South Solitary (Offshore) - Troy Hardaker

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South Solitary

What is it?

South Solitary Island is one of Coffs Harbours most picturesque and spectacular destinations both above water and below. Highly regarded for its scuba diving potential yet also one of the best places on the Coffs coast to tangle with some of the best apex predators available to a rod and reel.

Where is it?

South Solitary Island is situated 18 km off Coffs Harbour to the north east.

What’s there?

There are no facilities unless you bring them yourself. With access not possible onto the island there is no chance of a toilet or shade. What fish should I target?

There is a wide variety of choice from pelagic such as Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish to the bottom dwelling Teraglin and Snapper.

What bait should I use?

Live baits like Slimy Mackerel in the summer and both Slimy Mackerel and Yellow Tail Scads in the winter. Try free swimming the live baits out behind the boat or slow trolling them. Nothing beats a whole squid or strip bait like Slimy Mackerel or Bonito on a snelled rig with a light ball sinker for Snapper. What lures are best?

A soft plastic on light jig head is good for Kingfish and bottom dwelling species. 7 inch Berkley gulp Jerk shads along with squidgy flick baits on a 1/8th – ¼ size jig head. Floating stick baits. Lures such as the Maria loaded 140mm, any of the BFP Swim baits. Consider trolling as well. Halco deep divers are always a great place to start. Best time to fish?

South Solitary Island fishes well a large portion of the year. May, June, July tend to work the best for Kingfish and Snapper and February, March tend to be the most productive for the Mackerel. You just have to choose what you are after and get out there and wet a line.

What dream fish might I catch?

Anything from metre plus Kingfish to Spanish Mackerel in excess of 15 kgs. Some large Snapper have been caught at South Solitary with many being caught on the south eastern side at the base of the island.

Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday March 21, 2022 Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday March 21, 2022

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