The January Fishing Report, Week Two 2007, Noosa, Queensland, Australia, brought to you by Daiwa.

As at Monday January 8, 2007

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OFFSHORE: Variable easterlies dominated the offshore scene this week, starting off sedately enough (10 to 15 knots) before blasting through the 25 knot barrier on Thursday and effectively curtailing excursions to the local reefs until early on Sunday morning. The rest of the week was quite fishable, but less than idyllic, with a 2.5m easterly swell adding a certain degree of difficulty to the bar crossing. Regardless, there was still (as always) a feed to be had for those hardy souls who made the effort with Squire, Sweetlip, Moses Perch and Pearl Perch all common to the visited reefs. In addition, Chardon's Reef produced Spotted Mackerel, as did North Reef but with the added bonus of Spanish Mackerel and Teraglin Jewfish. Closer in, Sunshine Reef was a popular destination, yielding Marlin (catch and release), Cobia, Parrot Fish and, as you can see by the photo above, a number of Coral Trout. The Noosa Blue Water Charters boats did well on this species with their best day being Tuesday when these three fish were caught. From left we have: Wesley Weight from the Gold Coast (6.5kg), Teri Pritchard (5kg) from Sydney and Matt Lainson (2.9kg) also from Sydney who all struck gold on a half day Cougar Too charter. They were armed with Wilson Live Fibre rods and Alvey 825C reels loaded with 30lb line. Last but not least, North Hall's Reef was the spot for the odd Northern Bluefin Tuna and Spotted Mackerel. ONSHORE: The coastal surf beaches took a bit of a hammering from the easterly swell this week although those who made the trek over to the North Shore reported Whiting in good numbers (if not size) up and down Teewah Beach. The only other beach reports of note were of Dart (quality) and Whiting at Sunrise Beach plus Chopper Tailor (at night) and Flathead at South Peregian Beach. In the river, Flathead were the high profile species this week with the stretch from the Woods Point to the river mouth producing excellent results. Jason Schofield (below left) tempted his 1.8kg 'Lizard' with a Davo's Pilchard down at the river mouth yesterday afternoon. He was armed with a Jarvis Walker threadline combo loaded with 9lb line. And fishing the river mouth around the top of the tide on Thursday morning, David Scott form Toowoomba (below right) nailed himself two 'Lizards' using a Bonito fillet on a 1/0 suicide hook as his draw card. He was kitted out with an Abu 5000 overhead combo loaded with 4kg line and 8kg trace. Other reports of interest were of Sand Crabs throughout Weyba Creek and up in Lake Weyba, quality whiting along the Gympie Terrace stretch and Trevally in good size and numbers at the Tewantin ski run at night on live baits. Last but not least there were a bit of Mangrove Jack activity around the back of Noosa Sound (live fish baits) and into Weyba Creek and also still a few 'Jacks' on the prowl in the stretch between the lakes, as Brisbane angler Kerry Wilkins (above) found on Monday night. Kerry was floating out a live Worm on a No.4 longshank hook when the 1.6kg 'Jack' he's posing with came to the party. He was armed with a Penn threadline combo loaded with 8lb line.

On the freshwater scene, the Lake MacDonald Bass were active around 'Three Ways' while the resident Saratoga were best targeted around 'Toga Bend'. EcoGear SX48f lures cast towards the weed beds got most of the attention there. Oh, and by the way. We've just posted the latest aerial photo of the bar so if you'd like a gander, CLICK HERE.