Making the Most of Mackay's Marina by Lee Brake

Mackerel season is well underway and the Mackay Harbour break wall is once again filled with crowds of excited locals and tourists.

Not only is the wall fishable in most conditions, as there's always somewhere behind the wall to escape the wind, it is also a prime piece of fish attracting structure which draws a multitude of species.

Most anglers, however, rarely exploit this area's true potential. The following is by no means a complete guide, but it will hopefully reveal some of the Marina's hidden hotspots.

WHERE SAND MEETS ROCK

On both the north wall and the Harbour Beach wall, there is a prime ambush point for predators during the first of the run-in tide. As the current flows along the corner of the wall and then diverts up onto the beach, it creates a prime eddy for bait to hold and predators to feed.

Try fishing over the first three hours of the run-in tide for dart, big flathead, whiting, golden trevally, queenfish and small mackerel. Use yabbies, worms or small live bait like herring or mullet. Small slugs, featherhead jigs and medium weighted soft plastics are also top choices.