Hi, this is Danny and Michelle from Island Fishing Supplies, Banksia Beach and Bellara.
Unfortunately, we have had a run of bad weather from February through to the end of March. Despite this, people have still been able to get out on the water to catch fish and crabs.
A few campers at Mission Point have been doing well, catching some nice mangrove jack on lightly weighted live baits, such as poddy mullet, garfish and herring.
There has also been some very nice flathead caught in the same area on soft plastic lures using Rapala – Crushcity’s and four inch Zman Paddle Tail Swimmerz with a ¼ ounce jighead. Along with the flathead, there is plenty of grunter bream around as well. These seem to prefer the live bloodworms and there is also a chance of getting some nice whiting.
Another great spot to try is through the stretch where Gallagher’s Gutter is. There is some nice grassy sweetlip caught on fresh squid with the odd snapper getting caught there as well.
Graham’s quality bay snapper.
The canals have been firing very well with large bream at night - prawns have been producing the biggest bream. Remember that most fish are hiding under the pontoons.
If you fancy a feed of delicious mud crabs, the upper reaches of all the creeks have seen some very good bucks caught. Also, around Sandstone Point in the channel.
Arlo with a nice mud crab.
Some of our locals have been fishing Red Beach and Skirmish Point with great results for summer whiting. Further around onto the open beach of Woorim, massive dart have been caught in the surf using bloodworms and pippies, these are great fun to catch on light tackle putting up a good fight in the waves.
Arlo caught his first whiting.
If you are keen to venture over to Moreton Island, squid are plentiful. It is a case of finding where the weed beds are because squid like to use these as cover to ambush their prey. Drifting around with Squidjigs size 2.5 or 3.0 in either an orange or green pattern are the preferred colours. Cast as far away from the boat as possible, letting the Squidjigs slowly sink and then hopping it back towards the boat whilst winding in the slack line. You will feel a heavy pull and usually with the larger squid, they will peel offline and put up a good fight. Make sure you let them shoot out all the ink before you pull them into the boat.
Squid caught in the weed beds – Moreton Island.
Enjoy your fishing and remember to catch only what you need!
Danny and Michelle