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Gold Coast Fishing: Golden Opportunities and Abundant Catches

Early mornings mid-week along the Gold and Tweed Coasts provided a welcomed respite for anglers seeking to seize some prime fishing conditions before the winds picked up in the afternoons. As we prepare this report, Saturday morning beckons as an excellent window of opportunity before the return of northerly winds during Sunday and Monday. Remember to stay updated with the latest forecasts before venturing out. In this post, we’ll dive into the week’s catch highlights and the best places to cast your line.

Whiting Galore on the Nerang River

With southerly winds sweeping through last week, we took advantage of the chance to head up the Nerang River with our friend Wayne Young in search of Whiting. The council chambers area saw a gathering of at least 15 other boats, all eager for a successful catch. After some exploration and trying various spots, we struck gold, landing a splendid feed of Whiting. Among the prized catches were a few elbow-slappers measuring between 38 and 40 cm, a true delight on light gear. Our secret? Quality live blood worms, though beach worms and yabbies can also work their magic. As summer approaches, night fishing becomes the prime time for catching both quantity and quality. Other fantastic Whiting spots include the Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and more. To increase your success, remember to keep moving, and exercise patience when you feel a bite. An ideal setup includes a light outfit, a long rod with a sensitive tip, a 6-inch Alvey or 2500 spinning reel, 6 to 9lb mono line, a long 6lb trace, 3 to 5 ball sinker (depending on the current), and a small bait holder hook

Exploring Gold Coast Seaway

As the weather warms up, the Gold Coast Seaway promises excellent opportunities for targeting Jewfish, Trevally, Mangrove Jack, and even the occasional juvenile Yellow Tail Kingfish. This spot is a bit of a lucky dip, with surprises often waiting to be discovered. Bait has been abundant in the Seaway and surrounding channels, with an unprecedented number of Slimy Mackerel recently. They’ve been biting at nearly anything thrown at them. If you’re after quality bait, try scouting during the last hour of the run-in tide.

Offshore Excursion

With favorable weather conditions in the forecast, Saturday morning presents an ideal opportunity to venture offshore before the Northerly winds gain strength later in the day. The close reefs have been yielding fantastic Snapper catches, as exemplified by Scott Kempton’s recent success off the Gold Coast. Keep in mind that the current can be unpredictable during this time of year, making it a bit challenging for bottom fishing on the 36 and 50 fathom reefs. For those eager to target pelagic species, heading farther out will be a wiser choice. In shallower waters, from 18 to 24 fathoms, anglers have enjoyed a diverse mix of Snapper, Jewfish, Moses Perch, Tusk Fish, Maori Cod, and a few Trag Jew. A sunrise start is always a great idea to maximize the bite time. Popular baits include WA Pilchards, Squid, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, live Yakkas, and Slimy Mackerel.

As you prepare for your fishing adventures this week, keep an eye on the weather conditions and choose your locations wisely. The waters around the Gold and Tweed Coasts offer plenty of opportunities for memorable catches. So, grab your gear, hit the water, and create some fishing memories to cherish.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“What a wild and windy week it has been, and it was very challenging as a guide to negotiate the wind and inaccurate forecasts. As a long term guide you get used to dealing with mother nature’s little tantrums and adjust to the conditions you are dealt. It was fantastic to finish the week taking out Moms and Dads with their kids from New South Wales and Victoria as it was the last week of their school holidays. To hear parents say it’s good for the kids to be off their computers and away from theme parks and to just being on the water and learning about fishing is overwhelming for me. We found some sheltered areas and as always found some fish which were mainly the good old Flatties. By far the best results this week came from trolling the shallows with Pontoon 21 crackjacks and the deeper areas with slam minnows.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“Some very windy days this week, I postponed some trips, and on the days, we did go we chased Whiting on the flats catching some nice fish in the 30-35cm range. Not big numbers yet but it is still early in the season for the Broadwater whiting. This coming week is looking better, until later in the week at least. New moon is next Sunday 15 October, the Flathead should fire this week, especially after this nice bit of soaking rain we had on the weekend. Some great options with morning run out tides for both the shallow bank edges and deeper holes and reefs in the Gold Coast Broadwater. There are still heaps of Flathead, and Winter Whiting, Squid, Slimy Mackerel, Squire, Bream, Tarwhine. I’ll be using soft plastics and lots of vibe’s lures including Ecogear, Samaki, and the new TT blades and vibes.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“The fishing has been a little tougher this week but still a few Snapper and Yellow Tail Kingfish out wider and Dolphin Fish around the fads. On the closer reefs Jewfish and some better quality Snapper are being caught. “

 

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjYm94LTVTbTQ3M0p3RHpJZ01TRlklMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][stm_sidebar sidebar=”651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Gold Coast Fishing: Weather, Reefs, and Mangrove Jacks

Weather and Fishing Prospects

The Gold and Tweed coasts have been basking in warmer weather thanks to dominant northerly winds. While the swell is subsiding and winds are expected to ease, Saturday morning might offer a window of opportunity for offshore anglers. However, keep an eye on the most up-to-date forecasts before heading out.

Flathead Classic and Weekend Plans

This week, the Gold Coast Sports Fish Clubs Flathead Classic took center stage from Wednesday to Friday, possibly making Flathead a bit wary on the weekend. We’ll bring you the results next week, so stay tuned. Remember, it’s always wise to check the latest weather updates before hitting the water.

Offshore Adventures

Considering the current weather conditions, Saturday morning looks promising for offshore excursions. Reports indicate some strong currents along the 50-fathom line during the week, so it’s worth exploring the closer reefs, hoping for calmer waters near the 18 and 24 fathom reefs. Expect a diverse catch, including Snapper, Tusk Fish, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Cobia, Silver Jew, Spangled Emperor, and Maori Cod. The 36 and 50-fathom lines have been productive for bottom species, but conditions may vary with changing currents. If the current is challenging, consider targeting Dolphin Fish at the fads, which have been consistently productive along the coast.

Whiting Wonders

Whiting have been a dependable catch, especially with the recent windy conditions, heralding the upcoming Summer season. Anglers have reported quality catches spread across various locations. Live Blood Worms, Beach Worms, and Yabbies are top bait choices. Daytime fishing yields excellent results, while nighttime angling produces larger catches. Opt for a light rod from 7 to 9ft, paired with a small spinning reel or alvey spooled with 6 to 9lb line, 6lb fluorocarbon trace, size 3 or 4 ball sinker, and a size 6 or 4 bait holder hook, depending on your bait preference.

Pursuing Mangrove Jacks

The warming weather has enticed early season Mangrove Jacks to make an appearance, delighting anglers who relish the challenge of these hard-fighting estuary giants. Whether you prefer land-based or boat fishing, target areas rich in structure and abundant baitfish. Look around rock walls, rock bars, bridges, jetties, pontoons, moored boats, and fallen trees with a current. Live or dead bait options include Herring, Mullet, Winter Whiting, and Silver Biddies. Equip yourself with a medium to heavy rod, 20lb braid, and 40lb trace for most situations. If you’re battling it out on rock bars, consider beefing up your gear and drag to handle their tactics of diving into structure.

As the weather warms and fishing opportunities expand, make the most of these insights to plan your next angling adventure on the Gold and Tweed coasts. Whether you’re chasing reef species, casting for whiting, or targeting Mangrove Jacks, there’s something for every angler to enjoy.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“Here we are again at the end of another week and although the wind was blowing up to 40 kms today we still managed to catch some nice fish.  I moved around the Tweed River through the week working the lower to middle reaches. We did some jigging in the deep holes that were holding bait and cast some pontoon 21 minnow lures over the shallow flats. Both techniques produced fish, but my clients got a real buzz watching some of the Flatties following and smashing our retrieved minnow lures in the shallow water. My partner Clint has just sent me some of the newly released Rapala Imposter lures which are a great yabbie slash prawn imitation lure, so I am keen to get my clients next week casting them across the shallow flats. I reckon these lures fitted with a very light jig head are going to work a treat across the flats.“

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“Dusky Flathead again this week dominated the catches, although with crystal clear water around the Seaway it was run out tides that fished best. The Flathead were taking Zman 3 inch Minnowz, and Samaki Vibelicious 70mm. There has been a huge amount of Sand Whiting in the rivers, which is a promising start to the season. In the mouth of the seaway there has been thousands of slimy mackerel, great fun to catch, great bait, and good to eat.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“The strong current is making it hard for bottom fishing out on the 50 fathoms but still plenty of Dollys around all the fads also still some good Snapper on the 50s but have to work really hard for them.”

 

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjYm94LTVTbTQ3M0p3RHpJZ01TRlklMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][stm_sidebar sidebar=”651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Gold Coast Fishing: Battling the Elements

This week, anglers faced a formidable challenge as strong southerly winds made offshore fishing off-limits. Inshore conditions also became tricky for eager fishers. However, there were ways to outsmart Mother Nature. Finding a protected spot in the rivers or sheltering behind islands around Jumpinpin offered the best opportunities for a successful fishing trip. As the weekend approaches, we have some good news regarding the weather forecast, providing anglers with more options for their fishing adventures.

Offshore Bounty

For those venturing offshore in pursuit of a bountiful catch, the closer 18 to 24 fathoms reefs are the place to be. A diverse array of species, including Snapper, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Maori Cod, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Jewfish, and Cobia, are waiting to be hooked. With sunrise occurring earlier in September, getting out on the water as early as possible is key to taking advantage of the dawn bite period. Use your sounder to scout for promising locations and plan your drift or anchoring strategy around the best displays of bait and fish.

Bait and Tackle Tips

When bait fishing, consider float lining for better control over the drop rate of your bait, presenting a more natural offering to predatory fish. Recommended baits include WA Pilchards, Whole Large Squid, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Fillet, live or dead Yakkas, and live or dead Slimy Mackerel. For an added thrill, try slow pitch and high-speed jigging techniques, which work well on certain offshore species. If bottom fishing isn’t yielding results, consider heading to the fads, where you can find fun-sized Dolphin fish. They’ll respond to both dead baits, live baits, and lures, so experiment to discover what they’re biting on that day.

Flathead Frenzy

Perfect for the Winter Months: Bream fishing is an excellent option during the winter months, and the Gold Coast offers plenty of land-based and boat-based spots to explore. If you prefer fishing from the shore, jetties, rock walls, and bridges are excellent places to try your luck. Don’t forget to use some burly to attract the fish. Some popular land-based spots are the Nerang River, Seaway Rock Wall, Broadwater Parklands Jetty, and more. If you’re taking the boat out, check out the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, and other locations. Bream are partial to Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Gut, White Pilchards, Squid, Prawns, and Yabbies.

Shark Fishing Season

As September brings warmer water temperatures and better weather, it’s an excellent time to target Sharks in local waterways. Land-based shark fishing can be highly successful with a medium to heavy combo spooled with 15 to 20lb line, nylon-coated wire trace between 50 to 100lb, size 6/0 to 9/0 J hooks or circle hooks, and a sinker for areas with tidal flow. Alternatively, you can fish the bait unweighted. Small pieces of Freshwater Eel, Pike Eel, Catfish, or Mullet are all you need to entice hungry Sharks. Consider exploring spots like the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Nerang River, Coomera River, canal systems, Jacobs Well, Aldershots, and the Logan River. Shark fishing promises an exciting adventure for those willing to give it a try.

With these insights, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your fishing endeavors in the Tweed and Gold Coast regions. Remember to stay safe, check the weather forecast, and enjoy the thrill of the catch!

Quotes from  the Boats

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“This week the fishing started slowing but the fish turned on suddenly on Thursday with quality sized Flathead by far the dominant species. Using Zman 3 inch Slim Swimz, Rapala Imposter, and Rapala Suspect soft plastics we caught around 30 Flathead per day measuring between 35 and 65cm. Best area to fish has been between the seaway and Browns inlet where there has been schools of small baitfish travelling along all the weed edges. For now, the snot weed has mostly cleared from the Broadwater, hopefully it doesn’t return in large amounts. This week tides are good with the new moon on Friday, with ideal run outs to chase Flathead during the mornings.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“There are Still plenty of Dolphin Fish around the fads and also plenty of Snapper on the 50 fathom reefs, coming off the full moon there was also a hot bite on some good size Silver Jew. “

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjYm94LTVTbTQ3M0p3RHpJZ01TRlklMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][stm_sidebar sidebar=”651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Gold Coast Fishing: Guide to the Best Spots and Tips for Flathead, Cobia, and Bream

Introduction: The Gold Coast is a fishing paradise, and with the warmer winter weather blessing us lately, it’s the perfect time to plan a fishing adventure. Whether you prefer land-based fishing or heading offshore, there’s something for every angler. In this report, we’ll share some top spots for Flathead, Cobia, and Bream to explore and essential tips to maximize your chances of a successful catch. So, grab your fishing gear and get ready for an exciting weekend of Gold Coast fishing!

Land-Based Flathead Fishing:

The Gold Coast has been buzzing with fantastic Flathead fishing recently, with some impressive catches reported. The Wilson Elite series, hosted by the Gold Coast Sports Fishing club, yielded over 500 Flathead caught and released in just one day! These tasty fish are widespread throughout the Tweed and Gold Coast waterways, making them an excellent target species. When fishing for Flathead, spending time on the water is crucial for learning their patterns. Consider trying different areas and experimenting with various techniques, like trolling and casting hard body lures, soft plastics, and metal vibes. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your sounder for signs of bait fish, as these areas can be gold mines for Flathead. Some recommended spots include Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, Nerang River, and more.

Offshore Fishing for Cobia and Silver Jewfish:

Once the offshore swell settles, it’s time to head to the deeper waters for a chance at Cobia and Silver Jewfish. With Snapper and Pearl Perch currently under closure, it’s worth focusing on the shallow reefs around the 18 to 24 fathom marks off the Gold Coast. Live baits like yakka’s and slimy mackerel are top choices for targeting these species. Keep an eye on your sounder to locate the fish, and don’t hesitate to use a float to vary the depth of your baits. If you can’t find live baits, fresh Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Tailor Fillet, and Silver Trevally Fillet can do the trick. On the 18 to 24 fathom reefs, you might also encounter Trag Jew, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Moses Perch, and Maori Cod. If you venture out to the 36 to 50 fathom grounds, you might be lucky enough to hook some Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, and Samson by jigging or using live baits.

Bream Fishing:

Perfect for the Winter Months: Bream fishing is an excellent option during the winter months, and the Gold Coast offers plenty of land-based and boat-based spots to explore. If you prefer fishing from the shore, jetties, rock walls, and bridges are excellent places to try your luck. Don’t forget to use some burly to attract the fish. Some popular land-based spots are the Nerang River, Seaway Rock Wall, Broadwater Parklands Jetty, and more. If you’re taking the boat out, check out the Tweed River, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek, and other locations. Bream are partial to Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, Mullet Gut, White Pilchards, Squid, Prawns, and Yabbies.

That’s a Wrap:

With the Gold Coast blessed with warmer winter weather, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some fishing. Whether you’re targeting Flathead, Cobia, Silver Jewfish, or Bream, the region has a wealth of options for every angler. Remember to stay updated on fishing regulations and forecasts before heading out. So, plan your fishing trip, follow our tips, and get ready to reel in some fantastic catches on the beautiful Gold Coast!

Quotes from  the Boats

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“This week great catches of Dolphin Fish from around all the fads using pilchards and live bait, also on the 50 fathoms Yellow Tail King fish and Amberjacks using live bait and jigs and in closer Silver Jew on live baits.”

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjYm94LTVTbTQ3M0p3RHpJZ01TRlklMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][stm_sidebar sidebar=”651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Offshore and Seaway Action, Best Spots and Tips

The beginning of the week on the Gold and Tweed Coasts was met with strong south-easterly winds, causing a significant swell that limited fishing options. However, there’s good news on the horizon. As of the time of this report, the winds are expected to ease, and the weekend weather forecast looks promising with light NE/NW winds and a small swell, perfect for those planning an offshore fishing trip.

Before you head out, keep in mind that the Snapper and Pearl Perch Closure has been in effect since July 15 (from 12:01 AM) for all Queensland waters, lasting for four weeks. For more information, check this link: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90132.

Now, let’s see what’s been biting this week:

Offshore Fishing

The current weather forecast suggests favorable conditions for heading offshore. Although Snapper and Pearl Perch are off the menu, the close reefs around 18 to 24 fathoms can still yield a mixed bag of table fish. When selecting a fishing spot, look for areas with signs of bait schools and predatory fish. Some excellent catches reported include trophy Cobia (see Corey’s catch), big Silver Jewfish, Trag Jew, Moses Perch, School Mackerel, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, and Maori Cod. If you venture out to the 36 and 50 fathom grounds, you might have additional options such as Dolphin Fish, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, Samson, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, and Pig Fish. For bait, consider using Mullet Filler, Bonito Fillet, WA Pilchards, Large Whole Squid, Live Yakka’s, and Live Slimy Mackerel.

Gold Coast Seaway Fishing

The Gold Coast Seaway has seen some promising fishing action lately, with large bait schools of Mullet, Yakka’s, and Slimy Mackerel attracting predators to the area. Anglers have successfully landed quality catches of Silver Jewfish, Trevally, Tailor, School Mackerel, juvenile Spangled Emperor, Grassy Sweetlip, and Tuskfish. Keep in mind that sharks can be a concern when fish are active, so use slightly heavier gear to bring your catch up quickly. Plan your trip around a tide change, about an hour before and after, for the best chances of success. The top of the tide and the first hour or two of the run-out tide are typically optimal times to try your luck.

Broadwater and Jumpinpin Fishing

The deeper main channels around Broadwater and Jumpinpin have been teeming with good-sized bait schools of white Pilchards, hardy heads, and Herring this winter. These areas are excellent spots to drift and fish. Use your sounder to locate fishing-worthy areas with bait schools and larger fish. Soft plastics, soft vibes, and metal vibes are effective presentations to match the hatch of the baitfish. Species you can expect to catch include Tailor, Trevally, Tarpon, Giant Herring, Flathead, Moses Perch, Bream, Tarwhine, Jew Fish, with the occasional Thread Fin Salmon and Squid being caught. For better fishing conditions, target the incoming tide, which has less current and offers higher water quality.

Remember, always stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts before planning your fishing trips for the best chances of success. Tight lines!

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“It was dynamic earlier in the week on the Tweed River but the bite slowed down a bit over the last two days. This can be attributed to a slight drop in the barometer but more so the lack of run in the tides. The more run the better as it makes the fish have to move and attack the bait or lures harder. Many anglers would have heard the cliche no run no fun. The good news is that the tides will be picking up again next week and so will their feeding patterns. The species caught this week were Flathead, Bream, Flounder, Tailor, School Jew and a couple of small Giant Trevally.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“The water has been astonishingly clear even at the bottom of the run-out tides. I’m very glad the big nighttime tides are dropping off, with less ocean water pushing in to make the vis crystal clear. The Flathead bite unsurprisingly has been timid, with small natural-coloured lures and live bait working best. Even the Squid are not as easy to catch as usual but there are some big ones around. I’ve been doing well using the 2.5 size Major Craft squid jigs. Soft vibes, Ecogear ZX40’s, and Zman soft plastics, which are all working well in the Broadwater. There have been huge schools of mature Winter Whiting in the Broadwater this week. While these fish don’t grow as big as their cousins the Sand Whiting, they are still a heap of fun to catch and superb eating. They are very easily caught in all the main channels on Ecogear ZX40 blades, Ecogear worms, live yabbies, or beach worms. They feed hard when the tide is running and put up a great little fight on light line. I release fish under 23cm, over that they are worth scaling and filleting then battered and shallowed fried. Delicious! A big bonus is Squid love hunting winter whiting so they can be caught in the same areas.“

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjYm94LTVTbTQ3M0p3RHpJZ01TRlklMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][stm_sidebar sidebar=”651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Fishing Report

Bream and Flathead Action Await this Weekend!

Despite challenging weather conditions earlier in the week, the Gold and Tweed Coasts are now basking in sunshine, making it an ideal time for fishing enthusiasts to venture out. Just a reminder of the Snapper and Pearl Perch Closure commenced 15 July (from 12.01AM) for all Queensland waters for the next 4 weeks please see link to information https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90132.

Let’s explore some exciting options for targeting Bream and Flathead over the upcoming weekend.

Bream Fishing Tips for a Memorable Night Out

As the winter nights linger, targeting Bream offers a delightful opportunity for both land-based and boat or kayak anglers. While the larger schools of Bream have been elusive, a cool night on the Gold and Tweed Coasts may just unlock the chance to reel in some quality catches. Be on the lookout for baitfish schools, as Bream often follow their favourite food sources, such as white pilchards. When seeking Bream, focus on fishing around structures like rock walls, bridges, boat harbors, and submerged trees, where they tend to congregate. A well-placed burley trail, consisting of frozen burley blocks with minced tuna or WA pillie cubes, can attract these elusive fish to your area, significantly boosting your chances of success. Opt for a basic light estuary combo with the right fishing gear, and you’ll be ready to cast your line at prime spots like Tweed River rock walls, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and other promising locations.

Flathead Frenzy in the Gold and Tweed Coasts

Flathead enthusiasts are in for a treat, with plentiful catches of all sizes observed around the Gold and Tweed Coasts. The deeper main channels present excellent opportunities for targeting school-sized Flathead, ranging from 35 to 50cm. Drifting with soft vibes, metal vibes, or heavier soft plastics can entice these beauties to bite. Alternatively, try drifting baits like white pilchards, blue bait, prawns, or yabbies for a successful catch. A crucial tip to remember is to keep an eye on your sounder to locate bait schools, as this will lead you to the best feeding areas. When the tide rises, don’t miss out on exploring the shallower sandbanks, where Flathead eagerly chase baitfish like whiting, mullet, white bait hardy heads, and prawns. To avoid spooking the fish, anchor or use an electric motor to spot lock your position, allowing you to cast in all directions with soft plastics or soft vibes. A 3 to 4-inch soft plastic or vibe usually works wonders in local waters. Some excellent spots to try your luck include the Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and more.

Wrap Up

With the weather looking more favourable and an abundance of Bream and Flathead awaiting your bait, this weekend promises an exhilarating fishing adventure along the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, be sure to pack your fishing gear, check the latest weather forecast, and embark on a thrilling fishing journey you won’t soon forget! Happy fishing!

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“I must say I love this time of the year with the chilly morning starts and clear but comfortable finishes once the sun warms us up and the jackets come off. Wintertime does not offer the number of different species available to be caught on the Tweed in other seasons but what it does deliver is a ridiculous number of Flatties both big and small. If you are not aware a new regulation was brought in earlier this year that only five flatties of legal length of course can be kept in NSW which I believe is fair. One thing I am really surprised about is that the big schools of spawning Bream and Tailor have not come up the Tweed River yet but hopefully they will come. Maybe this is due to the major flooding the river has received over the last two years, but I am not sure. I still think they will come before Winter ends.“

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“It’s been a fantastic week with some superb weather and plenty of fish and squid on the bite. The water is incredibly clear though even on the bottom of the tide, so natural presentation is essential. That means using small lures, quite transparent lures, and the best lure- live bait, especially on sunny, calm days. Yabbies have been working incredibly well on those sorts of days, catching lots of good size Flathead, Flounder, and Winter Whiting. When there is some cloud and/ or breeze on the water the lures come into play with Ecogear ZX40’s and breamer vibes, Zman 3 inch Minnowz, Pontoon 21 3 inch Awaruna, and MMD prawn vibes all working very well. The Squid have been in good numbers in the Broadwater, on one charter this week we chased fish in the morning then caught 31 squid in 90 minutes later on. My favourite Squid jigs have been Majorcraft Egizo, Fish Inc. Egilicious, Ecogear Dartmax, and Duel LQ Lens. When the Squid aren’t going for the bigger jigs I switch to 2.5 size. Most of the time green and gold colours work very well, and also prawn type designs in orange, red.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“With the Snapper and Pearly closure in place it’s time to target Kingfish, Amberjack and Samson fish on the 50s using live bait or jigging, even try the fads might be able to pull a few Dolphin Fish off them. In closer try for Cobia, Silver Jew and Trag Jew with live bait and dead bait.”

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett     

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Fishing Report

With quite a wet start to the week having plenty of rain falling over the Gold and Tweed Coasts on Tuesday, it has been a while without any decent rain. This should help the fishing giving the system a bit of a flush out. The Gold and Tweed Coasts are set for a promising weekend of fishing adventures. With favorable weather conditions and recent rainfall rejuvenating the waterways, anglers have an excellent chance to reel in a variety of prized species.

Surf Beach Fishing

With lighter westerly winds and a smaller swell, surf beach fishing presents a fantastic opportunity to catch Tailor, Dart, Bream, Whiting, Flathead, and even Jewfish. Adjusting your setup to a lighter option and using smaller baits such as Pippies, Beach Worms, Yabbies, White Pilchards, and Mullet Fillet will increase your chances of success. Targeting these species during morning hours and late afternoon to evening is ideal, and lures like metal slugs, stick baits, and surface poppers are effective for Tailor and Jewfish. Bait fishers can opt for whole WA Pilchards, Mullet Fillet, and Bonito Fillet on a set of gang hooks. Remember to move along the beach if the action is slow and change locations every 15 to 30 minutes to maximize your chances of landing a fish.

Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing enthusiasts can rejoice as the forecast favors heading out to chase a variety of reef fish. The 18 and 24 fathom reefs off the Gold Coast have seen good-sized Snapper, Jew Fish, Cobia, Spangled Emperor, Moses Perch, Trag Jew, Maori Cod, and occasional winter Spanish Mackerel catches. On the 36 and 50 fathom grounds, expect a mixed bag of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Trag Jew, Cobia, Amberjack, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Pig Fish, and Samson. Optimal baits include WA Pilchards, Large Squid, Mullet Fillet, Bonito, and live Yakka’s. Utilize your sounder to locate signs of bait and fish before selecting a fishing spot for the best results.

Bream Fishing

Recent rainfall has injected fresh water into the system, making the Broadwater and Jumpinpin prime spots for Bream fishing. Bream respond well to these conditions, and their feeding activity intensifies. Look for submerged trees, weed beds, rock bars, and man-made structures such as pontoons, jetties, bridges, and rock walls that hold bait, attracting schools of Bream. Effective baits for Bream include Mullet Gut, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, White Pilchards, Blue Bait, Prawns, Squid, and WA Pilchard cubes. Establishing a steady burly trail will help attract and maintain Bream in your chosen fishing area.

As the weekend approaches, anglers on the Gold and Tweed Coasts have an array of fishing opportunities to explore. Whether casting lines on the surf beaches, venturing offshore for reef fish, or targeting Bream in the estuaries, the conditions are favorable for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. So, grab your gear, check the latest forecast, and embark on a memorable fishing adventure in these beautiful coastal locations.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“This beautiful winter weather continues to keep rolling on and to match this with some fantastic fishing, I am so lucky to have an office like this to work in. Once again, and just like the last few months, it has been all about the Flatties in big numbers taking our vibes and trolled lures. In amongst the Flathead onslaught, we have been catching some Bream, School Jew and small Giant Trevally and Tailor.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“Some pretty epic fishing and weather this week in the beautiful Gold Coast Broadwater. Big numbers of Dusky Flathead, Arrow Squid, Winter Whiting, Flounder. We were using Zman 3 inch minnowZ, Samaki hardlicious, Marker 54 prawnlets, Ecogear ZX40’s and MMD prawn vibes. On sunny and calm days transparent and natural colour lures work best. On cloudy and/ or choppy conditions it works well to use darker and more colourful presentations. Sometimes it pays to experiment with funky colours to get the bites, like Zman in sexy mullet. As usual the Squid numbers drop off as the full moon gets closer, while the daytime tides have been ideal for Flathead fishing. Not too big, not too small. Just a good amount of tidal run. Most of the Flathead are measuring from 42cm to 60cm. Tailor have been passing through sporadically following the bait fish schools. That’s tailor even in season, here today gone the next. “

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“Live bait is working the best when chasing Silver Jew and Cobia in the closer 18 and 24 fathom reefs, out in the wider 36 and 50 fathom reefs we have been catching Snapper, Amberjack, Kingfish and Pearl Perch.” 

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett     

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Fishing Report

With the addition of the unusual warm weather, fishing enthusiasts along the Gold and Tweed Coasts have been making the most of the favourable conditions. The mornings have gradually gotten cooler along with the weather this week, light winds most mornings this combined with a run out tide has given fishos some great conditions for chasing Flathead inshore or heading offshore for a feed of reef fish. Saturday is looking like the pick of the days for heading out on the water with light SE/NE winds forecast and a smaller swell. From Sunday onwards the Southerly winds kick along with showers on rain forecast making conditions harder.

Flathead Fishing

The morning runout tide has proven to be the prime time for targeting Flathead. Look for areas with several drains running off a sandbank, as these are ideal spots for Flathead to ambush passing baitfish. Use your sounder to locate baitfish or observe splashing in the general area as indicators of potential fishing hotspots. Drifting or trolling around the area is an effective way to cover more ground and find active fish. Soft plastics, sift vibes, hardbody lures, and drifting baits such as Pilchards, Mullet Fillet, Herring, or Yabbies have all yielded successful catches. If you encounter weed in certain areas, don’t hesitate to move to deeper waters where weed is less prevalent. Recommended spots for Flathead fishing include Wavebreak Island, Crab Island, Brown Island, Sovereign Island, Neverfails, Tipplers Passage, Aldershots, Jacobs Well, Bedrooms, Kalinga Bank, Crusoe Island, Tiger Mullet Channel, Cabbage Tree Point, and the Logan River.

Offshore Reef

The local offshore reefs have been productive, offering a variety of species for anglers venturing out. Snapper have been particularly abundant off the Gold Coast. Starting early to catch the sunrise bite time is advantageous, and thorough sounder readings are crucial for locating fish before casting lines. Anchoring up is recommended when the fish are concentrated, while drifting over the area works best when they are more spread out. Float lining is an effective method, allowing you to control the sink rate of your bait for a more natural presentation. The 18 and 24 fathom reefs have yielded great catches of Snapper, Cobia, Jewfish, Moses Perch, Spangled Emperor, Tusk Fish, Trag Jew, and Maori Cod. Meanwhile, the 36 and 50 fathom grounds have seen good numbers of Snapper, Pearl Perch, Trag Jew, Cobia, Yellow Tail Kingfish, Amberjack, Tusk Fish, and Samson Fish. Whole large Squid, WA Pilchards, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, live Yakkas, and Slimy Mackerel are highly recommended as bait options.

Remember to always check the most updated weather forecast before planning your fishing trip. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your fishing adventures along the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“Here we are again at the end of another week and the perfect weather that comes with this time of the year just keeps coming. The scenery of the volcanic mountain ranges that surround the Tweed were so pronounced with the clear blue skies. Match this with some astounding fishing and the resident dolphins often playing around my boat always reminds me how good my office really is. Well once again it was Flatties and more Flatties queuing up to take our lures with deep jigging the Samaki vibelicous and Ecogear ZX 40 vibes, and trolling Pontoon 21 crackjacks and Slam minnows that were achieving fantastic results. The other species caught were Bream and Tailor and a few hard fighting School Jew.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“I love this time of year. Every season has highlights but there’s a few things very special about winter on the Gold Coast. The weather is often perfect, cool mornings turn into comfortably warm days. The fishing is good a lot of the time. This week once again there was plenty of Flathead on the chew, the shallows get better as the water warms through the days. They are all through the deeper water too, as always vibes being the best lures there and soft plastics on the shallow flats. Squid, Flounder, Winter Whiting, Tailor are all also around. Although I’ve barely tried for Squid this week with so many fish available to catch. This coming week we have morning run out tides which is great for Flathead fishing, and full moon is on Monday 3 July. The lead up to that will see some exciting fishing. There will be some Westerly winds which are ideal for Tailor fishing at the beaches. Best lures have been Zman plastics, Ecogear ZX40, and Samaki Vibelicious. Natural colours work best as the water is clean and weather calm. A new lure I’ve been fishing this week is the Marker 54 prawnlet. These incredibly natural looking products come pre rigged and in a four pack, and in seven different colours. They are best on light braid connected to 6 lb leader. I smear some Sax scent UV prawn on them then flick and pause, or just throw out and leave the rod in a holder and they get aggressively grabbed by fish. “

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“Fishing on the 50-fathom reef has still been great with Snapper, Pearl Perch plus Kingfish and Amberjacks. Live bait and pilchards working the best using bottom bashers or float lining. Also, the close reefs still producing nice size Silver Jew.”

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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett     

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Fishing Report

Welcome to our weekly fishing report for the Gold and Tweed Coasts! The weather has been delightful, with cooler mornings, abundant sunshine, and lighter winds. As we look ahead to the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday are shaping up to be fantastic fishing days. So, grab your gear, check the latest forecast, and let’s explore some fishing options for this weekend.

 

Targeting Tailor from the Beaches

If you’re a beach fishing enthusiast, the westerly winds this week have created excellent conditions for catching Tailor along the coastline, from the Tweed Coast up to South Stradbroke Island. With a small swell, you can focus on fishing the numerous gutters that dot our local surf beaches. During daylight hours, try casting metal slugs and surface lures to cover more ground and locate feeding fish. Opt for weighted lures ranging from 40 to 65 grams to match the size of the bait the Tailor are feeding on. Keep an eye on the sky for bird activity, which can indicate fish feeding, and watch the waves for signs of fish moving through. Using a variety of baits on gang hooks can also be effective, especially during early morning or late afternoon fishing sessions. Choose sinker sizes between 5 ball and 8 ball based on wave size and gutter strength. Whole WA Pilchards, Mullet Fillet, and Bonito Fillet are highly recommended baits.

Targeting Flathead in Shallow Waters

Anglers have been reporting good catches of Flathead in the shallow waters atop sandbanks throughout the Broadwater and Jumpinpin areas, particularly during high tide. Flathead tend to be more active in warmer water, so focus your efforts on areas where the sun has heated up the water, making the fish more likely to bite. As the tide begins to fall, explore the deeper edges of the sandbanks, as well as creek and river mouths, where Flathead lie in wait to ambush bait fish exiting the creeks. During low tide, deep gutters are ideal spots, as Flathead patiently await their prey. You can target Flathead using various methods, such as casting soft plastics, working with metal and soft vibes, or drifting dead baits like White Pilchards, WA Pilchards, Prawns, and Yabbies.

 

With the beautiful weather and favorable fishing conditions on the Gold and Tweed Coasts, this weekend presents a great opportunity to indulge in some fantastic fishing. Whether you’re targeting Tailor from the beaches or pursuing Flathead in shallow waters, be prepared with the right gear and baits. Remember to check the updated forecast before planning your fishing trip to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Quotes from  the Boats

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“This week saw some very good fishing and weather on most days. It is often said the best estuary fishing after major floods is the second winter after the event. That is certainly what is happening this winter in the Gold Coast Broadwater. Flathead catches of 20 to 40 a day have been the norm, and the best lures have been Zman 3 inch minnowz rigged on TT jigheads, Ecogear ZX40’s, and MMD soft prawn vibes. The best spots have been shallow edges from 0.5 to 2 metres deep where the lizards have been sunning themselves on the chilly mornings. Flathead fishing will be good here until December. Arrow Squid are around but I wouldn’t say massive numbers, although I have been trying to balance catching them deeper plus flatties in the shallows all in one session each day. The water temperature also rose from 18 to 20 degrees before this cold snap. Hopefully they’ll come on more soon, they have been smaller in size in areas hard hit by anglers. Some solid Tailor made an appearance this week in the Broadwater North of Crab Island, the bigger and regular schools should be on their way. I love catching these feisty fish, they are so sporty and are also one of my favourite fish to eat. There has also been a lot of beautiful size Flounder widespread in all areas and depths from Sundale bridge to Sovereign Island. Next week after the full moon the morning high tides get later which is good for Squid fishing. The tides are not very big though. Squid do like some flow to bring the food to them so North of the seaway will probably fish best. The water has been crystal clear a lot of the time so look for more discolouration to find better quality fish and squid.”

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“The 50 fathom grounds has been really good still with King Fish, Amberjacks, Sambo, Snapper and Pearlies and even the odd Black Marlin, best baits are 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.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett     

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