From reef to rivers, the Mackay region has it all when it comes to fishing hot spots.
Scotty gives his arms a break from the region’s offshore action to spend a day with Jason Kidd from Inshore Fishing Mackay. The guys have downsized all the gear. Light line, small reels and soft, light rods. This can only mean one thing. An estuary session.
Jason takes Scotty to the mouth of Reliance Creek, one of many estuaries that feed into the bay, just north of Mackay. On the hit list, Barra, Queenies and Blue Salmon. The ways to target these fish can vary, but one simple method is soft plastics.
The boys have success using Z-Man’s 4 inch Curly Tailz with a 1/8th ounce jighead. Remember if you intend on giving it a crack yourself to match the weight of the jighead with the strength of the current. The rule of thumb is the stronger the current, the heavier the jighead. You don’t want your placcy drifting too much in the current, so a heavier jighead accounts for this.
The technique when fishing shallow spots like Reliance Creek is to cast out your plastic, then slow roll it back in, giving the lure a couple of quick jigs every now and then. It’s important to keep a good connection with your lure so you can feel any little nibbles.
Check out BCF’s range of Z-Man plastics online or instore. Book in a Inshore Fishing Mackay session with Jason when you’re next in Mackay, phone 0457 254 740.
