Fishing Report for 25th September 2025

Fishing Report Thu 25 Sep 2025

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

Hervey Bay / Fraser Island

At the pier, plenty of Braudbar Mackerel are being caught, mostly on metal lures and live bait. The odd Bluefin are still around, though last week likely marked the final few for the season. School Mackerel and some Queenfish are starting to move through.

Along local beaches, Whiting are present, mostly smaller fish, with numbers increasing. Grunter remain in good numbers, though the average size is dropping as summer approaches.

Further out, currents are strong around the shelf, making some areas difficult to fish except by drifting or trolling. Around the Lightship area, shark numbers are lower than usual, giving anglers more opportunity, with Red Emperor and Purple Cod also being reported.

Early signs of migration include one Marlin caught off Rooneys, and favorable currents and wind may push more into the Bay. Offshore from 25 fathoms out to the gutters, Trout and Cobia are active, while Snapper numbers in the Bay have eased slightly as the water warms. Riverhead areas have seen limited activity, though some Braudbar Mackerel were caught off a small pontoons, with a Spanish Mackerel taking the tail as it was being pulled in.

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

Tin Can Bay

With the weather holding up, offshore anglers have been making the most of it across the WBB with strong results. Pearl Perch, Snapper, Jewfish, Hussar and Huskies have been keeping crews busy and filling eskies. Pelagics have been active around Big Mick and the barge landing, with Longtail and Grey Mackerel schools in good numbers. Some solid Spanish Mackerel have also been reported in the GSS.

Summer Whiting have been thick around Ida Island, with live Yabbies and local Beach Worms working well. Norman Point has also produced quality Whiting on the incoming tide. Flathead remain consistent, with Soft Plastic Prawns and Grubtail Plastics fishing well on the last of the runout tide, particularly when targeting drains off the flats. The front of Crab Creek has been a productive spot.

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

Noosa

Fishing has been strong this week, with big Snapper, Pearl Perch, Parrotfish, Moses Perch, Goldband Snapper, and Amberjack all active around the Barwon Banks. On the shallow reefs to the north, Tuna, Dolphinfish, Snapper, Pearl Perch, and Cod have been coming onto the bite.

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

Flathead have been fishing well, mainly in the lower estuary, with plenty of bait attracting them. Whiting are active along the sand flats at Gympie Terrace. Small Jewfish have been taken around Tewantin.

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

Fishing has been busy this week. In close, Sweetlip are being caught in good numbers and size, along with Snapper, Pearl Perch, and Cobia. Dolphinfish have also been showing in decent numbers, with some quality fish taken on floating baits and lures.

Up towards Double Island Point, reef species such as Spangled Emperor, Cobia, Trevally, Jewfish, Snapper, and Pearl Perch have been active.

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

Whiting are still being caught well in the lower reaches, from Noosaville out to the river mouth along the sandbars, with fish around 30 to 35 centimetres. Flathead are active in the same areas. Bream are being taken consistently from Noosaville stretches up to Lake Cooroibah.

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

Maroochydore

Cod, Queenfish, and Trevally are active at the Cod Hole. Bream and Flathead are present throughout the river. Whiting are being caught near the river mouth, with Mangrove Jack showing up around Bli Bli and upstream in Petrie Creek.

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

Mooloolaba

At the mouth of the Mooloolah River, flathead are being caught from La Bolsa Park boat ramp out to the mouth. The middle reaches of the Mooloolah River and the Maroochy River, east of the motorway bridge, are also producing quality flathead.

Offshore, around Caloundra 12 miles, Snapper and Grassy Sweetlip have been taken on the close reefs off Mooloolaba. Further out, Longtail Tuna and Wahoo are active on the Barwin Banks. Caloundra wide has produced Snapper, Murry cod, and the occasional good-sized Pearl Perch.

Up at the Hards, reports show quality Jewfish, Pearl Perch, and Snapper. Along the beaches of Kawana in the gutters, Flathead remain strong, with Dart and Whiting being caught down towards Carrumundi Lake.

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

Caloundra

On the western side of the Barwon Banks, Paternoster rigs have been the preferred gear due to conditions. Fresh Mullet and Yakkas have been effective, producing plenty of legal-sized Snapper and other reef fish.

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

Inshore, the passage mouths through to Coochin Creek and beyond are holding good numbers. Flathead are biting well, though Mangrove Jack have been slow. Numbers for Jack are expected to improve as the water warms. On the beaches, Whiting, Dart, and a few Tailor are appearing, but Tailor remain limited. In the canals, there are plenty of healthy Flathead coming through. Offshore fishing has been more productive lately, while inshore catches have been a bit patchy. Around the 12 Mile and Caloundra Wide, reports are strong, with Snapper, Mackerel, and Sweetlip showing around the 5 Mile.

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

Northern Moreton Bay

Offshore, a few Spanish Mackerel have been caught around Hutchies on slow-trolled baits, along with some longtail tuna up the Sunshine Coast. Off Caloundra, a few dolphinfish are being taken near the FADs off Moreton. Snapper have been hitting plastics around Hutchies Reef, on the rubble grounds, and also around the North Moreton artificial reef.

In Moreton Bay, Mackerel have been scarce, but good Snapper are still being caught around Captain Nielsen wreck and the Curtain artificial reef. Closer in near Redcliffe and Mud Island, a few Jewfish have been taken at the mouth of the Brisbane River on live bait and vibes. In the Pine River, Flathead remain active on the outgoing tide around the Hornibrook Bridge. Mangrove Jack are starting to appear in the creeks off the Pumicestone Passage and the Caboolture River, and Summer Whiting are being caught in good numbers, especially at the mouths of Coochin and Hussey Creeks. Mud crabs are showing in the upper reaches of the Pine, Caboolture, and Pumicestone systems, and rain should boost activity further.

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

Sandgate/Shorncliffe Pier

Flathead have been fishing well recently, taking Pillies, Prawns, Herring, and Soft Plastics. A nice Flathead was landed off Shorncliffe Pier. Good-sized Bream are active along the Pier, with numerous “Unstoppables” and unknown fish causing gear damage. A quality Jewfish have also been landed from the platform despite snags, and some strong Bream have been putting up a solid fight.

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

Brisbane River

School Mackerel are active inshore, especially on the north and east sides of Mud Island, along the shipping lane, Measured Mile, Wellington Point, and Green Island. They’re also still showing out from Manly inline with King Island.

Snapper are being caught in small numbers around Mud Island and the eastern side of Green Island. In the river, results are mixed. Jewfish are appearing at night in the port, while Snapper are hitting cuttlefish on the rock wall after dark, with many in the 50 to 60-centimetre range. Mud Crabs are slow at the moment.

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

Moreton Bay Offshore

Snapper are still being caught, though sizes are decreasing. Teraglin are active in 60 to 70 metres off Moreton Island. Tuskfish, Pearl Perch, Flathead, and Moses Perch are also present in good numbers.

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

Redcliffe Peninsula

Yellowfin Whiting are active in Hayes, the Pine, Bramble Bay, off Margate Beach, Scarborough, and around the groynes at Brighton. Grunter are showing in Hayes, the Pine, on the inshore reefs, and in the canals.

School Mackerel, a few Tailor, and Trevally are being caught at the mouth of the Pine, in Bramble Bay, off Woody Point and Redcliffe jetties, and on the inshore reefs. Bream and Snapper are taking baits off the jetties and on the inshore reefs. Flathead are active in the Pine, Hayes, Bramble Bay, off the northern beaches, in Deception Bay, and around the groynes at Brighton.

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

Nth Stradbroke Island

At the Amity end of the Rainbow Channel, School Mackerel and Mack Tuna of good size have been showing. From Almiston to Green Island, Tailor and Mackerel are active, along with Snapper around Green Island and Harris.

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

Plenty of Winter Whiting have been moving around the Chain Banks and Banana Banks in the southern bay. Good numbers of Whiting are showing near Green Island and out the front of Raby Bay, Manly, and the Wynnum Forshaw for land-based anglers. Snapper are being caught near Harry Atkinson’s, Wellington Point, and up around the ledge on the inside of Moreton Island. Small Schools Mackerel are appearing off the front of Ormiston and Southwest Rocks at Peel. Offshore, the 29 and 36-fathom reefs are producing strong snapper and pearl perch, along with good numbers of tuskfish.

Mossops Tackle Store Cleveland
Ph (07) 3821 1240 | www.mossopsfishing.com.au

Flathead have been very active, with anglers reporting strong catches and large average sizes, including many fish over 80 cm. Large bags of legal-sized fish, including 20+ fish around 40 cm, are being taken. Most lures are effective, from small plastics to larger glidebaits. Flathead are expected to start moving closer to the bar as the spawning season approaches. Whiting are also feeding aggressively, with excellent catches on live bloodworms and live yabbies.

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

South Stradbroke Island

Thumper-sized Summer Whiting are being caught in the shallows north of Crab Island. Mangrove Jack are active in the creeks around Diamond Head. Bream are taking baits around the pylons of the Sovereign Island Bridge, and Javelin Fish are present at the Aldershots.

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

Gold Coast Broadwater

Sunshine with a bit of wind this weekend means perfect conditions to catch a few fish. The fish everyone is chasing at the moment is flathead. Numbers are strong throughout the waterways, and some big girls are being caught, especially in the deeper sections. It’s a bit of a drive, but the Jumpinpin Bar will be worth the effort. The northerly winds will be ideal for that area, and some large fish are coming in.

Bigger-profile plastics with heavier jig heads, along with fish traps or vibes fished along deep drop-offs, will give you a good chance of landing a new personal best. In the shallows, the run-in tide is producing plenty of smaller fish. As the tide rises, flathead push right up to the mangrove edge chasing bait.

Try anywhere along the western side of the Aldershots, Tipplers Channel, Browns Bay, the mouth of the Coomera, and Crab Island. These are just a few spots, not a complete list. On the run-out tide, target drains and deeper edges beside drying banks.

Whiting are also in full swing, with the best catches coming from the Nerang, Coomera, and Pimpama Rivers. Sand crabs are moving too, making deeper sections worth targeting.

David McDonald
Private Angler | Runaway Bay Marina

Southport

Offshore, Snapper, Trevally, Blue Spot Flathead, Moses Perch, and Longtail Tuna are all active on 24 to 26-fathom reefs. Inshore, large bait balls moving into the seaway are bringing fish onto the bite, with Flathead responding well to lures.

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

Offshore, Snapper have been producing good catches, with some Cobia also showing close in around the 24-fathom mark. Spanish Mackerel and Longtail Tuna were reported moving inside on Tuesday, indicating fish are starting to work closer to the seaway. Snapper and Jewfish have been caught in the seaway as well. In the lower reaches of the rivers, Bream and Whiting remain active, with some quality Flathead taken on the flats around Wave Break and up towards the Aldershot’s area. Mud Crabs have been reported, and increased sales of Mullet suggest healthy local activity.

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

Tweed Coast

Offshore conditions have been excellent this week, with plenty of action on the bottom. Venus Tuskfish have been the standout catch, followed by Snapper, Maori Cod, Pearl Perch, and Flathead taken while bottom bouncing.

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

In the Tweed River mud crabs and sand crabs have started showing, with some quality breeding flathead being caught as well, many full of eggs. Anglers are advised to take smaller fish for eating, leaving the larger ones in the water. High tides in the early mornings are pushing bait through the river, bringing tailor and whiting onto the surface and around bridges, rock walls, and off headlands. Jewfish are still occasional, while offshore, the Longtail Tuna are holding, with mackerel starting to appear as the season begins. Snapper remain active both inshore and on reefs around 36 fathoms. Other species further offshore, such as pearl perch, have been slower during this part of the moon. Overall, close-in and mid-range reefs are providing consistent fishing.

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

Brunswick Heads

Deep sea fishing has been quieter this past week, though a few local boats are still landing quality Snapper, Pearl Perch, and Kingfish. Beach and rock fishing has produced Bream, Dart, Whiting, and Flathead, with the occasional Trevally and Tailor. In the rivers, Bream, Flathead, Blackfish, and Whiting are active. Mud Crabs have also been showing in the system.

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

Evans Head

Along Airforce Beach, Jewfish have been caught in the mornings and evenings, while during the day, Bream, Flathead, and the occasional Dart have turned up. Around the North and South Walls, anglers have taken the occasional Jewfish, Flathead, Whiting, and a handful of Luderick.

Upstream near the Black Hole, Mud Crabs have been appearing, along with the occasional Mangrove Jack, Bream, Flathead, and Whiting. Offshore at Chaos Reef, Snapper, Trevally, and the odd Jewfish have been caught.

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

Yamba

The river is still fishing well with quality flathead showing, many over the 70 cm mark. Bream are active, while Whiting numbers aren’t high but the fish caught have been solid in size. Mud crabs are also being reported between the mouth and up towards the back of Palmers Island, with most activity in that stretch.

Offshore has produced great sized snapper, along with pearlies and mulloway. Longtail tuna are still around in numbers, and there have been reports of kingfish taken on the southern grounds. Conditions have been excellent, making for strong fishing all round.

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

FRESHWATER FISHING

Hinze Dam

At Hinze Dam, Bass and Saratoga have been caught on both the east and west sides, around trees and points. Anglers have been using a mix of live shrimp and casting techniques to target the fish, producing very good results.

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

Wivenhoe Dam

Wivenhoe Dam is fishing well, with plenty of bass showing from the main basin through to Logan’s Inlet and Billy’s Bay. Heavier lures are needed as the fish are holding deeper. Half-ounce jigheads rigged with soft plastics, metal blades, spoons in the 20 to 30 gram range, and chatterbaits have been productive. Jackall Chary Blades have been standouts, with fish responding well to anything resembling a red claw.

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

Moogerah Dam

Moogerah Dam is producing similar results, with bass chasing chatterbaits and soft plastics. Jackall Chary Blades are again working well, and spoons in the 20 to 30 gram range are effective when fishing deeper water around the spit.

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

Maroon Dam

Maroon Dam has been consistent, with small soft plastics, blades, and crankbaits along the edges. Early mornings are worth trying with surface lures such as small poppers and insect imitations like dragonfly patterns, before moving deeper with blades and plastics as the sun gets higher.

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

North Pine Dam / Lake Kurwongbah

Freshwater fishing is also performing well. At Lake Kurwongbah, bass and saratoga are being caught early mornings and late afternoons on surface lures, while trolled hardbodies are working in deeper areas during the day. North Pine Dam has produced bass from points using bibbed crankbaits.

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

North Pine Dam and Lake Kurwongbah are both fishing strongly. At Kurwongbah, chatterbaits and small crankbaits are producing along the weed edges, while deeper schools are responding to soft plastic paddle tails on heavier jigheads worked slowly through them. North Pine Dam and Lake Samsonvale have produced quality bass, especially on paddle-tail soft plastics rolled through deeper schools. Metal spoons and spinnerbaits are also working, both for boat anglers and those fishing from the bank. Early mornings and late afternoons have been the best times for land-based anglers walking the edges with spinnerbaits or spoons, with some larger fish being caught close to dark.

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