VALE ROBERT “SMITHY” SMITH

Captain Robert “Smithy” Smith, was a widely respected skipper and fisherman – much loved by those whose path he crossed, in the boating, fishing and broader community.

He was the owner / operator of Smithy’s Fishing Charters at Mooloolaba – the longest continuously running fishing charter on the Sunshine Coast.

Highly credentialed, Robert was generous with his rich knowledge. 

A long-time contributor to the Coastwatch Fishing Report until his passing, Smithy provided valuable weekly updates covering the fishing action on the Sunshine Coast.

His involvement with Coastwatch stretches back over 20 years, when Coastwatch Founder Ken Brown and wife Shelly progressively assembled a network of contributors to provide useful, up-to-date information and local fishing insight from the front-lines.

Experts such as “Smithy” helped grow the Coastwatch Fishing Report into one of the most popular and comprehensive in Australia.

Smithy’s accomplishments and contributions to Australian Fishing more broadly, are significant and numerous — but many will remember him simply as ”a great bloke”.

The Coastwatch team are deeply shocked and saddened by Robert’s passing.  We are very grateful for his involvement and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

A Tragic Accident

At “Smithy’s Fishing Charters”, Robert skippered the 7.7m (25 foot), single-screw, custom-built sportfishing vessel, Capricorn – and has guided thousands of guests for wonderful fishing adventures, over many years.

He was among the most experienced commercial operators in the country navigating the Mooloolah River Bar — and was widely endorsed as very safety conscious.

On the morning of 27 August 2025, Robert left the mouth of the Mooololah River with four charter guests.  At approximately 5.30am, it is reported that he lost engine power on the bar, and a mayday call to the Coastguard was lodged, with the Capricorn taking on water.

Shortly after, the Capricorn was struck by a wave that capsized the vessel. The four passengers made their way to shore without serious injury.  The vessel also washed ashore.

Robert was unaccounted for, and after a patrol by lifeguards on PWCs – and attempts to access the overt-turned, beached vessel – Robert was later retrieved from the water having passed away.

Robert was 52.  A devoted family man, he is survived by wife Jules and son Joel.

There has been an outpouring of love and admiration for “Smithy” (see a selection of tributes received from Coastwatch extracted below).  

A fundraising campaign for Robert’s wife and son has been initiated by the Sunshine Coast Gamefishing Club – of which Robert was a revered member.  

Donations can be made at the following link:

DONATE TO SMITHY’S FAMILY

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SMITHY’S CHARTERS – 27 August 2025

The following announcement was made by Smithy’s Charters following Robert’s passing:

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Robert Smith, the heart and Captain of Smithy Fishing Charters. He was not only a beloved Husband, Son, Father, Brother, and Friend, but also a passionate fisherman who loved sharing the ocean with so many of you.

Due to this heartbreaking loss, all upcoming charters will be cancelled. We sincerely apologise for the disruption and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time. We will be in touch directly with affected clients.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and patience as we navigate the days ahead.

TRIBUTES FOR “SMITHY”

Michael Jennings

RIP Smithy. He operated the best charter experience in SEQ. From catch through to banter. Thoroughly enjoyed every trip with Smithy. Condolences to his family.

Mackay Fly Sportfishing

Great bloke. I’ve known Smithy for around 30 years. Such a sad loss to the fishing community and his family and friends. Sincere condolences to his family.

Honi Felgate

Omg no!!! REST IN PEACE Rob, always appreciated your encouragement 

TroySkye Shelby Winston Johno

The sunshine coast has lost a true legend RIP Smithy

Regina Henderson

RIP Skipper. So incredibly sad.

Rick McPherson

A man whom loves what he did sooo sad poor man. Hopefully he’s gone to fishing heaven

Kay Gisler

R.I.P. Smithy. You will be sadly missed, had a good few fishing trips my family and I. Rest easy with the fishing anglers.

Chuckie Chuck

I’ll miss your smile and laughter you always had time for everyone around you you will never be forgotten rip smithy

Mike Anderson

Loved his posts .. the snapper king!

Murray Sugden

RIP Smithy, too young and too knowledgeable to die

Philip Wardle

I got to meet smithy when we were fishing a tournament out of mooloolaba and he was working his first charter boat . Was a top person and a top fisherman that did a whole lot of fishing over his life .

Cathy Clark

Love that guy soooo sad xx RIP buddy

Peter McCallum

RIP Rob. A true gentleman, fisherman and incredible skipper. 

Harry Choi

RIP Captain

Julia Elise O’Sullivan

Rest in peace Smithy. I didn’t know you but heard stories of your boating adventures and know you will be missed.

Robert Bonetto

Met Smithy a few times while prepping or fueling our vessel and a genuine and very open gentleman very saddened to learn of this tragedy 

Deepest condolences to his family and friends 

Aaron Williams

Bent lines smithy. Rest easy big fell

Ken Riek

To family and all that knew him, my condolences. But as an old bloke , he passed doing what he loved and may he rip with all the ones that got away 

Chris Kelsey

Rob was such a kind hearted personwho would do anything for anyone. What a tragic loss.

Eric Carruthers

Very sad , we have lost great bloke and a great fisherman

Offshore Fishing Sunshine Coast

Best of the best 

Rest in peace Rob

Ashlea Burbage

Tragic loss! RIP Smithy, your charter was a memory ill never forget 

Michael Nicol

The sunshine coast has lost a true legend RIP Smithy

Marcus Hargreaves

Tragic news. Such a kind hearted person who was happy to help anyone out.

Barry Oxford

A true gentleman and I have memories of the early ABT days of regular contact with Rob. My sincere condolences to Rob’s wife, his son and all of his family. You will be missed mate.

Tim Simpson

So sad. He will certainly be missed by many! 

Harry Sellars

Condolences to all. Rip. Obviously a ripper of a bloke and widely admired. 

Kylie Clayton

I just heard the news ….. Rest Easy Robert. My Condolences to Jules, Joel and family at this very difficult time x

Dallas Winchester

What a great human Sunshine Coast fishing will not be same without the big fella out there 

Jamie Neil

Worked with Robert Smith at Kingaroy Shire Council. Great person to work with. Very helpful in our work team. Will be missed.

Megan Lovell

So Tragic. 

 You have all of us from Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club and Kawana SLSC Nippers for support Jules and Joel.

James McGill

RIP Smithy, you gave our family an amazing experience during a tough time

Jamie Milverton

Such a huge loss for his family and the whole community 

Sean Munro

RIP Smithy, He was sucha top outgoing bloke who would help anyone, Condolences to his family

Susan Morgan

Rip Smithy free to fish forever

Jason Moore

I have no words other than…..what a legend of a bloke

Rob Kelly

Tight lines and smooth waters mate

Darrin Brookfield

RIP Smithy so sad and devastating

Janelle Brinkworth

Such a great bloke who will be dearly missed. RIP Robert Smith and our thoughts are with Jules & Joel. You will never been forgotten J x

Shane Jones

Absolutely 1 of the best

Lance Cudby

God bless you smithy may the fishing gods take care of you till we meet again.

Peter Distel

RIP Smithy, will greatly miss our chats on the water. Always very helpful with great humour

Warwick Lake

Tight lines Smithy 

Condolences to all his family 

Catherine Smith

So sorry for your loss Jules Smith and Joel. Such a wonderful man, husband and father.

Noel Rossi

RIP Mate

Joshua Austin

RIP, went out with him a few years ago. Legend of a bloke such sad news, condolences to all involved

Warrick Jacques Wazza

Rip smithy a true gentleman thats for sure

Clint Ruster

R.i.p smithy

Scott Rooney

Tight Lines Smithy!

Timmeh Howie

Legend of the fishing world here in the SE, rip smithy.

Andrew Schofield

Tragic loss. Can’t believe it. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Smithy.

Dale Sinclair

He’ll be sadly missed. A great bloke.

They that go down to the sea in ships; these men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.

For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

They are carried up to heav’n, and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of trouble.

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.

So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, He delivereth them out of their distress.

For he maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then they are glad because they are at rest: and so he bringeth them unto the hav’n where they would be.

O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men,

That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the seat of the elders.

O praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men!

Chris Coupland

RIP legend. Forever tight lines

Mick Atkins

We will miss you Smithy 

Luke Parnell

Very sad, RIP skipper 

Duane ThePirate

In ocean waters no poppies blow,

No crosses stand in ordered row,

There young hearts sleep beneath the wave,

The spirited, the good, the brave,

But stars a constant vigil keep

For them who lie beneath the deep.

‘Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer

On certain spot and think. “He’s there.”

But you can to the ocean go…

See whitecaps marching row on row;

Know one for him will always ride,

In and out with every tide.

And when your span of life is passed,

He’ll meet you at the “Captain’s Mast.”

And they who mourn on distant shore

For sailors who’ll come home no more,

Can dry their tears and pray for these

Who rest beneath the heaving seas…

For stars that shine and winds that blow

And whitecaps marching row on row.

And they can never lonely be

For when they lived… they chose the sea.

IN WATERS DEEP

by Eileen Mahoney S

Wes Watson

The biggest kindest heart in the fishing world! Rest easy Rob, you will be missed dearly mate! Condolences to his family!

MOOLOOLABA BAR CONDITIONS

The tragic passing of Robert Smith brings to light the dangers associated with crossing coastal bars, and their ever-changing dynamics.

Historically regarded as one of the “safer” bars in Australia, in recent years, the Mooloolah River bar has seen a significant accumulation of sand that has made its navigation far more dangerous.

Despite some dredging efforts in 2024, Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impact in 2025 saw much of this sand return, and as at August 2025, a hazardous shoal extends across the opening.  

This shoal coupled with the direction of the swell, often forces boats beam-on to the sea when entering and exiting – adding a further element of risk.

The Mooloolaba Bar is a significant access point for the commercial fishing industry, with large numbers of trawlers and charter operators using it on a daily basis.  It’s safe navigation is necessary for commerce and livelihoods.

The Bar’s current state deserves urgent review.  The Queensland State Government has now signalled it will review and consider options to improve the navigability of the channel.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has released the following Notice to Mariners regarding the Mooloolaba Bar this week (26.08.25):