success.
In the 18 to 24 fathom reefs, anglers have been catching some impressive Snapper, along with Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Cobia, Jewfish, Trag Jew, Moses Perch, and Maori Cod. Float lining is a productive technique, allowing you to control the sinking speed of your bait and feel for bites on the way down.
Moving to the 36 and 50 fathom grounds, Snapper remains a popular target as the water temperature cools down. Additionally, anglers have been successful in landing Pearl Perch, Tuskfish, Yellowtail Kingfish, Amberjack, and Samson. Live baits are a must-have, along with WA Pilchards, Whole Large Squid, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Fillet, and Mac Tuna, which are sure to entice hungry fish.
Flathead Fishing
Brian caught some nice Flathead on Zman soft plastics in the Gold Coast Broadwater with Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters
Flathead enthusiasts have had a productive week, with quality catches being reported. As the water temperature drops, it’s recommended to search for these fish in shallow waters that retain slightly more warmth, particularly at high tide on the top of sandbanks. The Broadwater and Jumpinpin are excellent starting points for your search.
When the tide begins to fall, shift your focus to the edges of the sandbanks, creeks, drain mouths, and deeper gutters between sandbanks. These areas are prime zones that often produce quality fish. Flathead are ambush predators, waiting patiently for bait fish to swim past, making soft plastics, metal vibe lures, soft vibes, and trolling diving lures effective options. Drifting live or dead baits can also cover a lot of ground and yield positive results. Keep an eye on your sounder for bait schools and signs of fish, as surprises are common while fishing.
Some recommended spots for flathead fishing include Wave Break Island, Nerang River, Paradise Point, Aldershots, Never Fail Islands, Brown Island, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Bedrooms, Kalinga Bank, Canaipa Passage, the Mouth of the Logan River, and Browns Bay.
Bream Fishing in Winter
Ash scored a good sized Winter Bream on a recent trip
The winter months offer prime opportunities for Bream enthusiasts to pursue a rewarding catch. While braving the cold nights on the water can be challenging, it often pays off with great catches of Bream. Look for schools of White Pilchards, as they are a favorite food source for Bream in the Broadwater and Jumpinpin.
When targeting Bream, it’s a good idea to establish a burley trail to keep them interested and in the area you are fishing. Recommended baits include Mullet Fillet, Mullet Gut, Bonito Fillet, White Pilchards, WA Pilchards, Prawns, Squid, and Yabbies.
Some promising spots for Bream fishing include Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, Nerang
Quotes from the Boats
A good mixed bag of reef species taken onboard with Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters on the 50 fathom grounds off the Gold Coast
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
“Fishing on the 50s has been really good with King Fish, Amberjacks, Sambos, Snapper and Pearl Perch have been biting well on live bait, squid, pilchards and mullet.”
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
Tim Moorfoot caught and released this hard fighting Mac Tuna off the Gold Coast
It has been a wet and wild week along the Gold and Tweed coasts, with challenging fishing conditions due to strong southerly winds and rain. However, as we look forward to the weekend, the highly anticipated King of The Pin Fishing Competition is set to kick off from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th of June. The weekend is expected to bring a return of light to moderate south-easterly winds with a possibility of a shower on Sunday. Saturday appears to be the most favourable day for fishing. Let’s now explore the species that have been active this week and the recommended strategies for targeting them.
For more information on recommended fishing spots and target species for the competition, read on
Targeting Bread and Butter Species
For anglers participating in the King on the Pin competition and aiming for bread and butter species like Flathead, Bream, and Whiting, the forecasted weather conditions for the weekend make it an excellent choice. Here are some recommended spots to target Bream, considering protection from southerly winds: Wave Break Island, Gold Coast Seaway, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Whalleys Gutter, Tiger Mullet Channel, Eden Island, Crusoe Island, and the Logan River. Recommended bait options for Bream include Mullet Guts, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Prawns, live Herring, and Yabbies. It’s worth noting that fishing at night-time tends to yield larger, higher-quality fish, while daytime fishing might attract smaller ones.
Improved Flathead Fishing
Kerry caught and released this cracking 86cm Flathead with Brad Smith Fishing Charters on the Tweed River
As the weather cools off, the Flathead fishing has been improving each week. Although fishing might be quieter early in the morning, the bite intensifies as the sun warms up the water. Finding areas with bait schools is crucial for success, and trolling hard body lures can help cover ground while monitoring the sounder for bait activity. Once a fish is caught using hard body lures, casting soft plastics and vibes in that area can be effective, as Flathead tend to school up, with male fish often accompanying larger females. Recommended areas for targeting Flathead include the Nerang River, Wavebreak Island, Paradise Point, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Tipplers Passage, Jacobs Well, Tiger Mullet Channel, Crusoe Island, Canaipa Passage, and Russell Island. While lures are often preferred, drifting dead or live baits can also be effective, albeit slower in covering ground.
Whiting Fishing Tips
Over the past couple of weeks, some good-sized Whiting have been caught, and finding spots protected from the wind can lead to a successful catch. Unlike summer months, Whiting activity tends to be better during the daytime in winter. Anchoring up on the edge of a sandbank tucked away from the wind allows for effective targeting of both shallow and deeper waters, until locating the feeding school of fish. Recommended areas to try for Whiting are the Nerang River, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Tiger Mullet Channel, Cabbage Tree Point, and the Logan River. Live Blood worms, Beach worms, and Yabbies are the best bait options.
Inshore Tailor Fishing
Chasing Tailor inshore can be a rewarding option, especially if the surf beach gutters are impacted by large swells. The Jumpinpin Bar mouth through to Crusoe Island, Kalinga Bank, and the Gold Coast Seaway entrance north towards Currigee are recommended spots to explore over the weekend.
Quotes from the Boats
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“On the Tweed River here we are again at the end of another week and crikey it seems to have gone quickly. As I predicted in last week’s report about the weather combined with good tides and matched with a favourable barometer over 1020 the planets aligned. If i worked the areas holding good bait schools on the bottom you could not keep a lure in the water without a strike. In fact, multiple double hook-ups were the norm with Flatties of all sizes coming onto the deck of the boat. The interesting thing about this week was that there were very few Bream and we caught a number of Giant Trevally which normally go quiet through our winter month. Apart from some chilly starts in the mornings as expected at this time of the year the Tweed is producing well and as always, I look forward to getting on the water next week.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
Damo with some nice Arrow Squid caught in the Broadwater with Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters
“We had some hot fishing this week with up to 50 Flathead boated some days, and up to 50 Arrow Squid daily too and quite a few cuttlefish. The action did slow later in the week after the commercial netters worked the banks. Zman soft plastics slow hopped around the channel edges on run out tides got lots of Flathead bites with most fish measuring 40 to 65cm. The Arrow Squid numbers did taper off too as the week went on. This seems to be usual around the full moon period. Apart from that we caught lots of good size Flounder, Winter Whiting, and some Yakka on Ecogear ZX40’s.”
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
Gavin from Seaprobe Fishing Charters has been finding some great quality Jewfish for his customers
“Good catches of Silver Jew and Cobia along the 24 fathom line using soft plastics and live bait, look for the bait balls and working them. Also, Snapper, Tuskies and still some Dolphin Fish around the fads but definitely starting to slow up with the water cooling down. On the 50s and 36s some big King Fish, Snapper, Pearlies and also Trag Jew have been caught around to the full moon.”
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
We have been blessed with fantastic weather on the Gold and Tweed Coasts, offering plenty of options for fishing enthusiasts. As we head into the weekend, there may be some rain, so it’s essential to check the latest weather forecast before heading offshore.
Targeting Jewfish
Tim Moorfoot had a great trip off the Gold Coast landing this quality Jewfish
The cooler winter weather signals the mullet run, attracting local predators like Jewfish near ocean entrances. The past weeks have seen quality Jewfish being caught. For the best chance of success, focus on night fishing during the last hours of the run-in tide and the first hours of the run-out tide. Live bait, especially mullet, is the key to enticing larger Jewfish.
Beach Fishing for Tailor
If the swell remains manageable, beach fishing for Tailor is a great option. Top-quality fish have been landed recently, making it an ideal time to try your luck. Sunrise and sunset are prime fishing times, and it’s recommended to arrive early to identify the best gutters. Bait fishing at night and early morning with WA Pilchards, Bonito Fillet, or Mullet Fillet on gang hooks is effective. During the day, casting Metal Slugs, Surface Poppers, and Surface Walkers into the gutters can yield exciting surface strikes.
Offshore Fishing
Nina caught this lovely Tuskfish on a Broadwater charter with Clint from brad Smith Fishing Charters
The recent run of good weather has made offshore fishing a viable option. Close reefs near the Gold Coast have seen a drop in water temperature, resulting in good catches of Cobia, Jewfish, Snapper, Spangled Emperor, and more. However, sharks have been active in some areas. On the wider grounds, the 36 and 50 fathoms reefs offer opportunities for Pearl Perch, Snapper, Amberjack, Samson, and Yellow Tails Kingfish.
Quotes from the Boats
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“Fishing the lower reaches of the Tweed River especially on the run-in tides delivered the best results. The run-in tides brought in some clearer oceanic water with a higher density of salinity. Flatties, Bream and School Jew were the species caught with some really top-quality Flatties being the highlight. Deep water jigging produced a few fish but by far the best results came from trolling and covering some ground. The weather and tides are looking good for next week so as always, I look forward to hitting the water.”
Wayne Young did well landing a great feed of Whiting from the Nerang River recently
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“Some typical Autumn days this week with glassed out mornings, just stunning. Despite the small tides, we still had some great fishing, especially Squid! The Arrows are coming on well, and there has also been some Tigers and even Cuttlefish. Using Duel, Ecogear, and Fish Inc squid jigs we have been catching 20-50 squid, adding some attractant to the jigs helps get aggressive attacks. Spray some near the hook end to get the squid sniffing. Pro-Cure Bait Scents and the Ecogear Squid scent sprays are by far the best. Natural colour jigs are working best when the sun is higher. Apart from Squid we caught heaps of Flounder, small Flathead, Bream, Tarwhine, Winter Whiting, and Tuskfish. The standout lure was Ecogear Australia ZX40 in 440 colour by miles. All the areas were fishing well when the tide was running including Southport, the Spit, Carters bank, Biggera, Currigee, Runaway Bay, and Ephraim Island.”
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters with some top quality Jewfish for his customers off the Gold Coast
“Great catches of Silver Jew and Cobia along the 24 fathom line using soft plastics and live bait, look for the bait balls and working them. Also Snapper Tuskies and still some Dolphin Fish around the fads but definitely starting to slow up with the water cooling down.”
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
As we approach winter, the mornings are getting cooler, but we’ve been lucky to experience some great weather lately. Last weekend and early this week, the Gold and Tweed Coasts had a lingering big swell, making offshore conditions more suitable for those with bar crossing experience. However, the weekend ahead is looking promising, with light W/SW winds on Saturday and a dropping swell on Sunday, accompanied by light NE winds. If you’re planning to head offshore, make sure to check the latest forecast.
Let’s dive into what’s been biting this week.
Targeting Flathead in the Broadwater and Jumpinpin
The weather this week has been ideal for targeting Flathead in the Broadwater and Jumpinpin areas. With light winds, casting and trolling lures have been much more enjoyable. The cool weather has brought in good numbers of Flathead, especially feeding on bait schools in the main channels and rivers. May, June, and July are excellent months to catch school-sized Flathead ranging from 40 to 50cm. When covering a larger area, trolling hard body lures is the most effective method, allowing you to target different depths quickly. Remember that Flathead are ambush predators, so trolling with the current increases your hook-up rate. Soft vibes like the Wilson Fish Trap are great for deep water, as they have an irresistible action. Once you locate fish, spot locking with an electric motor or anchoring and casting with soft plastics can yield multiple rewards. Some recommended spots to try include Wave Break Island, Crab Island, Aldershots, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Neverfails, Tipplers Passage, Dux, Jacobs Well, Bedrooms, Tiger Mullet Channel, Kalinga Bank, Logan River, and Russell Island.
Offshore Fishing Update and Best Day to Head Out
Ben White was very happy landing this cracking sized Jewfish offshore on the Gold Coast
At the time of writing this report, Sunday appears to be the best day to venture offshore. The swell is expected to drop off after peaking on Friday and Saturday. As always, I recommend checking the most up-to-date forecast before hitting the water. This week, fishers have enjoyed great conditions with light winds and a smaller swell, providing a favorable weather window to catch a delicious feed. On the closer reefs around the 18 to 24 fathom grounds, a nice mixed bag of Snapper, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Moses Perch, Maori Cod, and Jewfish has been landed. As winter approaches and water temperatures drop, fishing is expected to improve even further. The 36 and 50 fathom grounds are starting to yield better results, with Pearl Perch, Snapper, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, Amberjack, Samson, and Yellow Tail Kingfish being caught. The best baits to use are WA Pilchards, Whole Large Squid, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Fillet, and Live baits.
Surf Fishing Tips and Tailor Bite
Billy Bevege did well catching this big Tailor on a night time surf fishing trip on the Gold Coast
With the swell easing a bit, it’s a great time to hit the surf gutters. You can expect good-sized Tailor from the Tweed Coast up to South Stradbroke Island. The best bite periods for surf fishing are early morning or late afternoon into the evening. During daylight hours, casting metal slugs and surface walkers is an effective way to cover different areas and locate actively feeding fish. Keep an eye out for birds diving into the water or fish swimming in the waves—they’re always positive signs worth casting towards. At night, try using whole WA Pilchards, Bonito Fillet, and Mullet Fillet rigged on a 3 x gang of 4/0 hooks for optimal results.
Quotes from the Boats
This beautiful big 40cm Whiting caught by Josh on the Tweed River with Brad Smith Fishing Charters
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“The big news last week was the incredible amount of rain we received with some areas along the coast and the upper catchments receiving over 150 mm in the gauges. This is super exciting as this is going to fire the start of our winter season right up. The Flathead and School Jew should be right on the chew next week and when the water starts to clear up a bit more, we might see the start of some big Tailor moving into the Tweed River. If the Tailor don’t come in the next couple of weeks, the full moon in June should almost guarantee their arrival with some big schools of Sea Bream also coming up the river to spawn.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“This week the Arrow Squid continued to spread throughout the Broadwater. Just like fish they are not always easy to catch. The best time to catch them is the last three hours of run-in tides, and first two hours of run out. This week we have caught them at Southport, Marina Mirage, Biggera, and North Currigee. Ecogear and Fish Inc squid jigs work well for me, while Ecogear ZX40 vibes also catch an amazing number of Squid on my charters. Flounder, Flathead, and Winter Whiting are a common bycatch while jigging zx’s for Squid. When the wind has been lighter and drifting has been possible there are lots of Flathead to be caught on zx’s, MMD prawn vibes, and Zman plastics. The rain we had last week has dirtied up the river water and is noticeable on the run-out tides. While estuary fish don’t like these sudden changes at first, we will notice the benefits in coming weeks and months with some great fishing.”
Sea Probe Fishing Charters with a great catch of Dolphin Fish taken off the fads for their happy customers off the Gold Coast
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
“Bottom fishing off the Gold Coast is still a bit up and down at times, but we have still been catching some nice Trag Jew, Pearlies, Tuskies, Snapper and some nice Jew around. Dolphin Fish are still around on the fads for maybe another month and they will go a little quiet when the weather cools down.”
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
Kids having a fun time shelling fresh crab caught just off the Coomera Houseboat marina
Hi Everyone, hope you are all having a good week! The early part of the week brought heavy rainfall, with over 100mm of rain recorded across the Gold and Tweed Coasts in just 12 hours. Combined with strong winds, fishing conditions have been less than ideal. However, there’s good news for the upcoming weekend, as light winds and plenty of sunshine are expected, making it a great time to hit the water and try your luck. Let’s explore some fishing options for the weekend ahead.
Crabbing Tips and Hot Spots
If you’re planning a fishing trip this weekend, don’t forget to throw in your crab pots. The recent heavy rain is likely to stir up Mud Crabs, making them full of meat at this time of year. Some productive spots to try include the Coomera River, Paradise Point, Aldershots, Pimpama River, Never Fails, Tipplers Passage, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Tiger Mullet Channel, Logan River, and Russell Island. For the best results, use fresh fish frames, whole mullet, or raw chicken as bait. Don’t forget to use a quality bait bag to prevent bait theft and give the Crabs more time to find their way into the pots.
Offshore Fishing Report
Ash with a good sized Whiting he caught in the Coomera River
Heading offshore for a fishing adventure over the weekend looks promising. However, it’s always recommended to check the most up-to-date weather forecast before heading out. Prior to the weather change earlier in the week, a diverse range of fish species were being caught on the offshore grounds. Reefs closer to the bait grounds up to the 24-fathom reefs have produced Spotted Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jew Fish, Trag Jew, Snapper, Moses Perch, Maori Cod, and the occasional Cobia. Deeper reefs such as the 36 and 50 fathom reefs have seen nice catches of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Tusk Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Samson Fish, and even impressive Amber Jack (see photo below) caught by Sea Probe Fishing Charters. The fish aggregating devices (fads) are still attracting decent numbers of smaller Dolphin Fish, which is a positive sign for anglers aiming to land a good catch. Recommended baits include WA Pilchards, whole large Squid, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Fillet, and live baits.
Bream Fishing in Cooler Temperatures
With the temperature starting to cool down, it’s an excellent time to target Bream around Jumpinpin and the Broadwater. The freshwater flush from the recent rain tends to activate Bream and increase their feeding activity. Look for structures that attract fish and bait, such as submerged trees, rock walls, bridge pylons, jetties, and pontoons. Carusoe Island, Short Island, Kalings Bank, Whallys Gutter, and Tiger Mullet Channel around Jumpinpin have produced quality Bream over the years. In the Broadwater, areas like the Nerang River, Gold Coast Seaway, Wave Break Island, Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Coomera River, Aldershots, and Tipplers Passage offer plenty of man-made structures and natural snags where Bream can be found. During the winter months, Bream feed heavily on large whitebait schools present in the waterways. For tackle, a light estuary outfit with 9lb mono line, 8lb to 10lb trace depending on the structure you are fishing, size 4 bait holder hook and a sinker to suit the current – normally from a 2 to 4 ball will do. Best baits are; Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Gut, White Pilchards, Squid and Yabbies.
Quotes from the Boats
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
Daniel caught this solid 60cm flathead on a Broadwater charter with Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters
“I managed to get a few days on the water this week even. The report this week will be pretty much repetitious of what is to come from now and the next few winter months and that is a heap of Flathead. Our winter months are when the flatties congregate to spawn in the Tweed and matched with that, we will see big schools of Bream and Tailor also coming up the river to also spawn and next month will see them arrive. Even though we caught some fish deep water jigging, the best results came from trolling pontoon 21 crackjacks and slams which produced a lot of double hook ups.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“It was Flathead that were the dominant force in the Broadwater, they will be around for many months now. We had some cold Southerly winds this week and fresh mornings which resulted in slow fishing at first, but the Flathead came on as the day warmed. It has been a lot of fun catching 20 to 30 fish a day in the shallows from 0.5 to 3 metres deep. Some days Ecogear ZX’s and MMD prawn vibes were working well, others Zman ST Grubz and 3 inch Minnowz were killer. Best colours have been motor oil, opening night, and Houdini on run out tide. Out deeper in the channels the Arrow Squid are coming on and will be thick for the next three months, and there are also a heap of nice Flounder around. Tailor have been busting up near the seaway, what an exciting time of year!”
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
Sea Probe Fishing Charters crew with a monster Amber Jack taken off the Gold Coast
“Some great catches of Mahi Mahi still around the fads and it’s good to see the bottom fish starting to show up due to the colder conditions with plenty of Pearl Perch and Snapper coming through with some Big Amberjacks.”
LINKS & INFO
If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.
For all you fishing enthusiasts out there, listen up! Last weekend’s weather on the Gold and Tweed Coasts provided some of the best conditions for fishing in a long time. It was a joy to see so many boats out on the water trying their luck. However, it looks like the good run of weather has come to an end with the S/SE winds expected to pick up and rain on the forecast. So, make sure to check the latest weather forecast before heading out on your next fishing trip.
Now, let’s talk about what’s been biting this week.
Tailor
If you’re a fan of Tailor fishing, then you’re in luck. The cold start to the week did wonders for the Tailor fishing on the Gold Coast with some nice fish showing up along the surf beaches while the westerly winds were blowing. The rising tide during early mornings or late evenings is the prime time to fish the local gutters. Throwing metal slugs and surface lures during daylight hours is a great option, as it allows you to cover much more ground than fishing with baits. However, if you’re fishing in the evening or at night, using bait is the way to go. My go-to choices are WA Pilchards, Bonito Fillet, and Mullet filet. You can expect to catch a variety of fish like Jewfish, Bream, Tarwhine or Flathead, which are commonly caught as bycatch when targeting Tailor on bait.
Beau Bevege did well landing this fantastic Flathead from the surf beach on the Gold Coast
Once the S/SE winds ease and the Westerly winds kick in, it’s time to hit the beaches. You can catch fish anywhere from Tweed Heads in the south to Stradbroke Island in the north, depending on your location. To find the best gutters to fish, take a walk along the area you’re targeting at low tide. Look for an area where the water pools up at low tide and has a sandbank behind it and an entrance for the water at either end of the pool of water.
Flathead
As the weather cools down, the Flathead catches are starting to increase. The Broadwater and Jumpinpin have been holding good schools of baitfish, mostly whitebait, for the past couple of months. Keeping an eye on the sounder by locating the bait will increase your chances of finding fish. Flathead have been widely spread out at the moment and are being caught in both shallow water and deeper channels throughout the Gold and Tweed coasts. In deeper water, using heavier jig heads and soft vibes are the way to go. When trolling or casting lures, make sure to cast with the current flow for better success.
Jewfish & Snapper
Brett Van Latham with a cracker of a Jewfish landed on the 24 fathom reef off the Gold Coast
If you’re up for a challenge, it’s worth targeting Jewfish offshore. Some quality fish have been caught lately from the 18 and 24 fathoms reefs and also the blocks off Stradbroke Island. As the weather starts to cool off, the quality and number of Snapper will get better during winter.
So, there you have it folks, some fantastic fishing opportunities await you on the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Just remember to check the weather forecast before heading out and to always have a great time!
Quotes from the Boats
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
Ben White has a great trip offshore on the Gold Coast last week scoring this great quality Cobia
“My clients caught an unbelievable number of quality Flathead matched with some small School Jew and Bream. The water temperature has now dropped with the oncoming winter months and unlike through our summer when most of the Flatties were in the cooler water on the bottom of the deep holes they are now moving up onto the shallow flats. The shallow water warms up with the sun and the Flatties were up there basking and feeding on the shallows. Casting samaki vibes and zx 40s up onto the shallows and hopping them back into the channel worked a treaty. Trolling pontoon 21 crackjacks and slam lures on the run-out tides along the edges of the channels where the warm water was draining of the flats also worked well for the flatties. Don’t be scared to fish super shallow as well as some of fish we caught came from fishing water that was only 1 to 2 feet in depth.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
Hayden caught some nice Flathead while on the Gold Coast Broadwater with Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters
“The fishing improved close to the full moon, it was good to see more Flathead on the chew and the average size increasing. The best bite period was the last two hours of the run-out tides in the smaller channels and drains. Best lures were definitely vibes with the MMD prawn vibes and Ecogear ZX40’s catching lots of fish. When they went off one colour we kept changing until they fell for that tactic. We got reasonable numbers of Arrow Squid and some good size, and some good Flounder, and a few Tailor on the flats on Zman 3 inch minnowz. ”
Beau caught this school Jew deep water jigging the Tweed River on a charter with Brad Smith Fishing Charters
It was nice to see some great weather over the May Day long weekend that continued to stick around the Gold and Tweed Coast mid-week as well, giving everyone a chance to get out for a fish and have some fun. As we look towards the weekend, Saturday is looking to be the pick of the days, with light E/NE winds before a strong S/SW kicks in mid-afternoon on Sunday, limiting fishing options.
Let’s check out what’s been biting this week.
Marlin Classic
A nice Snapper landed onboard Sea Probe Fishing Charters off the Gold Coast
The recent run of good weather coincided with the Gold Coast Game Fishing Clubs Blue Marlin Classic held last weekend off the Gold Coast. Good numbers of Blue Marlin, Stripped Marlin and the odd Black Marlin were tagged and released over the weekend, making it a great success.
Weather permitting if you are keen to chase a Marlin off the shelf, May is a good month to try your luck before the current starts to ease during winter. Boats trolled lures anywhere from 100 to 1000 fathoms from NE of the Seaway, down to the Canyons on the Tweed. Having a couple of boats fishing together can help narrow down the search and is also a good safety practice. The fads on the 50’s are still producing some nice feeds of Dolphin Fish if you get in early. WA Pilchards, Live baits, soft plastics, and surface lures will all be worth a go. In closer, the 18 and 24 fathom reefs have been producing some good mixed bags of Snapper, Moses, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, Silver Jew, Cobia and Maori Cod on dead and live baits.
Just make sure you have the latest weather forecast before heading offshore.
Whiting
Jess with a nice Whiting from the Coomera River
A couple of weekends ago I fished the Pirtek Fishing Challenge for the 9th year in a row targeting Whiting, it was a tough day out fishing 30 knot winds, but we managed to land a few nice fish. The results were released last weekend and my daughter Jessica managed to win 3rd place junior for Queensland, which was a great result due to conditions. Whiting is a great target species for a feed, especially if the weather is not great. You can normally find a sheltered spot up on of the local rivers or canals to hide out and chase a feed. Good quality Whiting can be caught all year round on the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Throughout Summer, the better fishing is during the night-time. As we head towards Winter, fishing during the daytime is the best option. Some good spots to try your luck are the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, Nerang River, Paradise Point, Coomera River, Pimpama River, Jacobs Well, Bedrooms and the Logan River. Live bait is the key to success, Blood Worms, Beach Worms and Yabbies are the best options. It’s important to fish as light as possible, a light sensitive rod from 7 to 9 foot is best, matched with a small avley or spin reel spooled with 6 to 9lb mono, a long 6lb fluro carbon leader, size 3 to 5 ball sinker and a bait holder hook from size 4 to 6 depending on the bait of choice. Try to pick an area from 1 to 3 metres in depth with a wavey sandy bottom that gets plenty of tidal flow as the fish prefer these areas to feed.
The Gold Coast Seaway has been fishing quite well after the swell eased, with fishos landing some nice sized Jewfish. As the weather cools down, we should see some bigger Jewfish moving in chasing the winter mullet schools. Live baits are the most productive when chasing Jew, live Yakkas, Mullet, Pike, Herring and Silver Biddies can be caught around the Broadwater and Seaway and work a treat. Best to time your trip around a tide change.
I usually like the top of the tide then fish the run out until it gets too strong to keep a bait in the strike zone. It’s good to drift with the bait. Schools of fish will normally sit near the pipeline and around the tip of the north wall of the Seaway, which offers deep water and structures like big rocks on the bottom to attract bait and fish. Always keep a keen eye on the sounder and try to mark the fish and just keep drifting the line until you get a hit. There are still a few Mangrove Jack, Trevally and Tailor around, which are always welcome bycatch if things are a bit slow.
Quotes from the Boats
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters with a nice Flathead from the Broadwater
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“From now until September at least we can expect some better fishing and weather. Over the last week I have noticed another big jump in Flathead numbers throughout the local system, with the water temperature dipping to around 21 to 23 degrees and higher air pressure. Their average size is increasing too, although many were 39cm. The water is very clear during run in tides and the bigger ones are easily spooked. MMD soft prawn vibes have been catching heaps of school size Flathead, if you want to try catch a massive one then use the soft glides from My Lure Box. With the tides getting bigger as we near the full moon there will be plenty of Arrow Squid around. They go crazy over Ecogear ZX40 and breamer vibe. The trick is to keep jigging when you feel them grab the lures until you are sure they’re well hooked. Then gently wind them to the surface and net them. If you have wind and tide in the same direction it pays to throw a squid jig out far enough to reach the depth you’re drifting in, then just put the rod in a holder. The wash from wind and other boats gives the jigs ideal movement to attract Squid. This coming week I’ll also be looking for Flounder, Tailor and other surprises the Broadwater is renowned for. I don’t know where all the Sand Crabs are but they have been few and far between for the last six months. The main channel North and South of the seaway, and East and West of Crab Island are worth a look this coming week for Squid and fish. There are definitely less Sand Whiting and more Flathead on all the yabby banks and flats now and increasing numbers of Winter Whiting off the edges into the deeper areas.”
Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:
“Some great catches of Mahi Mahi and few bottom fish starting to show up due to the colder conditions coming through now like Snapper and Jewfish.”
Freddy Gourlay caught his first Dolphin Fish (Mahi Mahi) off the Gold Coast Seaway recently.
The strong southerly winds and rain squalls have been relentless the past week, making fishing conditions less than average. For the few brave fishos that headed out into the sheltered rivers and estuary systems, they managed to score a feed of Bream, Whiting, Flathead and Mud Crabs for their efforts.
As we head towards the May Day Long Weekend for the Gold and Tweed Coast the winds are tipped to ease and by Monday the rain will disappear giving everyone a great day for boating. Offshore conditions will be average given the large swell that will remain, making bar crossings hazardous. Always have the latest forecast before planning a trip on the water.
Let’s have a look at some fishing options for the long weekend ahead.
Mud Crabs
These are just some the keepers! Marianne and crew had a successful Easter adventure (and feast) onboard Coomera Houseboats.
The recent rains maybe be just enough to stir up a few Mud Crabs around the Gold and Tweed Coats rivers and estuaries in time to chase a feed over the long weekend. The showers are tipped to hang around at least until Sunday. At least the winds are forecast to ease, making conditions much nicer to head out on the water. The recent rain should have stirred up the Mud Crabs before they quieten down as we get closer to winter. May is a good month for chasing a feed of Mud Crabs as they are normally good quality and full of meat after feeding up during the warmer months.
Crabbing Spots
Some good areas to set the pots are Coomera River (including the South and North arms), Brown Island, Aldershots, Never Fails, Tipplers Passage, Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Tiger Mullet Channel, Logan River, Russell Island, Lamb Island and Karra Garra Island. Fresh bait is always best, whole mullet, fish frames and fresh raw chicken will normally temp a crab if it’s in the area.
If you are crabbing during the daytime, try to hang around the area to keep an eye on your pots – just in case someone decides to check them for you.
The longer the soak the better, I recommend dropping the pots in late in the afternoon then be out on the water at first light to check them. A bait bag is a must have accessory that can be found at your local tackle shop, by placing your bait in a separate bag it makes it much harder for vermin like eels or small fish (and crabs) to get in and out of the pots to steal the bait. The soft bait bags work well and tend to get less damaged than the plastic-coated wire type.
Banana Prawns
Once the wind eases, it will be worth heading out to look for some Banana Prawns. Again, like crabs, the prawns will respond to a bit of rain. This tends to make them move out of the rivers and school up in better numbers. The cooler conditions we currently have are more friendly than the warm weather we have seen during March and the beginning of April. For those new to prawning, a top pocket cast next is a must have. They will cost more than a typical bottom pocket net but will make life much easier when the prawns are on. A bottom pocket net can be very difficult to remove your catch from taking up valuable time. When the prawns show up, they may only hang around for a short period, so the more casts you can get, the better. A top pocket net will trap majority of prawns in the top pocket. All you need to do is loosen off the draw string and tip your catch out, making things simple, ready to cast again in no time.
Prawn Spots
Alex was stoked to catch and release his first ever Jewfish with Brad Smith Fishing Charters on the Tweed River
If you are unsure where to go just keep an eye out for other boats casting nets. When the prawns are on you will get large numbers of boats all bunched up together. For someone new, this can be a bit full on. Just take your time when maneuvering through the maze, most boaties are pretty good about it. Some spots to have a look are Jacobs Well, Cabbage Tree Point, Rudy Maas, Little Rocky Point, Powerlines, Lamb Island, Karra Garra Island and Macleay Island. If you have mates out on the water, sharing info will also help you cover more area to find a feed.
Flathead
As the water cools down Flathead numbers are staring to increase. May is a great month to hit the water in search of these fun fish. Due to a lack of rain there seems to be much more weed in the water than normal. Hopefully this will start to clear up making lure fishing a bit easier.
Flathead will usually lay in wait head into the tide to ambush anything that swims past making lures the perfect choice to cover area in search of fish. Once you have managed to find a Flathead I recommend putting in a bit of time in to search that spot, as where there is one fish there will normally be a few more lying in wait. The bigger female fish will normally have several smaller male fish tagging along; these fish are the ones to keep if you are chasing a feed.
Soft plastics around the 3 to 4 inch size rigged on either 1/4 or 3/8 jig heads will work in most depths of water. Trolling hard body lures is a good way to find fish if things are a bit quiet, I also like using soft vibes in the deeper water as the movement is irresistible to a hungry fish.
Finding Flathead
Some good spots to look are Wave Break Island, Paradise Point, Aldershots, Tipplers Passage, Bedrooms, Coomera River, Jacobs Well, Tiger Mullet Channel, Cabbage Tree Point, Crusoe Island, Logan River and around Russell Island.
Quotes from the Boats
Brett scored a few nice Tailor in the Broadwater during April.
Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“Here we are at the end of another working week. The wind this week has been absolutely crazy. The good thing about the Tweed is its size and contours provides areas to work and hide from all winds. We worked sheltered areas that provided us with a combination of deep and shallow grounds to troll, and deep-water jig for a variety of species. The species caught were Flatties, Bream, Whiting, Grunter, Moses Perch and School Jew with the best performing lures being slams, mmd prawn vibes and ecogear zx40 and breamers.”
Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:
“Wild and windy this week, which is not abnormal for this time of year, soon it will settle more. Well, at least half the time. A very eventful week, I helped some jetski riders whose ski started sinking. They were clinging to it while the run out tide was dragging them towards the seaway, and no one else was around. Good timing, we were coming past, picked them up and towed their ski to the ramp.
Sand Whiting breeding season is wrapping up and they will be found up Nerang River, existing and feeding over winter. The Squid are increasing and we have been getting up to eight arrows a day, mostly on Ecogear blades and a few on Ecogear Dartmax squid jigs. I will be doing heaps of Squidding in the next four or five months so get in touch if you’d like to book a charter. Squid are so much fun and easy to catch, and so yummy to eat. Best thing is on squid charters we usually catch lots of flathead and flounder too. Flathead are suddenly appearing more in the shallows too. I did a wading charter yesterday and although the wind was Southerly 15-25 knots client Paul and I caught over 60 fish on yabbies and Zman ST Grubz, including 20 Flathead up to 56cm and Whiting up to 39cm. It was a fun session and no coincidence that the fish were aggressively feeding as the barometer climbed to 1020.”
LINKS & INFO
Wayne Young caught and released this large Shovel Nosed Ray in the Gold Coast Seaway
