Moreton Bay Mackerill

[Deep Explorer]

Hey,
Heading out over easter to try and chase some Mackerill near the 4 beacons. Can anyone give me any tips about rigs/bait to use or reports of what's been around?

Thanks Dave

[WalFish]

Dave, up here in Nth QLD we just float pillies out the back on a gang of 3 or 4 hooks if we are feeling lazy. Add a bit of a burley trail of chopped up pillies to bring them to the boat.

If feeling like a bit of a troll, then hook up a couple of Halco Scorpions (seem to like blues, pinks and yellows) and set off at about 4-8 km/hr. Other lures I have had success on are the Classic Bluewater F-18s in the QANTAS and mac tuna colours.

Whatever we decide to do, both styles of rig have a leader of about 50cm of 60 lb single strand piano wire to reduce the chance of bite offs. Haven't had a single bite off since I started using this. Even my 4 year old Natasha can catch them using these techniques.

WalFish

[SeaHunt]

What a cutie, must take after her mother;D

Back to the Macs.
They are usually found around the actual beacons at 4 beacons.
You see people driving from one to the other dropping a slug down and ripping it back up right next to the beacon.
If you are talking about spotties, I am not sure they are still about.
Look for birds working.

[RAT-KING]

Iv'e had a bit of success with anchoring so u can drift baits in to the beacon. use a baitjig to score some livies then drop the livies down where u caught them.
good luck!

[michael_mad_fisho]

gday mate
i would always have a rig tied up with a slug on just in case any schools do pop, better to have one rigged and get atleast one cast away before they sound. also round the beacons ive found is to float ganged pillies out in a berley trail if they are scarce.

cheers