Fishing Report for 31st December 2025

Fishing Report Wed 31 Dec 2025

Hervey Bay / Fraser Island

The weather for the coming week is looking good, and that should see fishing continue to improve. Over the past week or two, inshore Cod, Coral Trout and Sweetlip have been firing in the shallows, while offshore Coral Trout have also been fishing well. Along the beaches out front, Whiting and Garfish have been consistent, with similar results reported along the Esplanade.

Threadfin Salmon have been fishing very well in the river. Mac Tuna are spread throughout the Bay, with only small numbers of Spotted Mackerel reported so far. Urangan Pier has been producing some big Giant Trevally, along with Broad Bar Mackerel.

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

Tin Can Bay

Mangrove jack continue to be getting caught in good number and good sizes with all the creeks producing quality fish. Blue salmon & Kings have been turning up in some of the local creeks and are happy to eat a vibe of a slow rolled prawn lure.

Flatties have also been around in good numbers with flats between and Alligator and Teebar produce good number of fish thanking 3-5in plastics. There have been some great catches of grunter also on some of the rubble patches up the creeks.
Plenty of small pelagic hunting the mouth of the creeks on the runout tide so try working a few poppers around for a bit of surface action.

Crabs are on the march and there have been some quality crabs being caught. With rain predicted it should see them moving around even more with all the local creeks firing. Best advice is big fresh baits and a good soak.

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

Noosa

Plenty of Snapper are coming from the Banks. North Reef and Sunshine Reef have been producing a mixed bag, with Cobia, Mackerel, Tuna and Dolphin Fish all being reported.

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

Good Flathead are coming from the river mouth, with plenty of big Grunter and Ribbonfish holding through the inner Woods Bays. Up the Weyba, there has been a solid feed of Moses Perch, Whiting and Flathead being caught.

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

There were a few days lost to the wind this week, but fishing still got done on Christmas Eve and again on Tuesday. A few Cobia have been around North Reef and Sunshine Reef for anglers who can get past the sharks, along with some nice Sweetlip. Out wider at Chardons Reef, catches have included quality Goldspot Cod, Maori Cod and Moses Perch.

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

There have been plenty of Bream, Whiting and Trevally reported further up the river. The recent colder days have seen Tailor showing up around Woods Bay, Gympie Terrace and the river mouth. Mud Crab reports include mostly small females, with the odd male mixed in. Flathead numbers remain strong, with lots of fish holding in the shallows around Hilton and Gympie Terrace.

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

Maroochydore

No report this week

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

Mooloolaba

Spanish Mackerel are being caught at the Outer Gneerings and Murphy’s Reef, with a few reports also coming from wider ground. There have not been many reports of reef fish overall, but some good-quality Sweetlip are showing on the close-in reefs.

In the rivers, Mangrove Jack have continued to fish well around any structure, while good Flathead are coming from the river mouths. Mud Crabs have been on the move and are sitting in the deeper holes throughout the estuary systems, particularly in the Mooloolah and the Maroochy. Offshore, Dolphin Fish are holding at the FADs, along with the odd Marlin reported at the 18 Mile.

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

Caloundra

Fishing has been slow with the strong south-easterlies blowing, but half-day trips have allowed early starts and early returns before the wind picked up each day. The closer reefs around the Caloundra 12 Mile were fished, producing a nice feed of Squire and Goldband Snapper. Fresh squid pieces and half pilchard chunks have been the standout baits.

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

Fishing has been good across the area, with some decent Flathead coming from the Passage, including one fish measuring 85 cm. Quality Flathead have also been caught around Bells Creek, Golden Beach and the bar mouth, with Whiting reported from the same areas. Offshore fishing has started to improve, with a few Spanish Mackerel and Spotted Mackerel showing up around Carrumundi Reef and the Caloundra 12 Mile. A kayaker also landed a solid Spanish Mackerel just out from shore. Snapper and Pearl Perch are being caught on the usual reef grounds.Mud Crabs are being taken in the creeks, while Mangrove Jack and Trevally have been firing in the canals over the past week.

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

Northern Moreton Bay

Bungaree, around Bribie, has been holding good Flathead along the drop-offs, with small School Jewfish mixed in among them. Flathead are also being caught in the Pine River, mainly early morning and late afternoon around the tide changes, with most fish coming from the lower reaches closer to the mouth. Bream are spread throughout the Pine system, particularly around all the bridges and further upstream. Whiting numbers have been good around the Brighton foreshore and the mouth of the Pine River.

Snapper have been biting well around the Redcliffe area, taken on lightly weighted baits and soft plastics early morning just before sunrise, and late afternoon. Grassy Sweetlip are also being caught in the same general areas. A few Spotted Mackerel and School Mackerel have been showing up around the beacons.

The Brisbane River has been fairly quiet overall, but anglers fishing down toward the mouth are picking up Threadfin Salmon and Jewfish. There have also been a few Trevally reported in the local rivers, including around Nudgee over the past few days. Crab reports have been limited, but Mud Crabs are starting to push out of the rivers and creeks, particularly where there has been some freshwater inflow after rain. Mangrove Jack activity through the Pumicestone Passage has been holding steady.

In freshwater, North Pine Dam has been fishing well, with Bass taking small swimbaits and surface lures, producing good numbers and solid fish. Another local dam has also been fishing well, with Bass holding on the points and in slightly deeper water, responding to lightly weighted soft plastics and blades.

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

Redcliffe Peninsula

No report this week

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

Brisbane River

School Mackerel are showing around the Four Beacons, the Measured Mile and the M8 and M10 beacons. Only small numbers of Spotted Mackerel have been reported in the shipping lanes, with the northern areas fishing better. Spanish Mackerel are being caught around the Group and south of Hutchies Reef. Diver Whiting are also being taken around Chain Banks and the Blue Hole.

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

Nth Stradbroke Island

Trevally have continued to be caught off the rock wall at Manly. School Mackerel are showing around Peel Island and Amity Banks, mostly holding 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, while good numbers of Squire and some solid Snapper have been coming from Mud Island and Harries Reef.

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

Moreton Bay/ Jumpinpin

No report this week

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

Jumpinpin

Flathead have been caught in good numbers along Kalinga Bank, East Crusoe Island, Pandanus and the bottom of Kangaroo Island. Banana Prawns are moving through from Jacobs Well to Steiglitz. A few Tailor have been coming through the Pin, mostly in the mornings and hitting lures. Bream are holding in the deeper water off the bottom end of North Stradbroke Island. Whiting have been reported along the Gold Bank and the Slipping Sands.

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

Jewfish have been fishing well recently, with the main hotspot being the pin bar for larger fish. Smaller schools of Jewfish have also been holding in many of the deeper holes throughout the pin. Threadfin Salmon are starting to show, with some early season fish reported further upstream.

Mud Crabs have been on fire, with plenty of bucks in good condition. Whole mullet and chickens have been the standout baits in the pots. Whiting are around in solid numbers, with some good-sized fish caught, and cured bloodworms have been working exceptionally well. Mangrove Jack are active, and while it is not shaping up as a standout season, anglers putting in the effort are still finding success.

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

South Stradbroke Island

Mud Crabs are back on, and with slightly cooler water temperatures compared to previous weeks, pots can be set in shallower water close to the mangroves. A few crabs are still a bit green, but most of the catches have been full. Mullet and chicken frames have been working well for bait, with oily fish such as Tuna or Bonito proving even more effective.

Good-sized Whiting are in solid numbers along the shallow areas of the southern branch of the Coomera River and along the western edge of Wave Break Island. For land-based anglers, big Giant Trevally are holding around the weir near The Estuary at Coombabah. There have also been plenty of Moses Perch reported through the northern branch of the Coomera River.

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

Gold Coast Broadwater

A few showers are expected on Saturday, with Sunday looking good. There weren’t many reports from last week due to the strong winds. There’s a full moon on Sunday, which means big high tides in the morning. Mud crabs will definitely be moving around in the shallows, with fresh bait key over the top of the tide. Whiting will be around the banks south of Wavebreak and a bit further up the Nerang River. Flathead have slowed up in the Broadwater, likely due to the amount of boat traffic with everyone on holidays. Bream and jacks are still around the pontoons in the canals. Sand crabs are there, but I don’t have much faith my floats won’t get run over.

David McDonald
Private Angler | Runaway Bay Marina

Southport

No report this week

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

Small Mahi Mahi are holding on the FADs, along with the odd Dolphin Fish. A Marlin has been landed from a kayak, and there is plenty of bait moving through the area.

A solid 15 kg Spanish Mackerel has been caught off Palm Beach. Whiting reports have been good on the flats in the Broadwater, particularly around Carters Bank near Wave Break Island. Flathead are still around, with good pan-sized fish coming from Crab Island and the Alders Shoals. Mangrove Jack have been hit and miss, with no consistent pattern this week.

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

Tweed Coast

No report this week

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

In the main rivers, fresh yabbies and beach worms have been producing Whiting and Flathead. Mangrove Jack have been responding well to live baits and lures worked tight to rock walls and mangroves. Mud Crabs have been fishing well through the Tallebudgera, Currumbin and Tweed River systems.

Along the headlands and beaches, Whiting, Flathead and Dart have been consistent, with the odd Tailor also turning up. Offshore but still in close, Snapper are being caught in around 30 metres, with Spanish Mackerel and Spotted Mackerel reported on the closer reefs off Tweed Heads, Palm Beach and Mermaid.

Further offshore, Blue Marlin have been active, particularly on light southerly winds that have been helping stimulate the bite.

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

Brunswick Heads

Deep sea fishing has produced Snapper on the 9 Mile, with a few nice Trag Jewfish mixed in. Dolphin Fish are holding on the FAD. A couple of Spanish Mackerel have been caught on the local reefs, which is a good sign leading into the reopening of the mackerel season at Byron.

Rock and beach fishing has been a mixed bag, but timing it around the bait schools has paid off, with Tailor, Trevally, Bonito, Dart and some solid Jewfish reported. In the rivers, Bream, Mangrove Jack, Whiting and Trevally have all been caught, along with a few small Flathead and some Mud Crabs starting to show up.

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

Ballina

Summer Whiting are being caught at Nudgee, with Threadfin Salmon and Jewfish coming from the lower reaches of the Brisbane River. Mud Crabs are being taken along the mangroves through Boat Passage and around the back of Fisherman Islands. A few Tailor, Sweetlip and Squire have been caught at Mud Island and along the eastern side of Green Island. School Mackerel are showing around the Four Beacons, the Measured Mile and the M8 and M10 beacons. Only a few Spotted Mackerel have been reported in the shipping lanes, with the northern end fishing better. Spanish Mackerel are being caught around the Group and south of Hutchies Reef. Diver Whiting are also being taken around Chain Banks and the Blue Hole.

Strong winds and rough seas limited offshore, rock and beach fishing earlier in the week, but conditions are improving heading into the weekend as wind and swell ease, with some rain possible. Offshore, the FAD is worth checking for Dolphin Fish, while the 32s and 42s have been producing Snapper, Flathead, Trag Jewfish and Tuskfish. Close reefs such as Lennox, Blackhead and Riordans are also worth a look, with the recent rough weather likely pushing Snapper and other reef species in closer. Rock platforms should fish better after the blow, with Tailor, Bonito and Trevally expected on metal spinners and stickbaits.

In the river, good numbers of Mud Crabs are still being caught in both the creeks and the main river. Run-in tides have been the most productive for Bream and Whiting, with the better Bream numbers coming from Pimlico Island through to Riley’s Hill. Prawns, squid and mullet have been the better baits for Bream, while Flathead have continued to take pilchards, mullet and live baits such as Herring. Mangrove Jack have been quieter, with only a handful caught along the rock walls upstream from the ferry. School Mulloway remain consistent around Wardell Bridge, with a few fish also taken near the ferry and Pimlico Island around the tide changes.

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

Evans Head

Around Airforce Beach and Main Beach, Bream and School Jewfish have been reported. Fishing around the walls at the river mouth should produce Bream and Luderick. In the Evans River, Bream, Flathead and Whiting have been consistent, while the upper reaches are producing Mud Crabs and Mangrove Jack. Offshore fishing has been solid, with plenty of Snapper and Trag Jewfish coming from the coastal reefs.

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

Yamba

Fishing in the rivers has continued to improve, with very consistent catches across a range of species. Bream, Flathead, Whiting and Mangrove Jack are all being caught regularly, along with Jewfish and some Grunter now showing up in the systems. Overall river fishing has been very solid across the board.

Outside, Snapper are being caught, along with some Pearl Perch, and there are still small Dolphin Fish holding on the FADs. A couple of Spotted Mackerel have been reported, but there are still no real numbers showing up yet. Water temperatures are steadily warming, which has also seen Mud Crabs finally start to turn on, with good results reported over the past week.

Conditions have settled, with calmer weather delivering some very good days on the water. Fishing and crabbing have both been strong, and everything is shaping up well across the region.

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

FRESHWATER FISHING

Maroon Dam

Maroon Dam has been fishing reasonably well, with some larger Bass starting to show. After a run of smaller fish in recent times, a few quality Bass pushing into the high 40 cm range have been landed over the past week. Soft plastics, crankbaits and Chatterbaits have all been producing steady results, with good numbers of fish caught.

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

Moogerah Dam

Moogerah Dam has been fishing very well again and is one of the standout freshwater options at the moment. Bass are holding right throughout the dam, with strong numbers reported across multiple sessions, showing the fish are well spread and active.

Chatterbaits have been the main bite trigger, clearly outperforming other lure styles. Spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits are also worth casting and have picked up fish, while crankbaits did produce results but were not as effective overall.

Several Chatterbait styles have been working equally well, including the Jackall Chatterbait, Hot Bite Spectre and Daiwa Cover Chatter. Despite their different designs, all have produced consistent results at Moogerah Dam, making Chatterbaits the clear go-to lure option right now.

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

Hinze Dam

Hinze Dam has been fishing well, with recent reports of Bass, Saratoga and even a few Yellowbelly being caught. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits have been the standout lures, especially worked through the backs of the bays and around structure. Working trees thoroughly has been important, and once moving into slightly deeper water, crankbaits have also been effective. Fish holding along the edges or suspended around the 15-foot mark have been responding well to reaction baits. Areas right up into the Western Arm have been producing consistently, while closer to the dam wall there have been good schools of Saratoga holding. Early morning and late afternoon sessions in the backs of the bays with small surface presentations have also picked up Saratoga.

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

There are still some good Bass being caught from the western side of the dam.

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

North Pine Dam/Kurwongbah dam

In freshwater, North Pine Dam has been fishing well, with Bass taking small swimbaits and surface lures, producing good numbers and solid fish. Kurwongbah dam has also been fishing well, with Bass holding on the points and in slightly deeper water, responding to lightly weighted soft plastics and blades.

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

Lake Samsonvale

On the north side of town, Lake Samsonvale has been fishing well, even for land-based anglers. Bass have been caught consistently along the banks, with spinnerbaits and metal spoons working well from the edges. Lures with vibration, including Chatterbaits and skirted jigs, have been particularly effective, especially when worked slowly along the shoreline.

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

Lake Kurwongbah

Lake Kurwongbah has been producing fish along the weed edges, with Bass sitting where the weed drops into deeper water. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits have been working well in these areas. Early morning and late afternoon sessions have also been worth focusing on the backs of the bays, where Saratoga have been holding. Small surface lures during these low-light periods have been the best option, with Saratoga cruising and waiting to ambush passing bait.

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