Ex-cylcone Oswald tossed up some big seas and wet weather in late January that extended into early February. This pretty much put a halt to any offshore fishing. Let’s hope for a decent run of weather in the coming months because the fishing before the blow was great.

The fishing east of the South Passage Bar was reasonably consistent and we had some solid catches of pelagics and bottom fish on charter. Scholl mackerel and mahi mahi kept us busy, along with a few Spanish mackerel and once the water clears up, we are hopeful their numbers might pick up. February and March are the best months for Spaniards in this neck of the woods.

Out on the wide grounds there were enough amberjack and Samsonfish keen to eat a livie or a jig, and we also had a couple of session on XOS trag with most fish being 3kg or better!

Sharks have also been a problem, both out wide and when targeting bottom fish around Point Lookout of late. There is not much you can do about it other than try somewhere else.

When chasing mackerel, or any of the pelagics at present, try to find the area where the clear water meets the dirty water. Work the area just on the clean water side, especially any areas that are holding bait. Bottom dwellers also get active as the water is clearing up and with the amount of tucker that has washed out of the rivers, creeks and bays. The shallow reef systems such as Shallow Tempest and those around Point Lookout should fish very well for snapper, sweetlip and others.

March is a good month for chasing pelagics east of Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. The quality of the mackerel and wahoo should increase this month with fish of 15-20kg turning up to test anglers and their tackle. Other options include amberjack and Samsonfish, as well as yellowtail kingfish and trag. These species will all respond to a livie out wide if the current allows you to fish effectively.

Enjoy your fishing, take care on the coastal bars and keep an eye out for an increased number of floating logs and debris.

If you’d like to join me on charter (max 5 persons), give me a call on 07 3822 9527 or 0418 738 750. My new boat is coming on line in April and I will be able to take groups up to 8 persons. I will keep you informed.