marty

After a couple of trips with no Mackerel, finally managed to be in the right place at the right time. Got a couple of reports of people bagging out on Wednesday morning so shot out to Palm Beach reef this morning. Started a little slow but the switch was flicked at 6 with a crazy bite for an hour with boats all round hooking up. We managed 7 Spotties in the boat to 90cm and lost even more. Most came from float lining and a couple from spinning. Nice way to finish a crazy year! Marty

Only someone who doesn't eat fish would keep the Mac Tuna and throw back the Spottie Those Mac Tuna are great line burners and lots of fun when spinning slugs - sounds like a fun session.

if you know where to look there are plenty of bottom fish between the 18's and 24's - but most don't share those GPS marks lightly for obvious reasons.

That is one sweet looking rig - be good offshore when the wind gets up. Do you live on the GC - one of those pics looks like the boat ramp at the Grand? Marty

Welcome to the GC. There are a lot of options for fishing in the GC, plus a lot of people doing it too! There is some good Snapper fishing here on the shallow reefs, although it may slow down a little as the weather warms up. If you like chasing pelagics, the season is just about the start. Mackerel should start to show up here in the next month - always lots of fun. Good luck and let us know how you go. Marty

Not too sure if Moses Perch of 15-20cm will reach legal size of 25cm in a month or two? But they are a pretty fish and good on the chew. I rarely catch many in the GC local estuaries much above legal, but we do get bigger ones on the offshore reefs. Like other fish from the Lutjanus family (aka Mangrove Jacks) they grow up in the estuaries then move offshore hone they get bigger. Good luck

If you are concerned about overnight security you could try Horizon Shores (https://horizonshores.com.au/boat_ramp.htm). Will cost you $20 but they have onsite security.

Some of the biggest size sites I have seen in any caravan park. No permit required to drive on the beach either. But if you don't fish, surf or drink beer then it is very slow

I actually think you can't take the +1. From this offical page (https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/gatherings) This means from Saturday, May 2, you can: Go for a drive (teach a learner driver from your household) Ride a motorbike Have a picnic Visit a national park (Check which parks are open) Shop in places already open Fish Go boating But there are three conditions: You must practice social distancing and stay 1.5m from others and hygiene must be maintained; You must only be joined by the people who usually live with you or one other person who doesn't live with you You must stay within 50km of your home So, taking the family is fine, or taking one non family member is fine - but you can't do both (according to point 2). Questions about the social distancing are also valid. Of course, I could be wrong - it has happened before

Welcome. There are a few of us GC locals on here. Good time of the year on the Coast for fishing - Pelagics offshore and Jacks in the creeks and rivers just to mention a couple of my favourites. Just need to to do something about the crowds Thanks

I own a 4.8m Galeforce and find it a good compromise for offshore and inshore. My good mate has a 485 and it is also a good compromise boat. As previously mentioned, there is a noticeable difference in freeboard. I find both boats as wet as each other. The Haines is better finished and more options for layout, etc. Haines is more expensive. I looked at both and freeboard was the deciding factor for me Thanks

GC Seaway is by far the safest on the GC. Tweed is next, but can get sketchy on a run out tide with some swell running. Next is Currumbin, but if it is your first crossing this is not for you. Cross Talle off your list. When crossing the Seaway go straight out for a couple of hundred meters before changing course - there is a shallow bank on the end of the south wall and an even more shallow bank just north of the entrance that waves will break on in a medium swell. As with all bars, run out will be the most dangerous. I always suggest you go and watch the bar the day before on the same tide you are going to be crossing in. This will give you a fairly accurate idea of the conditions you will cross in. And take note of the track other boats take when crossing the bar. Lastly, don't be a hero - if you are unsure, don't go. Try to get someone to take you on your first crossing, either in your boat or follow them in their boat.

Another big tick for Minn Kota with spot lock. Use mine all the time offshore - saves pulling up an anchor and 6m of chain. Have always been a MK fan and know they definitely contribute to increasing my success rate - inshore and offshore. Give some good consideration into your battery size too - try to work out how many hours you will use your electric and then get a battery to suit (deep cycle of course).

Chasing Jacks in August will be hard work as water temp will still be cool and they will not be as aggressive as usual. On the Goldy, August will be a good time for Bream and Flathead. Flatties will start to head towards the river mouths around August so will be worth targeting. Bream should still be on the chew at the sae time. Plus Jew will be worth chasing too. As for where to go, I would be looking at less populated spots as that will be less fishing pressure.

Looks like a good time was had by all. I forgot you guys were camped up as I was also offshore Friday morning and back in the Broadwater Sat night and Sun morning chasing crabs. I know where the Spanish have been but did the schoolies come from the same spot? Marty

If I am chasing Snapper or Mackerel then I usually anchor (actually use spot lock on the electric motor). But if the current is really strong I will motor up then drift over the patch of reef I am fishing, and repeat, repeat, repeat...

The sandbank on the southern side of Talley creek, just to the left of the M1 highway bridge is very reliable for yabbies. Follow Tallebudgera Drive right to the end, park under the bridge and walk out to the bank.

What about youngy? well said mate! ...and from memory wasn't Angus working at Anaconda at some stage? pretty sure they both know a little something about fishing.