A MUCH improved Whitsunday weather saw catches on the increase in the region this week according to local fishing guru Bob Spees.

Out around the islands there has been a good cross species of catches recorded.

"Some nice tuna schools have started showing up; both longtail and mack tuna," Mr Spees said.

Try places like Long Island. Mackerel fishermen were in luck this week.

"There's been some really nice mackerel getting caught out around the oval," Mr Spees said.

"Also Edward Island and Mackerel Bay.

"But the big, big problem is the sharks."

Trout fishing took a bit of a dive this week, with catch numbers dropping.

"But that should improve as we get away from this full moon," Mr Spees said.

"So hopefully the trout and grassy sweetlip come back on the bite as we get away from that moon phase."

Jewfish are still on the bite in the deeper waters around South Molle Island, "both inside and outside", with Mr Spees saying some nice examples had been taken this week.

Shute Harbour has been getting "a mixed bag" this week.

Mr Spees said the bait schools remained, with giant trevally, queenfish and flathead having been landed of late.

"And around the sailing club and off the Abell Point Marina rock walls they're getting some small GTs and they're still getting nice grunter," he said.

"And the other thing is if they can get fresh prawns, throw out a heavy line for blue bone."

The Proserpine River was working well this week, Mr Spees said.

"They're getting some really nice king and blue salmon," he said.

"Try your live prawns or small poddy mullet."

If you can't come by any prawns or mullet, Mr Spees recommends trying strips of ribbonfish.

"It's still worth putting out your crab pots because there are still some crabs coming out of the river as well," he said.

Those targeting barramundi should try using small Gold Bombers in the little gutters.

"Either that, or soft plastics well up into the snags," Mr Spees said.

Fishing at the dam was on the up this week, but things aren't looking too good just yet.

"It picked up a lot over the moon phase but its still slow," Mr Spees said.

"There's just the odd fish per day getting caught if you're out there trolling long hours."

What better way to celebrate a big catch than by bragging about it to the entire region?

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