LOCAL fishing guru Bob Spees predicts good fishing around the Whitsundays as a result of the new moon but winds forecast for the weekend may make it tough around the islands and outer reef.

He said the tuna had moved in around the islands and suggested casting small metal slugs between 20 and 40 grams.

"The tuna fish are feeding on small baits schools and you will need to have a fast retrieve reel,” he said.

"Once you hook up a tuna they must let it run, it could take up to 15 to 20 minutes to retrieve the fish and because these fish have a soft mouth you can't put too much pressure on them.

"There is good spanish mackerel around the islands also. Try Pioneer Rocks and the southern end of Daydream Island and Unsafe passage if the wind is up but if the wind does drop off get out to the larger island groups.

Mr Spees said to to keep an eye on the weather while on the water this weekend, but if it was not blowing anglers would be rewarded due to favourable tide movements.

"There have been nice trout and sweetlip around the edges of the islands and we have excellent tides for red emperor nannygai,” he said.

For those planning a trip to the outer reef, again, Mr Spees said the weather was not looking great but that could change before the weekend.

"The trout are coming back and they are getting nice big red throat and spanish mackerel and good sized GT as well.

Those planning on fishing from the mainland have a good chance of landing a barra this weekend.

"The best thing at the moment is a few barra showing up around the rock walls along with fingermark and grunter,” he said.

The best time is early morning or at dusk.

"At Shute Harbour jetty there is some big bait school under the jetty and some big GTs and spanish mackerel.

Mr Spees said those using freshly caught herring should keep their bait close to the pylons near the jetty.

The Proserpine dam should improve after the school holidays with less traffic.

Mr Spees said good barra had been caught up in the sticks on squidgies.

"You should be able to pick them up in the main basin trolling as we move into the new moon phase.

"Try fishing one hour both sides of the high and low tide.”

The tides when fishing the Proserpine River are very good at the moment for barra, king salmon and grunter on the mussel beds.

"Throw in a crab pot as the rain may have stirred up a few crabs.”