Elbow slappers- how to catch?

[amk]

Hello,

I am new to the gold coast, and were wondering if anyone could tell me some productive whiting fishing spots in the nerang river? I hear this is a good place to start estury fishing.I would really appreciate some advice on where, when, how to catch some of these bigger fish. This would really be appreciative and I need some help in catching some fish. I dont have a boat, so land spots would be helpful. Thanks to you all for reading and responding to this email. Your advice is welcomed. Thanks.

[sharkbait]

Try Budds Beach on a big rising tide at night, bloodworms and a long 6lb trace.
also next to the soccer fields at TSS.

[Aaron_Fogarty]

Mate,
Get yourself a small tinnie. A boat in the Narang is the way to go! If not any of the onshore yabbie banks, throughout the Broady produces good whiting on the run up tide. Yabbies are an easy natural bait if you got a pump.
Cheers
Aaron

[amk]

Thanks guys, very much appreciated!!!!!

[amk]

Do you guys- cast out as far as you can and set the line with a minimum drag and leave it out there and wait for the big ones or do you hold and retrieve slowly???

How much bait do you place onyour hooks.....heaps or alittle???

Thanks for your help, your advice/ wisdom is appreciated.

[Aaron_Fogarty]

Big bait, big fish. The more dangally bits of worm from the hook the better. If your fishing from the bank with an anchored bait, set your rod down and watch the tip. As soon as you get a bite give the fish 1m of line to play with. This will ensure he swallows the hook. When he takes up the slack line just lift and reel in. Childs Play!

If your fishing using the run of the water to move your bait, a slow wind with a small 0 ball sinker is the go, however after you get a bite, 1m of line and so on as above.
GOOD LUCK
Regards
Aaron

[amk]

Aaron,

Thank you very much.....I appreciate your advice and will put it to the test. I am fishing from the banks in the nerang river, one more question, How far do you cast in???, as far as you can and what sinker should i use to get maximum benefit in the nerang river, say 2hrs before high tide???......i do agree big bait....big fish. Your comments aremost welcome,

amk.

[Aaron_Fogarty]

Sinker size depends on the run in the water, Fishing the nerang from a boat a 4ball usually suffices, however as you are side on to the river run, this puts more pull on your tackle. Now, the golden rule for most estuary species is that you should fish as lite as possible, so in you predicament I would recommend a 5 or 6 ball. Like most new spots though it will be trail and error until you know what works and what doesnt. As for cast distant this depends on the sand structures you are fishing.
Good luck
Aaron

[amk]

Aaron,

Thanks for your imput, I have learnt alot from people such as yourself, knowledge is power that is for sure. Thanksfor your help and any other tips are most welcome.I usually fish from the banks/ rocks now as i dont have a boat anymore, so land spots/ advice is always more relevant to me. I live in Brisbane CBD but I enjoy the coast, especially the broadwater and the nerang so a change of scenery is always pleasant. I have caught quite a few fish in the nerang over the years but things in fishing are alwyas changing, so thanks for your help,

ak.

[amk]

One more question?- How long should your trace be if you are fishing for sand flatties? Should you set a sleeper line with along trace anslight drag or slow retrieve? Thanksto all who would give their advice, it is much appreciated!!! Merry Christmas to all.

AK

[amk]

So is the sleeper line the go........with say a small softplastic that can move witht the tide?????

[amk]

Which soft plastics are the best....minnows, oneswith scent....the list is longand distinguised that is is for sure??? WHere to start.....?????? thanks aaron for your help, write soon with some good advice, thanks, ak

[amk]

ok thanks vry much!!!!!