Fishing on the Gold Coast - Where to go, what to catch
Gold Coast Fishing
Undoubtedly the best way to catch fish on the Gold Coast is from a boat but there is something to say for the romance of throwing in a line off a jetty or from the beach.
While there are plenty of fish which hang around the shoreline, unless you are prepared to do some serious secret spot hunting you're only going to end up with smallish bream, whiting and flathead.
The competition is fierce among anglers and if you head down to a popular spot (such as the Spit) on a sunny Sunday afternoon during school holidays you'll need to take a ticket if you want to throw your line.
Where to fish on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has a temperate climate and it's located pretty much in the middle of the Australian coastline so it has a complete range of fishing environments — from the continental shelf to large Freshwater dams, so finding a spot to drop a line and catch something tasty isn't too hard.
If you have a boat the options are limitless, just cast out into the Broadwater, a river, creek or ocean and go where your electronic fish finder tells you.
If you are on land there are still plenty of options. For whiting, bream and flathead, a good tactic is to go fishing at dawn or dusk on a change of tide just inside the mouth of a salt water creek. There are hundreds of spots like this all along the coast and if you time it right you'll come away with a haul. During winter you might want to try fishing for tailor off the rocks or a long jetty using pilchards or a good lure.
Most importantly, don't just go where the crowds are — especially in the school holiday season — just because there are 100 people fishing in a particular spot doesn't mean there are any fish there. If you look around for something different you'll be pleasantly surprised — it's common to find sharks and sea turtles in 'estuaries' most people would write off as dirty storm water drains.
What to fish for
If you've got the time, a deep sea fishing charter is well worth a go. Out on the open ocean you'll find huge marlin, tuna, snapper, mackeral and sharks (to name a few), and there are plenty of great guides and boats around to help you make the most out of your time on the water.
Bream, whiting and flathead, of considerable size, can be caught from the beach or in the many estuaries that dominate the Gold Coast shoreline. Snapper and tailor hang around the rocks in winter.
Baits to use
Most local fish seem to love blood worms, which you can buy for about $3.00 from any bait shop or convenience store. Fresh bait is even better, and yabbies, worms and prawns seem to get the thumbs up from most species. Lures do the trick if you're prepared to experiment with different sizes, colours and textures, but fresh local bait is hard to beat.
Gold Coast Fishing Charters
Gold Coast Fishing Charters - The Fat Hooker!
The crew from Gold Coast Fishing Charters promise you the ultimate deep sea, game or calm water fishing experience aboard the recently refurbished 41ft Stebercraft Fat Hooker, providing everything you need for a day of total fishing fun!
'Fat Hooker' can hold up to 18 passengers and features a private toilet, large covered deck, plenty of room, CD player and the latest in fish finding and navigation technologies. We are locally owned and operated and have been fishing the Gold Coast waters for 25 years. We proudly specialise in bucks parties, group and corporate bookings. Gift certificates also available.
Gone Fishing Safaris
If you love fishing but still wish to experience it in comfort and with conveniences such as an on-board toilet, shade and shelter from the elements and bunks, you need to book a fishing safari with Gone Fishing Safaris. The fact that all the Gold Coast 5-star hotels book with this company goes to show they are the best and most comfortable fishing experience around!
Choose from either half or full day fishing safaris, either in the calm water of the Broadwater or out in the open ocean.
Discovery Fishing Charters Australia
Discovery Fishing Charters Australia offer both calm water fishing and deep sea fishing. The advantage of calm water fishing? No sea sickness! Morning and afternoon sessions are available and both include light refreshments. Comfortable seating and an onboard toilet are provided for your convenience and comfort. All tackle and equipment are supplied!
High-tech fish finding equipment is used by the skipper to give you a helping hand, taking you to where you are most likely to catch a fish!
EcoPark Fishing World
Sick of going fishing and never catching anything? Or maybe the open ocean is not for you. The perfect solution - visit EcoPark Fishing World where you are guaranteed to catch a fish. Ten spectacular ponds are stocked with Barramundi, Barcoo Grunter, Sooty Grunter, Silver Perch, Eel tailed catfish, Saratoga, Australian Bass, Golden Perch (or Yellow Belly) and Murray Cod. The pictureesque grounds are perfect for a relaxing day out with free BBQ and picnic facilities
