Best Gold Coast Fishing Spots
Hello, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for the best Gold Coast Fishing Spots, a true angler’s paradise nestled in the heart of Australia. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and of course, its fantastic fishing spots, the Gold Coast is a dream destination for anyone with a love for casting a line.
The Gold Coast isn’t just a popular vacation spot; it’s a haven for fishing enthusiasts from around the globe. With a diverse range of fishing spots and an abundance of species to catch, it’s no wonder that the Gold Coast has earned a reputation as one of the best places to fish in Australia.
From the vast expanse of the Gold Coast Seaway to the deep waters of Southport, from the serene beauty of Jumpinpin to the bustling canals in the heart of the city, there’s a fishing spot for everyone here. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking for your next big catch or a beginner just getting your feet wet, the Gold Coast has something to offer you.
But the Gold Coast isn’t just about saltwater fishing. For those who prefer freshwater fishing, locations like the Nerang River, Hinze Dam, and Coomera River offer a unique fishing experience with a variety of species to catch.
So, whether you’re planning your next fishing trip or just daydreaming about the perfect catch, join us as we explore the best fishing spots the Gold Coast has to offer. Let’s dive in!
Gold Coast Seaway: A Local Favourite
Let’s kick off our fishing journey with a local favourite – the Gold Coast Seaway. This spot is the biggest channel in the region, serving as a gateway connecting the city’s canals to the vast sea beyond. The seaway is expansive, offering different access points for anglers to cast their lines and reel in a variety of species.
The main part of the seaway, the Spit, South Stradbroke Island, and Wave Break Island are all excellent options for casting a line. However, do note that the waters here can be quite fast, and the waves can be tricky to navigate. If you’re a newcomer, we’d recommend not fishing from the rocks lining the shore. But don’t worry, from here, you’ll also have easy access to the nearshore and offshore reefs and bluewater.
One of the best things about the Gold Coast Seaway is the diversity of fish. From the shore, you can target Garfish, Flathead, and crabs around water plants. If you’re up for a challenge, hard fighters like Trevally, Mangrove Jack, and Jewfish are also in the cards. And if you’re lucky or fishing from a tinnie, you might even come face to gills with Kingfish.
Southport: The Deep Sea Angler’s Dream
Next up is Southport, a dream come true for all those avid deep-sea fishers out there. Southport is the place to be if you’re coming to the Gold Coast to get yourself a Billfish or two. Whether you’re hitting the water with a skipper or you’ve got your own boat, this part of the suburbs allows you to fish within 30 minutes of leaving the shore.
Young Black Marlin are on everyone’s to-catch list, and in the summer months, they camp out very close to land. This means you only need to go out a couple of kilometers to be in the juvenile Black Marlin realm. The steep drop in the sea bottom is close to shore, so all kinds of predators hunt here, including Marlin. Even if you don’t get a Billfish, you can still look forward to Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, or Tuna.
Inshore anglers will also have plenty to do, because Cobia, Amberjack, and Samson Fish swarm the waters in spring and summer. With all this variety, it’s easy to understand why Southport is one of the best fishing spots in Gold Coast.
Jumpinpin: Serenity Away from the City
Nestled between the North and South Stradbroke Island, Jumpinpin (or just the Pin) is a haven for anglers looking to fish away from the city bustle. The tidal channel hides excellent fish in its deep waters, and shore fishermen make the most of it. Here, there’s only endless cobalt blue sea and you, waiting for your prey to take the bait.
When it comes to what you can reel in, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Yabbies are abundant here, and so are the predator fish that like hunting them. Mulloway, Flathead, and Whiting are common catches, along with Bream, Mangrove Jack, and Jewfish. You can also get crabs using crab pots along the twisted mangroves.
You might need to travel a bit to get to the Jumpinpin Channel, but the trip will be well worth it. Waters around Kalinga Bank, Crusoe, and Stingaree Islands also hold very good fish.
Gold Coast Canals: Urban Fishing at Its Best
With its countless residential canals, Gold Coast is often compared to Florida’s Cape Coral. However, around Gold Coast, there’s barely any commercial fishing, so there’s even more fish for you to catch. You can cast a line in the middle of the city, sometimes just a few steps away from your house. There’s not much more an angler could want.
There’s a wealth of species on offer here. Bream is frequently reeled in, thanks to the abundance of jetties and rocky bottom where they like to hide. Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Estuary Cod, and Flathead also live here and you can target them in spring and summer.
As to which canal you should pick for your fishing session, well, you can’t really go wrong. Broadbeach Canal Reserve, Runaway Bay, Platter Park, the entirety of Mermaid Waters, and Sickle Park all offer good fishing. But this is just to get you started. Feel free to explore on your own, you won’t regret it.
24-Fathom Reef: A Reef Fisher’s Delight
As we move away from the shore, we come into the realm of reef fish. The southern parts of Queensland have plenty of fishable reefs, and one of the prominent fishing spots in Gold Coast is certainly the 24-Fathom Reef.
This is where your skipper will take you when you want to go after different species that make for delicious table fare. This reef is about five miles from land, so it won’t be long before your line is in the water. Start fishing early, and you could catch Snappers, Pearl Perch, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Tuskfish, and Cobia.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to cover more ground, you can set out further and check out 36- and 50-fathom reefs as well. The deeper the waters, the better chance of landing something big and bragworthy. Bear in mind that winds can get strong further out, so there might be some choppy waves, but your skipper will make sure you’re safe at all times.
Deep Tragg: The Marlin Hunter’s Playground
While there are many offshore fishing spots in Gold Coast that are home to Black Marlin, Deep Tragg is famous for its Blue Marlin population. This is where charters go when there’s a seasoned angler on board, in the mood to face off against the Blue giant.
What makes Deep Tragg such a popular Marlin haunt is the abundance of bait fish, namely Mackerel. While the smaller fish are feeding around underwater structures, Blue and Black Marlin swoop in and feast all through the year. Live bait will attract your Marlin’s attention, and once you get it on the line, the fun begins.
Multiple hook-ups throughout the day often happen on these fishing grounds – and locals know it. There are plenty of “smaller” Blues out there (if you consider 100 kg to be small), as well as a good number of granders (300 kg and more) swimming around. All this makes Deep Tragg one of the best spots for battling magnificent Marlin and emerging victorious.
VIII. Freshwater Fishing Spots in Gold Coast: A Different Kind of Adventure
While a lot revolves around saltwater fishing in Gold Coast, we would be remiss not to mention freshwater opportunities. And there’s a lot of them. Some of the best spots are outside the city, so you might have to head out into the lush forests to get to them, but you’ll be rewarded with good fishing and stunning views.
Nerang River: Snaking its way through the Gold Coast, Nerang River holds a special place in the hearts of freshwater anglers. It’s got countless tributaries that branch out through the region, most of them full of Bream and Flathead. You don’t have to travel far to get to the river, as parts of it run straight through the city proper.
The Hinze Dam: If you’re looking for more diversity on the freshwater front, head to the Hinze Dam. With Nerang River on one side and Advancetown Lake on the other, anything from Saratoga and Perch to Australian Bass is on the menu. Remember that the area is protected, so you’ll need a valid fishing permit to cast your lines here.
Coomera River: You’ll find the Coomera River outside of the city, meandering through the forest and mountainous terrain beyond. This freshwater gem yields good numbers of Barramundi, Bass, and Mangrove Jack for your pleasure. When you’ve had enough of fishing, enjoy the peace and quiet in untouched nature.
Conclusion: A Fishing Paradise Awaits
With 300 days of sunshine and so many different areas to discover, Gold Coast is a Queensland gem. The fact that it’s framed with beautiful beaches and productive waters doesn’t hurt either. If you’re wondering where to fish this summer, there are plenty of fishing spots in Gold Coast for you to fall in love with.
So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newbie, the Gold Coast offers a fishing experience like no other. With its diverse range of fishing spots and an abundance of species to catch, it’s time to pack your fishing gear and embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Fishing Spots FAQ
Q: What are the best Gold Coast fishing spots?
A: Some of the best Gold Coast fishing spots include Tallebudgera Creek, Nerang River, Currumbin Creek, Broadwater, Gold Coast Seaway, and the Coomera River.
Q: Where can I go fishing on the Gold Coast?
A: There are plenty of fishing spots on the Gold Coast, such as jetties, canals, beaches, offshore reefs, and kayaking in the waterways.
Q: What fish can I catch on the Gold Coast?
A: On the Gold Coast, you can catch a variety of fish including bream, flathead, snapper, trevally, tailor, whiting, mangrove jack, and more.
Q: What are some good locations for beach fishing on the Gold Coast?
A: Some good locations for beach fishing on the Gold Coast include Pine Lake, Elanora, and spots around Surfers Paradise.
Q: Where can I find the best fishing spots on the Gold Coast?
A: The best fishing spots on the Gold Coast can be found near the mouth of creeks, along rock walls, offshore reefs, and fishing platforms.
Q: Can I go offshore fishing on the Gold Coast?
A: Yes, you can go offshore fishing on the Gold Coast. There are plenty of offshore fishing spots where you can catch big fish such as snapper, kingfish, and cod.
Q: What are some good spots for freshwater fishing on the Gold Coast?
A: Some good spots for freshwater fishing on the Gold Coast include Tallebudgera Creek, Nerang River, and the Coomera River.
Q: Are there any fishing charters available on the Gold Coast?
A: Yes, there are fishing charters available on the Gold Coast that can take you to some of the best fishing spots and provide you with all the necessary equipment.
Q: Where can I catch bream and flathead on the Gold Coast?
A: You can catch bream and flathead on the Gold Coast in locations such as Tallebudgera Creek, Broadwater, canals, and around mangrove areas.
Q: What are the best spots to catch whiting on the Gold Coast?
A: Some of the best spots to catch whiting on the Gold Coast include Tallebudgera Creek, Broadwater, and Nerang River.
