Fishing Report for 5 September 2024

Murray cod and Mary River cod closed season from 1 August to 31 October in all Queensland waters in the Murray-Darling Drainage Division.   Some additional restrictions on use of fishing lines also apply; there are exceptions to restrictions in some stocked impoundments (see Fisheries Queensland website).  

Hervey Bay / Fraser Island

Snapper season is in full swing, and with a few more full moons approaching, it’s a great time to get them on your line. Soft plastics, especially prawn imitations, jerk shads, and curly tails, have been working exceptionally well. 

On the beaches, there’s been a fair number of whiting caught, particularly from the harbor through to the two rock walls just north of the pier. At the pier itself, anglers are landing both Spanish and school mackerel, making for some exciting fishing opportunities.

If you head across the bar, good numbers of Venus tusk fish and blue Maori cod are being caught. You’ll also find coronation trout at Herald Patches, just south of Elliott, offering a variety of species to target offshore.

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

Rainbow Beach Offshore

Report pending.

Rainbow Beach Reef Fishing Charters  Ph 0439 775 070 | www.rainbowbeachfishing.com.au

Tin Can Bay

If you’re able to sneak offshore this weekend, definitely target the 40 to 50 metre mark for some impressive snapper action. Reports are coming in of huge catches, with many fish measuring over 70cm. Anglers have had success using 4 to 5-inch soft plastics paired with a 3/8th jig head, particularly in brighter colors like the 5-inch Crush City Jerks. Amberjack are also in the mix, with the PALMS Slow Blatt S Jig Lure in MG 98 proving to be the go-to color. When searching for amberjack, kingfish, and cobia, keep an eye out for big bait schools as these predators are often close by.

Inshore, there’s a good amount of mud crabs being caught. Head up the creeks around Searys and try using big baits, especially mullet, which these crabs love. Flathead have been active near Searys Ledge and the flats at the front of T Bar Creek. The last two hours of the run-out tide have been the most productive times for fishing in these areas. Additionally, some nice golden trevally have been caught off Norman Point. Freshly pumped yabbies have been the best bait, but soft plastics like 5-inch pro prawns or metal lures are also working well.

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

Noosa

There’s been a great variety of fish on the offshore reefs, with plenty of big pearl perch and snapper. The Barwon Banks and Hards Reef have been particularly productive.

Inshore reefs are also yielding a good selection of fish, including coral trout, tusk fish, pearl perch, and snapper. Soft plastics and a combination of squid or pilchards have been the most effective baits.A bit quieter this week, however still abundant bream, flathead and whiting in the Noosa Woods area. Trevally a bit quiet. Mud and sand crabs around Tewantin.

Off the Charts Fishing Charters   Ph 0434 238 301 | www.offthechartsfishing.com.au/

This week has been relatively average with fishing reports indicating a noticeable dip in whiting and flathead catches, which is unusual for this time of year. Currently, prawns and fresh worms are proving to be the best bet to catch something. However, crabs are still being found around Noosa Woods and the Frying Pan.

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

The recent burst of hot weather, driven by the north westerlies, has brought on some good flathead fishing in both Woods Bays. Whiting are in good numbers over in the Frying Pan, providing steady catches for anglers. Additionally, plenty of pelagic species are being reported near the mouth, making it an exciting spot for those chasing bigger fish.

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

Fishing at Sunshine Reef has yielded excellent results, with good catches of snapper, pearl perch, and some impressive Venus tusk fish. At Chardons Reef, Spanish mackerel have been making an appearance.

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

Fishing off Noosa continues to be exceptional, with plenty of big fish around. Out at the Barwon Banks, anglers are finding good numbers of yellowtail kingfish, cobia, snapper, pearl perch, and amberjack. The local reefs are also producing great catches, with tuna, cobia, kingfish, snapper, pearl perch, jewfish, and sweetlip all being reported in strong numbers.

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

Maroochydore

Mud crabs are starting to make a move, with good numbers and decent sizes being caught in the middle and upper reaches of the river. Trevally have been active around the Cod Hole, while bream are spread throughout the river, offering plenty of action for anglers. Mangrove jack are beginning to show up, though they’re still on the smaller side for now. Whiting have been found near the river mouth, rounding off a decent range of species across the river this week.

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

Mooloolaba

Within the Mooloolah River, mangrove jack are beginning to make an appearance, adding some excitement for local anglers. Flathead are also active, with Zerek Affinity lures in the 160 size proving effective at the mouth of the Maroochy River. On the close-in reefs, a decent number of snapper have been caught using soft plastics with lighter jig heads. Over at 12 Mile Reef, consistent catches of cobia are being reported, primarily on live-baited float lines.

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

Caloundra

The summer whiting have arrived right on cue, making a strong appearance in the passage, with some impressive catches measuring all around the 40cm and up. Flathead are following suit, with fish in the 70 to 80cm range, offering some great fishing opportunities.

Mangrove jack are starting to make their presence known, and as the weather warms, their activity will only increase. For those hunting jacks, they respond well to lures at night, and live baits are always reliable. Some prime spots include the creeks at Lake Currimundi, Bells Creek, Coochin Creek, and the canals at Pelican Waters. Casting lures to the edges in the early morning or late afternoon is your best bet for a solid bite. On the beaches, there’s still plenty of whiting, with a few tailor showing up as well, though conditions will play a big role in success.

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

Donnybrook

Report pending.

Donnybrook Takeaway, Bait & Tackle   Ph (07) 5498 8247 | www.facebook.com/Donnybrook-Takeaway-Bait-Tackle

Bribie Island

Snapper are active at The Ripples, situated between Banksia Beach and Ballara. Flathead are being caught at the jetty, and tailor are still abundant throughout the passage. Tuna are making an appearance at Red Beach, with tailor also found along the surfside. Mud crabs are present in Ningi Creek, while sand crabs are being reported along the front of Bongaree.

Gateway Bribie Adventures  Ph (07) 5497 5253 | https://www.facebook.com/gatewaybaitandtackle/

Northern Moreton Bay

A lot of people are catching snapper around Redcliffe, the Brisbane River, and Mud Island. Jerkshads or prawn imitations up to 3-inch and 4-inch curly tails are proving effective, with BIWAA curly tails being particularly successful. Jewfish are moving towards the mouth of the rivers, following bait into the cooler waters. Mangrove jack are being reported across all the creeks, including Caboolture River, Pine River, and Bribie Passage.

Flathead seem to be enjoying the cooler waters as well as they are being ffound at the mouths of the rivers. Sandstone Point has seen some large flathead caught and a notable 70cm flathead recently pulled from the Brisbane River mouth. For bream, plenty are around the rock walls in the Brisbane River and up the passage, with some decent-sized bream over 1kg being caught.

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

Sandgate

No report this week.

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

Brisbane River – Northern Moreton Bay

Bream and whiting have been flooding the lower reaches of the river, along with a few jewfish and threadfin also being caught in the same area. Diver whiting have been active on the eastern side of Fisherman’s Island, but overall, things have been a bit quiet, likely due to the wind. On a positive note, flathead and whiting have been producing some good reports, which could be due to anglers focusing on the inshore areas, as rough conditions have kept many from venturing out wider.

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

Moreton Bay Offshore

The FADs delivered some solid dolphin fish on Friday, but the fast-moving current made it tough to keep heavy sinkers down, resulting in only a few snapper being caught. Unfortunately, the wind picked up on Saturday and Sunday, keeping alot of boats from heading out.

Moreton Island Fishing Charters   Ph 0413128056 | https://moretonislandfishingcharters.com.au/

The snapper bite has been exceptional early in the morning offshore, especially just before and around sunrise. Anglers have had great success targeting snapper during these prime hours, with fresh bait like pilchards and squid producing the best results. As the day progresses and the snapper activity slows, flathead become more active, especially around the drop-offs and sandy banks. Later in the day, there have also been reports of bar cod being caught, particularly by those fishing in deeper waters.

High Calibre Charters  Ph 0421 922 713 | www.highcalibrefishingcharters.com.au

Redcliffe Peninsula

There’s been a good spread of fish in the area this week. Bream, whiting, flathead, and tailor are all being caught in Hayes, the Pine, and Bramble Bay. There’s also been some cobia hanging around Bramble Bay, which is a nice addition for those chasing something bigger. Yellowfin whiting have been showing up in Hayes, the Pine, and off the beaches, particularly toward the northern end of the Peninsula. Snapper are still biting well off the eastern beaches, jetties, rocky points, and inshore areas, while tailor have been active off Woody Point Jetty, Bramble Bay, and inshore spots too.

Scarborough Reef continues to produce solid catches of snapper, bream, flathead, and tailor. Bramble Bay is also seeing bonito, mackerel tuna, and the odd longtail tuna along the eastern foreshores and the inshores. School jew and grunter are being caught on the inshores, with a few reports of land-based catches as well.

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

Moreton Bay / Brisbane River

At Wynnum North and Wynnum Creek, there’s been a strong catch of whiting and bream recently. On the northwestern side of Coochin Creek, mud and sand crabs are becoming more active. Meanwhile, school mackerel are being reported between Banana Bank and the eastern side of the Coochie Artificial Reef.

Water Tower Bait & Tackle Ph (07) 3396 1833

North Stradbroke Island

Report pending.

Point Lookout Bait & Fresh Fish   Ph (07) 3409 8724

Redland Bay

Cleveland, Wellington Point, and the bays’ foreshore are still producing plenty of whiting, along with good numbers of bream. Flathead catches are also decent, though the wind can make fishing a bit challenging.

In the Bay, snapper remain plentiful, and pockets of tailor are being found around the islands and weedy bank edges. Squid are still making an appearance, offering a great opportunity for family outings. School mackerel are scattered throughout the bay, with trolling proving effective. Many anglers have found that using metal traces reduces bites, so paravanes with a metal spoon on the troll have been yielding the best results.

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

Jumpinpin

Report pending.

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

With the hot weather over the weekend, we’re starting to see more summer species showing up. Around the Pin, anglers are primarily targeting mangrove jacks, flathead, and whiting. Flathead have been caught in impressive numbers and sizes, with many fish exceeding 80cm. The best lures for targeting flathead have been Rapala CrushCity Imposters, Creepers, and Heavy Hitters, while pilchards are the go-to bait.

For whiting, live worms and yabbies are still the most reliable options, consistently producing good results. Although the season is still young, only a few jacks have been caught so far, but this is expected to pick up as conditions continue to warm.

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

South Stradbroke Island

There have been some solid tailor catches coming from the surf along South Stradbroke Island, with reports of big fish moving through. The beach is also showing plenty of pipis, which is great bait for those fishing in the surf. Sand crabs are in good numbers along the western edge of Sovereign Island and around North Currigee. Shovelnose sharks have been spotted near South Currigee as well, for those after something a little different.

Leatherjacket have been hanging out along the rock wall of Runaway Bay Marina, and there are large bream being pulled from the Coomera River too. Overall, the fishing’s looking good if you know where to go.

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

Gold Coast Broadwater

With the change in season and rising temperatures, targeting certain species may become more challenging. This could be your last chance to go after squid, as their activity tends to slow down as the weather heats up. However, the early high tide this weekend presents the perfect opportunity to chase them. On the flip side, it’s almost time to target the elusive mangrove jack. September can bring the occasional catch, often larger models, making it worth the effort.

Flathead are currently abundant throughout the Broadwater and are definitely worth chasing in the lead-up to the full moon in two weeks. This is their peak season, with larger fish gathering around the seaway and Pin Bar. Whiting numbers have been steadily increasing, with schools moving down the rivers towards the bars. For the best results, it’s worth digging for or purchasing worms, as most whiting experts agree that no other bait compares. Whiting are typically found along the edges of sandbanks as the water flows into deeper areas.

Make sure your sinker is heavy enough to reach the bottom, and use a size 4-6 hook with a long fluorocarbon trace (6-8lb) around 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length. Though it can be awkward working with a longer trace, it can easily double your hook-up rate.

Good luck and send through your pics to info@coastwatch.com.au

David McDonald  Private Fisherman | Runaway Bay Marina

Southport

At 42 fathoms, there’s a great mix of kingfish, amberjack, and samson fish being caught on live baits and heavy metal jigs. There’s also a good run of pearlies and snapper in the area. Closer in, around the 36 fathoms, snapper fishing has been exceptional. Both north and south of this mark, floatlining pilchards and using soft plastics have been particularly effective.

On the FADs, small dolphin fish are plentiful. These can be targeted with small live baits or half pilchards on a floatline set out the back of the boat. At 18 fathoms, longtail tuna, snapper, and some solid cobia are still being reported.

On the beaches, chopper tailor are abundant, and summer whiting are beginning to appear in the close-in gutters, adding some excitement. In the Broadwater, fishing has been productive, with big flathead being caught around the Seaway and good action reported up at the Jumpin Pin bar and around Crusoe Island. Garfish have also been seen in the shallows along the banks.

Crab activity has been slow in the rivers, but there are signs of nice mangrove jack starting to make an appearance. Additionally, bigeye and small GT trevally are being caught in the Nerang River, Coomera River, and even the Pimpama River.

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

Tweed Coast

Report pending.

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

Report pending.

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

Brunswick Heads

The wider reefs are continuing to produce plenty of quality snapper, kingfish, and pearl perch. Closer reefs are also starting to come alive, with local fishermen reporting nice catches of snapper and good numbers overall, making it a great time for those with smaller boats.

On the beaches and rock walls, a variety of species are being caught. With an abundance of froggies (bait) around, anglers are landing dart, tailor, salmon, mackerel tuna, bream, and bonito. If you have some weed or cabbage, there are loads of blackfish from the walls up the river, hanging under the mullet. In the rivers, catches of flathead and bream are steady, and whiting are finally on the chew. However, mud crabs have been a bit quiet recently.

Bruns Beach Bait & Tackle Ph 0432 394 869

Ballina

Offshore fishing has been a little quiet due to rough conditions. However, when anglers have managed to get out, the 32’s have produced better numbers of snapper, with baits, plastics, and jigs all having success on different days. The current has increased out wider, but there have still been some quality pearl perch and a few kingfish being landed.

In the river, flathead have been in better numbers from the ferry to Broadwater, with prawns, mullet, and yakkas being the pick of the baits, especially during the run-out tide. There are still reasonable numbers of bream from the ferry to the mouth of the river, with prawns, squid, and soft plastics accounting for the majority of the fish.

This week, the run-in tides at night have produced a few mud crabs in North Creek and the main river. The beaches have yielded some bream, tailor, and salmon this week, but most of them have been caught early in the day due to strong winds that tend to pick up by lunchtime. So, if you’re looking to try your luck on the sand, get out early with pippies, pilchards, or mullet.

Ballina Bait and Tackle  Ph (02) 6686 2527 | https://www.facebook.com/p/Ballina-Bait-and-Tackle-100063582669959/

Evans Head

Report pending.

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

FRESHWATER FISHING

Ewan Maddock

At Ewen Maddock Dam, with the season now open, bass are responding well to chatterbaits, showing promising results for those targeting them.

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

Lake Kurwongbar

Freshwater bass are really firing up. Using lightly weighted soft plastics along the edges, hopping them out, and spinnerbaits are yielding good results.

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

Wivenhoe Dam

At Wivenhoe Dam, bass are being found along edges, especially near drop-offs at around 3 to 4 meters. Trolling hard bodies, throwing spinnerbaits, and using lipless crankbaits all work well here. There have even been reports of schooling bass in the main basin earlier than usual—normally they congregate later in the year. For these schools, try throwing large metal spoons, up to 40 grams, and slow-roll them through the schools for a solid bass bite.

Maroon Dam

Maroon Dam has come alive with the influx of redclaw at the moment. Bass here are responding to skirted jigs around timbered edges, and slow presentations around trees are key. Paddle-tail soft plastics and lipless crankbaits are also effective, with smaller spinnerbaits landing good catches. This time of year, red claw are abundant, which can also influence fish behavior, so using jigs might be extra productive.

Moogerah Dam

Moogerah Dam is producing great results currently, especially in the main basin on the spit, where bass are stacking up. Metal spoons in the same 20 to 30 gram range or soft plastics with paddle tails on heavier jig heads (around 5/8th oz) are performing well. Early mornings are great for lipless crankbaits, and small crankbaits diving to 3 or 4 meters can help you pick up bass along the edges.

Somerset Dam

Somerset Dam is fishing well as it warms up, though the increase in skiers and jet boats on the weekends makes it tougher to fish. During quieter times, the bass have been very active, and metal spoons, big soft plastics, and crankbaits are the top choices for success here.

Hinze Dam

Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast has been fishing exceptionally well, with bass and saratoga both actively biting thanks to the warm weather. For bass, head into the backs of the bays early in the morning or late in the afternoon for prime bite times. Little crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures are your best options. You’ll likely find saratoga in the same areas, and slow-rolling lipless crankbaits, such as Jackal TN60s and TN50s, around submerged trees can be particularly effective. Don’t overlook the deeper water in the main basin, where bass are holding around submerged trees—metal spoons in the 20 to 30 gram range will do the trick there.

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

Lake Monduran

The barramundi have been on fire lately, with reports of a massive 1.13m specimen being landed, along with several others just hitting that 1-metre mark. Anglers have had great success using a variety of lures, with paddle tails, shads, swimbaits, and jerkbaits all proving to be highly effective in enticing these big barras. If you’relooking to get in on the action, these lure types are definitely worth trying out.

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

THIS WEEK’S GALLERY

Off the Charts Fishing Charters