GOLD COAST & TWEED ESTUARY TIPS AND REPORT
By Brad Smith
This last few months have been tough with a long term drought, and constant low barometer readings due to the fact that we have been constantly dominated by east coast lows.
The recent small amount of rain that we received was an obvious help to our lawns and gardens but unfortunately not enough to fully flush our local creeks and rivers.
We have used this term before but it is well known that a drought on land is a drought at sea so in a nutshell our rivers bring life to the sea and in general with rain comes life.
Being a fishing guide at present means that you have to take pride in your work and have full commitment to the guests that are coming out with myself and Clint. Not that we don’t always but we have to work much harder than usual.
To work hard through the tougher times means that it will make you a better angler as my wise old Uncle Jack used to say if you can smile through the rough times in life your laughing when the good times come.
The tip for fishing the Tweed and local Gold Coast rivers this week are to fish the shallow flats that have a combination of yabbies and sea grass beds with surface lures the likes of Bassday Sugapens and MMD Splash Prawns for whiting, bream and the odd flathead and work the deep holes in the far upper reaches of the rivers with blades, vibes and plastics.
The reason for fishing the far upper reaches is that the salinity levels are high due to the above mentioned lack of rain and the water temperatures along the bottom of the deep holes is slightly cooler which suits the flathead and jewies.    Â
The waterways are busy this coming week so get out there early or after sunset. Best times to catch mangrove jack and big whiting will be the evenings.
Bundall received 131mm of rain last week so the broadwater and Nerang river will fire up.
Happy new year everyone and we will talk next year if we don’t see you on the water before then!
