subject: Noosa A Hotspot For Deep-sea Fishing [print this page] Although Noosa might be known for its white sandy beaches and rustic hinterland, head out to sea instead of inland and a totally different (and far more exciting) experience awaits you deep-sea fishing.
Fishing Noosas surf beaches and riverways will usually turn up a fair catch of perch, bream, whiting and flathead, but just a few kilometres out, the stakes get much, much bigger. Heres a list of what lies just beyond Noosas shallows, courtesy of Mooloolaba-based fishing operator Top Catch Charters.
Marlin
Youd be forgiven for thinking that marlin are only found way out to sea, but they are in fact more common than many people think especially around Noosa. Thanks to the relatively warm water, this is one of the southernmost spots where you can still find marlin all year round. These magnificent beasts often grow to hundreds of kilograms, which is what makes them such a powerful adversary.
Sailfish
With a reputation for high-altitude aerobatics, sailfish are the marlins flamboyant little cousins. Perfect for a bit of a battle on lighter tackle, sailfish will do anything in their power to get off the line, including trying to jump the boat. It all just adds to the excitement of hooking one of these 30kg beauties.
Wahoo
A member of the same family as tuna and mackerel, wahoo are a powerful, streamlined fish capable of extreme speed. Their razor-sharp teeth will go through most unprotected tackle, which makes them a bit of a nuisance when youre fishing for the bigger game. That said, they are a fantastic fight in their own right, and also do quite well on the dinner table.
Mahi-mahi
Mahi-mahi (also dolphin fish or dorado) look like a metallic-green battering rams, and they act like them too. Although youll often find them in small groups sheltering around floating debris, when hooked, they are highly acrobatic, perhaps due to their adeptness at hunting flying fish.
Tuna
The ocean off Noosa teems with yellowfin, northern bluefin (longtail) and bonito tuna. Aside from being great eating fish, they are also some of the feistiest fighters in the sea, which can be a challenge when they weigh a few hundred kilograms!
Cobia
Cobia are prized for both their meat and their fight. They will make numerous runs, so youd better be prepared for a bit of a battle. Growing up to six feet in length, theyre not small, and with their combative attitude and needle-sharp dorsal spines, they can be quite a handful once you get them onboard.
Sharks
If there are a lot of fish about, you can bet your bottom dollar there are some sharks around too. Although most charter operators wont go out specifically looking for sharks, its not uncommon for hooked fish to fall victim to scavenging sharks.
With its vibrant marine life and consistent fishing, Noosa is a great spot for a day onboard a Noosa fishing charter. To find out more about fishing these beautiful waters, contact the crew at Top Catch Charters at bookings@topcatchcharters.com.au.
