OFFSHORE: Well, we got off to a pretty good start as far as the offshore brigade were concerned with light to moderate variable Southerlies the dominant force early in the week. And fortunately, even though the wind strength and swell were starting to increase by Friday, the resulting joggly conditions were no deterrent to the majority of weekend boaties. In fact it wasn't until a strong wind warning was issued early this morning that a halt was finally called to any further offshore activity. Squire, Parrot Fish and Pearl Perch were common to the visited reefs. In addition, for those prepared to go the distance, the Barwon Banks produced Rosy Jobfish, Hussar, Trevally and Maori Cod while at The Hards the bonus species were Snapper, Gold Spot Wrasse and Amberjack. North Reef, however, was again the most popular destination, yielding Moses Perch, Bonito, Coral Trout, Trevally, Snapper, Teraglin Jewfish, Sweetlip, Mowong and as you can see by the accompanying photos, Northern Bluefin (Longtail) Tuna and Cobia or Black Kingfish. Brisbane angler Michael Hoskin (right) was out there on Cougar One on Wednesday and claimed top weight of the day when he boated the 20kg Longtail he's pictured with. And on the same three quarter day charter Graeme Bernard from Melbourne (below) was runner up with an 18kg Cobia. Apart from that, Hall's Reef saw a bit of Longtail action.

ONSHORE: The coastal surf beaches were well worth considering this week, especially the East side. Top performers, in order of merit were; North Peregian Beach (where Tailor and quality Dart were on the bite), Marcus Beach (Dart and Bream) and Castaways Beach (Tailor). The National Park headland was still a good option as far as the Jewfish were concerned while on the North Shore there were a few Tailor taken up around the Third Cutting. In the river, the standout species this week were the Luderick (Blackfish) and the river mouth car park rocks area was the spot to be if you were chasing these feisty little sportfish. And, with holiday anglers on the water in numbers, Flathead, Whiting and Bream catches were well spread, although the hot spots were Lake Cooroibah, Weyba Creek, Munna Point (along with Trevally), the Woods Bays (where Trevally and Tailor were active) and down at the river mouth where a few Tailor also made their mark. Brisbane visitor Scott Robertson (above left) was one of many anglers who did well down at the mouth where the Bream in particular were schooling. Scott landed these two 700gm specimens on Thursday using Mullet fillet on a 1/0 hook as his bait. He was armed with an Alvey 650C combo. On the freshwater scene the Lake MacDonald Bass really fired this week and the quality of the fish was excellent. Local angler Eddy 'Fish Kool' Sweres (above right) had a ball on Tuesday afternoon (and again on Sunday) when he caught and released a few snodgers. The 2kg fish he's pictured with is a good example of the quality of the Bass on the bite there at the moment. He was armed with a Black Diamond Bass Predator rod and a Shimano Chronarch reel loaded with 14lb Tuf line.

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