THE SUNSHINE Coast freshwater scene looks just as rosy as the estuaries as we head into winter. Lake MacDonald has responded brilliantly to the drop in temperature with exceptional catches of bass all over the place. The Mary River cod, which were absent from catches earlier in the year, have also made their presence known. Several cod of 6kg have been landed in recent times, and it’s estimated that more than double that number have been lost at the boat.

Trollers using extra deep minnows, particularly in gold, are still pulling fish out of the main basin of MacDonald and along the old creek bed. The creek bed meanders all over the place and can be very hard to follow, so slow and steady is the go – and keep an eye on your sounder. Lures that run at depths of 15-20ft are appropriate, and when the bottom comes up change to a shallower version or shorten you troll length.

Casting the weed beds has been highly successful and much more entertaining than trolling – in early May at least. Plenty of fish in the high 40s have found the temptations of Beetlespins and Revheads too much to resist. Good places to cast such lures – don’t discount bibbed minnows or bibless lures – have been Three Ways, Fry’s Run and the massive weed bed to the south of Bass Bay.

Things look good for Round 11 of the BASS Electric Series to be held on Lake MacDonald on July 25. For more information on this event, including details on fully-catered waterfront cabin accommodation, give Mark Pertot a ring during office hours. You’ll find him at Davo’s Bait and Tackle on (07) 5449 8099.

1) Lake MacDonald regulars Shae Gargan and Shannon Watson caught these very respectable bass while casting lures around the weedbeds.