Written by Andrew Chorley
Spring is an exciting time on the Fraser Coast as water temps rise, we will start to see our summer species fire up. Mangrove jacks, barramundi and threadfin salmon will be on the mind of many anglers.
Burrum
With the warm spell dusting off the barra and jack gear will be a good idea over the coming week.
Live baits are a great way to target barra and jacks in the early part of the season, but Hardbodie lures casted around the snags have already been getting some nice fish. Whiting have also been active with black bank producing some nice specimens.
Out the front golden trevally and a few mac tuna can be found around the Burrum 8-Mile along with the odd grunter.
Wide Grounds
The wide grounds such as the 25-Fathom hole and southern gutters have been producing a few scarlets, snapper, cod, coral trout and other mixed reef fish. Mac tuna have also been about and should move in closer to the bay for the sport anglers.
Platypus Bay
Platypus Bay has been quiet, with just the odd trevally, snapper and mackerel being reported. As water temps rise, we should start seeing mac tuna move in along with bigger schools of school mackerel.
Local Reefs
Cod, snapper, coral trout and blackall have been reported coming from the artificial reef. The next few weeks will also see blue parrot become active with live crabs working best on the blueys. Squid can still be found around the rocky outcrops and shallow reefs.
Sandy Strait
The strait has been fishing well of late with whiting grunter, cod and blue parrot being reported.
The flats along the western side of Fraser Island have been producing the better-quality whiting with live yabbies a must have bait.
Try walking the flats when targeting the whiting, often the best fish will come from water to shallow for a boat to get to. Good size flathead has also been active with soft plastics getting the results.
Urangan Pier
Off the Pier, flathead to 2kg, bream, whiting and mac tuna have been on the bite.
The flats around the pier and toward Torquay will also be worth a look for a whiting on the big tides this week.