Although the first of the summer speedsters started arriving in late November and early December, the next few months should see some red hot fishing, if the last couple of years are anything to go by.

Wahoo have been in reasonable numbers in the Hutchinson Shoal area and to a lesser degree in the Point Lookout area.

Spanish mackerel have been hitting trolled baits from the Sunshine Coast through to Cape Moreton and they will continue to work their way south following the bait schools. At the time of writing I’ve had a couple of shortish sessions trolling livies along Moreton Island’s coffee rock and we boated several quality spotted mackerel and a couple of Spaniards.

Spotties have been in good numbers in Moreton Bay and getting your bag limit of five hasn’t been too much trouble.

The reef fishing, which has been so good over the past few months, has slowed right down. When you combine this with the stronger current we get at this time of year, filling the icebox with reefies is a lot tougher. Having said that, there have been some quality squire caught along the Shallow Tempest line of reef and a few pearlies in the deeper water when the current permits.

Dolphinfish have been in reasonable numbers at the wave rider buoy off Point Lookout, but traffic can be a problem on weekends. Overall, February is a great month for chasing pelagic fish off Moreton and North Stradbroke islands. Whether you enjoy chasing mackerel, dragging high-speeds around for wahoo, targeting marlin on skirted lures or having a go at the lot, February is generally a good month for the surface fishos. For those of you who like to chase billfish, the Trench and the grounds off Cape Moreton have seen good numbers of small black marlin on livebaits and skirted lures. I rarely get the opportunity to target billfish, as my clients prefer other styles of fishing, but when the occasional billfish takes a bait meant for another species they sure put on a great aerial display.

Throughout January huge schools of baitfish were evident along Moreton and Stradbroke islands, and that’s a good sign of things to follow in the coming weeks. Unless you’re a one-eyed bottom fisho, now’s the time to dust off the mackerel gear and have some fun.

Until next month enjoy your fishing and if you’d like to join me on a charter (max 4 persons) call me on 0418 738 750 or (07) 3822 9527. I’m currently decking out my new Haines Hunter, and I’m very keen to have it on the water and chase a fish or two.

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1) Daniel Lee with an early season Spanish mackerel.

2) Terry McGarrigle with a double hook-up of pearl perch from a recent charter.