Fishing Report for 25th December 2025

Fishing Report Thu 18 Dec 2025

Coastwatch wishes you all a Merry Christmas and bent rods. May Santa leave fish on your marks and not steal your bait!

Hervey Bay / Fraser Island

Hervey Bay and Fraser waters have been fishing well, particularly across the shallow reefs, with Grassy Sweetlip and Coral Trout showing consistently. Larger Grunter have been found along outer reef edges during the day and moving shallow at night. School and Broad-barred Mackerel have been taken in the Urangan Channel, while Sharks continue to be an issue around the reef gutters.

Urangan Pier has fired up, with Giant Trevally, Queenfish and Barracuda around bait schools. School Mackerel and Longtail Tuna have also been feeding under the pier, and Pencil Squid have moved in after dark. These squid have drawn in Jewfish, Trevally and Bull Sharks, making night sessions productive.

Spotted Mackerel numbers have improved across the bay, with plenty of Mack Tuna and some Longtail Tuna roaming open water. Spanish Mackerel and Cobia are still around but not in big numbers. Kingfisher Bay has produced Squid, Flathead, School Mackerel, undersized Jewfish and Longtail Tuna.

In the creeks and rivers of the Great Sandy Straits and Burrum systems, Mangrove Jack remain active, while Threadfin Salmon have been holding in deeper holes and bends, particularly in the Mary system.

Fishos Tackleworld
Ph (07) 4128 1022 | www.fishostackleworld.com.au

Tin Can Bay

With a good run in the tides, pelagic activity is starting to lift. From Inskip Point through to the WBB there have been a few Mackerel taken on trolled lures and baits. Big Mick has been holding plenty of Giant Trevally and Queenfish.

Crabs are well and truly on the move, with some quality Mud Crabs being caught. With more rain predicted, movement should increase as the local creeks fire. Big fresh baits and a solid soak time have been the key.

Mangrove Jack continue to be caught in good numbers and solid sizes, and the stronger tidal flow should see them bite harder. There have also been some good Grunter taken off rubble patches further up the creeks. On the run out tide, plenty of small pelagics have been hunting around creek mouths, making it worth throwing poppers for some surface action.

The Chandlery Bait & Tackle
Ph (07) 5486 4744 | www.tcbchandlery.com.au

Noosa

Over at the Hards, Snapper and Pearl Perch have been well and truly on the chew. North Reef has been producing Cobia and Mackerel, although Sharks have been thick through the area.

Deep Sea Fishing Co Noosa
Ph 0411 222 749 | www.deepseafishingco.com.au

Jewfish and Flathead have been caught in Lake Cooroibah. Tewantin has been holding good numbers of Javelin Fish.

Noosa River Fishing Safaris
Ph 0429 030 823 | www.noosariverfishing.com

There have been some great Spanish Mackerel and Cobia coming from North Reef and Sunshine Reef while trolling Hardbodies. On the bottom, there are still some nice Snapper and Sweetlip getting around.

Noosa Bluewater Charters
Ph (07) 5449 9355 | www.noosabluefishing.com.au

Makepeace Island has been fishing well for Whiting and Bream, and areas near the cable ferries have been worth a look. Even the stretch between the two lakes has been producing fish if you want to escape the crowds. Prawns have been the best bait overall, but for Whiting try worms which, have also been working, and pumping Yabbies has been a very effective option. Good catches of Flathead have been reported from Noosaville down to the river mouth. Bream have been spread right through the system, from the mouth all the way up to Lake Cooroibah. Woods Bay has been a solid option for Trevally and Bream, with the Tewantin Reach also producing.

O Boat Hire & Bait Supply
Ph (07) 5449 7513 | www.oboathire.com

Maroochydore

Bream and Whiting have been spread right through the system. Mangrove Jack have been taken upstream of the Bli Bli Bridge, while Cod have been caught at the Cod Hole. Mud Crabs have been quiet overall, with only a few coming from the upper reaches.

Swan Boat Hire
Ph 0403 601 452 |www.swanboathire.com.au

Mooloolaba

La Balsa Park has been a good option for families, with Bream and Flathead being caught consistently. Crab pots are worth soaking throughout the estuaries, as Mud Crabs are on the move. Kawana Beach has been producing Whiting from the gutters, along with the odd Flathead when conditions allow.

The close in reefs are worth a look, with Spanish Mackerel showing and the chance of Spotted Mackerel around working birds. Old Woman Island has been holding fish, and the FADs are worth checking for Dolphinfish. Further out, Caloundra Wide has been producing Snapper and Pearl Perch.

Tackleworld Kawana
Ph (07) 5444 0714 | www.tackleworldkawanafishingstore.com.au

Caloundra

Fishing has been focused mainly inshore this week, with a lot of anglers anchoring up due to the wind. Mullet, Squid and Pilchard have been the main baits, and big Pearl Perch have made up the bulk of the catch across most trips.

Salty Fishing Charters
Ph 0459 636 798 | https://saltyfishingcharters.com.au/

For land based fishing, the Military Jetty has been a strong option and suits families well, with toilets, a tackle shop and food options close by. The nearby power boat area has also been producing fish. Expect Whiting, Bream, Flathead, Jewfish, Mangrove Jack and Trevally from this stretch.

Mangrove Jack numbers have lifted, with fish responding to both lures and live bait. Through the Passage, Whiting are being caught along with some Mud Crabs, while the canals have been producing the odd decent Flathead and Trevally.

Along the beaches, spots like Happy Valley and Currimundi Beach have been worth fishing when conditions allow, with Whiting and Dart being taken from the gutters.

Caloundra Fishing World
Ph (07) 5491 4566 | www.caloundrafishingworld.com.au

Northern Moreton Bay

Fishing has been very weather dependent. With rain about, the creeks may slow temporarily, but they generally fish better after a bit of fresh. Bream and Flathead are still being caught through the creeks, along with Squire and Snapper out a bit wider out from Redcliff. The Redcliffe foreshore remains a reliable option during these conditions. Bull Sharks have been very active through the rivers, providing plenty of excitement for anglers keen to target them on light gear. In the Pine River there have still been a few good Flathead at the top of the tide, along with some Bream around the Hornibrook Bridge. The Caboolture River mouth has also been producing consistent Flathead.

Tackleworld Lawnton  
Ph (07) 3205 7475 | www.facebook.com/tackleworldlawnton

Sandgate/Shorncliffe Pier

No report this week

Tackle Land 
Ph (07) 3269 5060 | www.tackleland.com.au

Brisbane River

The Brisbane River has been producing Jewfish and Threadfin Salmon around the shipping docks, including Cairncross Dock at Colmslie, Incitec, the Grain Wharf, Coal Wharf and the Cruise Ship Terminal. The lower reaches from the Gateway Bridge down to the mouth are still holding good numbers of Bream and Flathead.

School Mackerel have been reported around North Harries, the Four Beacons and the Measured Mile, with a few Spotted Mackerel and School Mackerel also showing through the northern shipping lanes. Sweetlip and Squire have been coming from the shallow reefs on the eastern side of Green Island and Mud Island. A few Spanish Mackerel have been seen at the Group Point lookout.

Mud Crabs have been caught through the Boat Passage and throughout the mangroves from Wynnum Creek north to Fishermans Island, as well as north of the river out the front of the airport and through the surrounding creeks.

Mr Bait 
Ph 0431 222 721 | www.facebook.com/Mr-Bait-182344678957765

Moreton Bay Offshore

No report this week

High Calibre Charters
Ph 0421 922 713 | https://highcalibrefishingcharters.com.au/

No report this week

Moreton island fishing charters
Ph 0413128056 | https://moretonislandfishingcharters.com.au/

Redcliffe Peninsula

Snapper and Grunter have been caught off the foreshores and jetties. Grunter and Mangrove Jack have been coming from the rivers, creeks and canals. Yellowfin Whiting, Bream, Flathead and Trevally have been spread through the rivers and creeks.

Hornibrook Bait & Tackle
Ph 0483 846 966 | www.facebook.com/HornibrookBT

Nth Stradbroke Island

This week has been similar to last week with School Mackerel showing around Peel Island and Amity Banks, mostly sitting in the deeper channels. Whiting have been reported from Amity Banks, the Maroon Channel and Chain Banks. Tiger Squid have been turning up around Amity, and there have been good reports of Squire and some solid Snapper coming from Mud Island and Harries Reef.

Water Tower Bait & Tackle
Ph(07) 3396 1833 | https://watertowerbaitandtackle.com.au

Moreton Bay/ Jumpinpin

On the low tides, the area to the left of the Cabbage Tree Point boat ramp has been fishing well. It is also a good option for families, with easy access and plenty of room to move. The Calypso Bay canals have been holding some reasonable fish, with Mangrove Jack turning up, noting the marina itself is off limits but the surrounding canals have been worth fishing.

The Shorncliffe piers fishing has been steady, with consistent results reported. Another productive option has been Hayes Inlet on the run out tide up at Redcliffe. Flathead have been coming through that system, and access is straightforward. After crossing the bridge, take the first left, park at the end of the street and walk out on the flats at low tide. As the water drains, Flathead tend to congregate in the channel, making it a very reliable land based spot.

Capn’s Charters
Ph 0410 590 049 | Capns Charters – Lure & Soft Plastic Fishing Charter

Jumpinpin

Whiting have been biting well in Fishermans Channel, the Pig Styes and Slipping Sands. There have been good numbers of Tailor around the Pin Bar early in the mornings. Flathead are still on the chew around Kalinga Bank, Crusoe Island and Cobby Passage. Some good Mud Crabs have been caught around the mouth of the Logan River and around Mosquito Island.

Gem Bait & Tackle
Ph (07) 3287 3868 | www.facebook.com/gembait

The Pin has seen a fair bit of Jewfish activity this week, with some larger fish caught around the bar and smaller models taken from holes further upstream. Fish have been holding in clearer, deeper water when it can be found, although the northerly winds have made those conditions harder to locate. Vibes such as Zerek Fish Traps have been the most successful approach.

Flathead have been fairly slow, and Mangrove Jack have been tougher going compared to previous weeks. Big schools of small Tailor have been holding near the bar, though very few fish have been over 30 centimetres. There is plenty of small baitfish spread right through the Pin.

Threadfin Salmon are still around and being caught, but they continue to be difficult to locate. They have been holding in clearer water over muddy bottoms when conditions allow.

Jacobs Well Boat Hire
Ph (07) 5546 2608 | www.jacobswellboathire.com.au

South Stradbroke Island

Whiting have been caught in the southern branch of the Coomera River and through Coombabah Creek. Mangrove Jack have been coming from Coombabah Creek and the upper reaches of the Coomera River. Big Bream have been found in the Runaway Bay canal system, although warning signs have gone up advising of contaminated water and that fishing is not recommended. Flathead have been taken around the northern end of Crab Island, while Garfish have been showing at The Timbers on the southern end of South Stradbroke Island.

Gold Coast Boat Hire 
Ph 0432 710 892 | www.goldcoastboathire.com.au

Gold Coast Broadwater

The wind will be blowing hard from the south east over the weekend. Your best bet is to head up the rivers and canals, as fishing the channels in the Broadwater can be quite rough, especially against the tide. There have been a lot of mud crabs moving around, with some great numbers being caught. Whiting are also up the rivers on the run-in tide, with the two hours before the top of the tide being the peak time.

Keep moving to find the fish, as they can be spread out over the sandbanks while feeding. Using the 20-minute rule works well. If there are no legal fish in 20 minutes, it’s time to move. Even 30 metres can make a difference. The Nerang should be a good choice, with slightly discoloured water and smaller tides. The canals have been on fire, with bream, jacks, and trevally being caught.

David McDonald
Private Angler | Runaway Bay Marina

Southport

There are still some nice reef fish getting around, but Mackerel and other pelagic species are finally starting to show with the warmer water, and there has been a noticeable slowdown in the reef bite. Despite that, a solid 60cm Tuskfish was landed on a paternoster rig baited with Pilchard cubes and Yakka fillets fished just off the bottom.

Striped Tuna have been showing in good numbers across the 36 to 50 fathom reefs, while small Mahi Mahi have been schooling around the FADs, with one decent sized fish caught on the 24th of December by the team (see picture below)

BK’s Gold Coast Fishing Charters
Ph 0414 293 034 | https://bksfishing.com.au/

Fishing around the Broadwater with beach worms and through the canal entrances has been producing Whiting, Bream and Flathead, with the chance of the odd Trevally or Tailor. Sand Crabs are starting to move, with a few Mud Crabs also being picked up in the Broadwater. Mangrove Jack have been active further up the river systems around nearly every structure, with areas like Currumbin, Tallebudgera and Nerang all fishing well.

Gold Coast Fishing Tackle
Ph (07) 5679 0840 | www.goldcoastfishingtackle.com.au

Tweed Coast

The Tweed has produced Skipjack Tuna, Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna on the troll this week. Snapper, Tuskfish and Pearl Perch have been caught on the 30 fathom grounds to the east.

Cushy Fishing Charters
Ph 0418 631 076 | www.cushyfishingcharters.com.au

With the weather, it has been worth heading to Fingal Headlands and Cabarita Beach, as well as fishing through the Tweed River. There are some good jetties in the system, with Tailor and Whiting being taken, and the beaches have also been producing fish when conditions allow.

Mangrove Jack fishing has remained very strong throughout the Tweed, with fish spread from bridge pylons to general structure, both upriver and downriver. Mud Crabs and Sand Crabs have also been moving around.

The Tweed also offers several good land based spots, with areas like Greenbank Island and the end of Dry Dock Road worth a cast. The Chinderah pontoon has also been a reliable option.

Addict Tackle
Ph (07) 5523 3535 | https://www.addicttackle.com.au/

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads has been mixed this week. Offshore fishing has been a bit quiet, with just a few Snapper and other reef species reported, but two Mackerel were landed, which is a good sign that cleaner, warmer water may be pushing in and bringing the Mackerel with it.

Beach and rock fishing has been fairly solid, with good catches of Trevally, Dart, Bonito, Bream and Tailor. The river has been producing Whiting, Grunter, Bream, Flathead and Mangrove Jack, mainly on bait.

After around 100 millimetres of rain overnight, Mud Crabs have really started to move and have been filling pots quickly.

Bruns Beach, Bait & Tackle
https://www.instagram.com/brunsbeachbaitntackle/

Ballina

Wind and swell are set to continue for the next week. The 32 fathom line has been producing a mixed bag, with quality Snapper, Flathead, Tuskfish and Mulloway landed. Live baits and Squid have been the most effective options. Some boats have spent time trolling for Marlin, with good numbers of smaller models showing between the 32s and 42s. Mahi Mahi numbers have not improved this week, although the FAD is still holding a few smaller fish. Lightly weighted Pilchards and live baits have been the best approach there. Wider grounds have seen the current ease slightly, allowing boats to target Yellowtail Kingfish, Amberjack and Pearl Perch. The northern 48s have been slightly more productive, but results have varied day to day depending on current strength. Beaches and rocks have continued to produce Tailor and Bonito, though numbers are down on last week. Small metal spinners and stickbaits have been the most reliable lures. Most fish have been caught early morning or late afternoon, but the forecast overcast conditions may see more activity during the day. In the river, Crabs have been found in both the creeks and the main channel. Quality Mangrove Jack have been caught late in the afternoon, with the rock walls from the ferry through to the Broadwater holding the better numbers. Flathead have been a little quiet, with the deeper channels in the lower reaches the best option. Whiting have been best targeted on the run in tide early in the morning, with Yabbies and Worms producing the best results. Recent rain may also see a few School Mulloway turn up around the break walls and in the deeper holes above the ferry.

Ballina Bait and Tackle
Ph 0266862527 | https://www.facebook.com/p/Ballina-Bait-and-Tackle-100063582669959/

Evans Head

Airforce and Main Beach have continued to turn up Bream, with the occasional School Jewfish and Tailor mixed in. Around the river mouth, Bream have been consistent and Luderick have also been reported. The Evans River has been producing Bream, Flathead and Whiting, while the upper reaches are starting to show signs of Mud Crab movement.

Offshore on the closer reefs, Snapper and Trag have been coming through steadily. As water temperatures keep climbing, conditions are starting to line up for an improvement in the pelagic fishing over the next few weeks.

Evans Head Sports & Marine
Ph (02) 6682 4536 | www.facebook.com/EvansheadSportsMarine

Yamba

The rock walls have been fishing well, particularly on the ocean wall side, with some bigger Bream being caught. Tailor and School Jewfish have also been taken from the rocks. Pelagic species may turn up, but they have been scarce so far.

In the river, Whiting Beach has been a reliable option for bread and butter species. Around Oyster Channel bridge and Romiaka Channel Bridge, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Bream and School Jewfish have been showing up. For anglers with a boat, the long rock wall that runs down the middle of the river has been very productive, with a wide mix of species coming from that stretch. Bream, Flathead, Jewfish are common along there, with the odd Mangrove Jack also moving through.

Further upriver, there is an area of underwater rock called Browns Rocks that shows up well on a sounder and holds a variety of fish. Almost anything can be caught there, including Giant Herring, which have provided some exciting sport recently. There are a couple of standout areas worth focusing on, with these rock and structure zones producing the most consistent action.

Yamba Bait and Tackle
Ph (02) 6646 1514 | https://www.facebook.com/yambabaitandtackle/

FRESHWATER FISHING

Maroon Dam

Maroon Dam is still fishing fairly well, with plenty of smaller fish being caught and good numbers reported. It should only be a matter of time before the bigger fish start showing. Small Soft Plastics have been working in the main basin and along the edges of the weed beds. Chatterbaits are also worth throwing around the edges and through the trees, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Topwater lures are worth a look near the dam wall along the rocky edges at first light or late in the day, with fish regularly pushing up onto those banks during those periods.

Charltons Fishing
Ph (07) 3818 1677 | www.charltonsfishing.com.au

Moogerah Dam

Moogerah Dam has been fishing really well, with some quality fish caught last weekend. Chatterbaits have been the standout, with lures like the Hot Bite Spectre and Jackall Chatterbait working well, particularly around the trees and along the edges. Fish are spread right across the dam. Deep diving Crankbaits have also picked up fish, but Chatterbaits are producing in most areas. Soft Plastics are worth throwing along the edges and across the spit in the deeper water, and a TN60 lipless crankbait has also been effective worked along those edges. As the weather warms, fish are moving up shallow early in the morning looking for food, making the edges a strong place to start.

Charltons Fishing
Ph (07) 3818 1677 | www.charltonsfishing.com.au

Hinze Dam

Hinze Dam has been fishing well out of the western arm, with the eastern arm ramp still closed. Good fish have been coming from around Ian’s Islands, upstream from the western ramp. If travelling down toward the dam wall, it is worth checking the deeper water as well as the edges of the trees, where fish are likely to be holding along those edges at this time of year.

Charltons Fishing
Ph (07) 3818 1677 | www.charltonsfishing.com.au

Lake Samsonvale/Kurwongbah

On the north side of town, Lake Samsonvale is fishing well. The larger dam has been producing solid Bass along the edges, with Spinnerbaits and metal spoons doing the job. Crankbaits are also starting to come into play at this time of year as fish begin chasing Redclaw, so Chatterbaits should continue to improve as the season progresses.

Over at Kurwongbah, there have been some good fish reported, including a couple of nice Saratoga caught during the week. Topwater lures have been effective for Saratoga, along with small Spinnerbaits. Bass have been very active, with plenty being caught around the weedy edges on small blades, Chatterbaits and compact Crankbaits.

Charltons Fishing
Ph (07) 3818 1677 | www.charltonsfishing.com.au