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What to target in October
  |  First Published: October 2003



BEACH fishing at the time of writing is quite has been patchy, with the fish cooperative one day and finicky the next. However, one species that has made an appearance and will definitely be worth targeting during October is whiting. Inskip Point on the mainland and Hook Point on Fraser are the pick of the spots to target these succulent fish. As usual, some good-sized dart have been the mainstay of beach catches along with some flathead and a few bream.

Tailor haven’t been prevalent, though there hasn’t really been an abundance of typical winter westerlies either. There are plenty of juvenile tailor along Inskip Point but they’re mostly undersized. Teewah Beach has been the most consistent location for good tailor. The really big greenbacks traditionally make an appearance in October, so they’ll be worth targeting this month.

GREAT SANDY STRAITS

Plenty of tailor have been frequenting the green beacon known as ‘Big Mick’ located inside the bar. Quite a few are just on legal size, but anglers hitting the area early enough have taken some better quality fish. There has also been some surface tuna activity, and if you’re good enough to tempt these fussy feeders you’re in for some good sport.

Plenty of people have been giving the squid jigs a go and most have been successful. If you’re on the water this month it’s still worth have a go as there may still be some squid around.

Crabs will be the target of many local people in October. Catches at the time of writing are improving, with a few muddies being taken, and the warmer weather will be sure to improve catch rates.

OFFSHORE FISHING

Fishing the reefs has been very dependent on the weather and it seems to me that the better days are always mid-week. The boats that have been out have reported good catches of cod, scarlet sea perch and red emperor on the inshore reefs. Squire have been quite prolific but the larger snapper have proved more elusive. Ed Falconer reported that he has been getting good fish on the closer reefs, including coral trout to 6kg. His last couple of trips have seen a good bite in close and when he has travelled wider the fish have been uncooperative.

During October the reef fishing should continue to be quite productive although it will start to wind down from the more suitable winter months. Snapper will still be about on the inshore reefs and the usual species will still be taken by those who know what they’re doing.

1) This succulent scarlet sea perch was caught by Terry Smith of Kandanga on board Keely Rose.

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