Queensland is one of those places that has it all. With almost 7,000 kilometers of coastline hugged by pristine waters, picture-perfect beaches, and 300 days of sunshine, the state earns its nickname of “the Sunshine State”. And that’s not the only thing this part of Australia shares with Florida. Just like its American counterpart, fishing in Queensland is nothing short of fantastic.
The fish diversity alone will wow you, and once something hits your line, that’s when the fun begins. If you’re visiting Queensland for the first time, here’s what you can expect…
Best Fish to Catch in Queensland
When you come to Queensland, you’ll be spoilt for choice, no matter the level of your angling experience. From trophy Black Marlin and Tuna in the bluewater to Barramundi inland, the sky is the limit! Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prized catches.
Black Marlin
If you’re in the mood for battling giant Billfish, North Queensland is the place to be. Maybe you know it by another name – the “Black Marlin Capital of the World.” Come September, massive Black Marlin females and passionate fishos who hunt them set out towards the Great Barrier Reef. This marks the beginning of the “Heavy Tackle Marlin Season” that lasts until January.
Females come to the world’s biggest reef to spawn. We’re talking about fish that can weigh anywhere from 100–500+ kilograms, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. That’s like hooking into a house underwater and then trying to reel it in.
But even though Black Marlin are the headliners here, they’re not the only Billfish you can look forward to. Blue Marlin show up just as their Black relatives move on, not to mention the Striped Marlin and Sailfish bite. You can still go after juvenile Black Marlin during the winter.
There are hundreds of deep sea fishing charters in Queensland that make it their mission to take you to some of the most productive fishing grounds. When it comes to Marlin fishing, Cairns is perhaps the star of the show, as well as the Lizard Island and Ribbon Reefs.
Tuna
There’s no way to talk about fishing in Queensland without mentioning Tuna. There are several species of these gorgeous fighters that you can fish for year-round, but Yellowfin Tuna get the most attention. And for good reason! With two peak seasons, in winter and summer, Yellowfins are a favourite of anglers who like to fight their prey and eat it too.
Southern parts of the state, particularly the Gold Coast and Brisbane, see fishermen from all over the world visiting, ready for a Tuna fight. Along with Yellowfins, Longtail, Skipjack, Dogtooth, Southern Bluefin, and Mackerel Tuna are on the menu as well.
One of the reasons Yellowfins are in the spotlight is because they’re the biggest of the bunch. They can reach up to 50 kilograms and they’ll make you work hard to get them into the boat. Dogtooth are no joke either – they cruise the offshore reefs and they’re as strong as they’re aggressive. Smaller species, like Skipjack and Mackerel Tuna, are always around.
Trolling and burleying are the safest way to get your Tuna’s attention. If you prefer using lures, then trolling is the name of your game. Drift fishing mixed with burleying could help you land a big one, especially in the south. Scad, pilchards, and slimies could all work, but Tuna aren’t easily fooled so your presentation should be on point.
Reef Fish
There are thousands of fish species living around Central Queensland’s reefs and lagoons, most of them available all through the year. You don’t have to be a sport fisherman to enjoy reef fishing. Hit the water with your family and you’ll have a blast.
Reef fish are beautiful, fun to catch, and tasty – every fisherman’s holy trifecta. Snapper species are most sought after, with Pinkies, Red Emperor, Sweetlip Emperor, and Spangled Emperor on the cards. Then you’ve got your Coral Trout, Nannygai, Groupers, and Trevally, each more delicious than the last.
If you head further out, the scenery changes. Offshore reefs and wrecks are the domain of the above-mentioned species, plus their deep water predators. This is where the likes of Barracuda, Cobia, Wahoo, Giant Trevally, Marlin, and Tuna come out to play.
While these are some of the most common species you could reel in, they’re by no means the only ones. You never know what you could get on the reefs, but that’s what makes it so exciting!
Giant Trevally
Fast, explosive, strong action – that’s what you get with a Giant Trevally on the line. Their powerful strikes make them appealing to sport anglers looking to test their mettle. Available all year, with high season in summer, these “gangsters of the deep” are a thrill to catch.
If you’re targeting GTs closer to land, you’ll find schools of them around nearshore reefs. These fish usually stay in the 1–3 kilogram ballpark. If you’re more interested in trophy specimens, you’ll need to visit remote reefs. This is a playground for fish that can weigh from 15–35 kilograms.
What makes Giant Trevally so popular isn’t just their strength, but also speed. Once you hook into one, it can develop speeds of up to 60 km/h in an attempt to break free. GTs are also smart, and they’ll try to break off the line on underwater structures. This means you’ll need high-quality equipment, not to mention muscle and patience to keep them on. Whether you go for that personal trophy or a few smaller fish, a GT hunt is sure to get your blood pumping!
Barramundi
If there ever was a poster child for fishing in Queensland, then it must be Barramundi. Officially named as the best native sport fish, these fellas will give you a run for your money, but they’re so tasty that it will be worth it. Bear in mind that though they’re around all year, there’s a season closure from November to February.
So what makes Barra so loved? Let’s start with the fact that there’s a lot of them and that they live in freshwater and saltwater. You can get a Barra just about anywhere – in inshore waters, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the most prized specimens are over a meter long.
Barramundi are “the bread and butter fish” of Northern Australia, but they’re not necessarily easy to catch. They’re born in the ocean and then venture into freshwater (the complete opposite of Salmon), and while they’re greedy, they’re also easily spooked. The bite is best just before and after sunrise and sunset. Barra are among the inshore fisherman’s most reliable catches, which also makes them a much-loved species.
Freshwater Fishing in Queensland
While the seas are home to the most prestigious species, freshwater fishing in the Sunshine State has its own appeal. The rivers and lakes of Queensland see thousands of fishos every year, all in search of that next great catch.
There’s no shortage of freshwater species you can find in Queensland’s inland watersheds. All you need is to pick the right spots. Barra remain one of the most popular catches, along with Bass, Black Bream, Grunter, Cod, and Threadfin Salmon.
Mangrove Jacks take a special place in freshwater fisheries because they’re feisty and can be big. Then there’s Southern Saratoga, one of the continent’s oldest fish species and a true delight to target. They’re territorial and aggressive, which often results in them attacking your lure with abandon. All this makes them one of the most desired catches on the freshwater front.
How to Go Fishing in Queensland
There are many techniques you can try out in Queensland’s productive waters, so what you pick is all about your personal preferences. The recreational fishing boom has been happening since the introduction of Net Free Fishing Zones. Here are some of the types of fishing that anglers favour here…
Fishing from Shore
About half of Queensland’s fishers choose to cast their lines from land. There’s a lot you can reel in from a beach, a pier, and the rocks framing the coastline, as well as lakes, rivers, and estuaries.
There’s no bad time to go beach fishing, even though winter days often yield the best results. Casting from a beach can bring you a variety of catches, including Barramundi, Tailor, Perch, Mackerel, to name a few. Less experienced and visiting fishos have a great time fishing from piers and docks, surrounded by fellow anglers.
Fishing from the rocks can be very good, but there are dangers that come with it. Fish congregate around the rocks, which allows for a strong bite, but the waves can be unpredictable. The rocks can also be slippery, so it’s important to be cautious. The good thing is the rewards will be worth it.
Fly Fishing
If you’re a fly fishing aficionado, you won’t be disappointed in Queensland. The inshore waters are teeming with always-hungry fish and you can even test your luck in the bluewater.
Inshore waters and flats offer good numbers of Queenfish, that can weigh anywhere from 1–15 kilograms. They’re easy to catch and abundant, so they’re one of the go-to targets of fly fishermen. Threadfin Salmon, Permit, Giant Harring, and Golden Trevally make the list too, especially around harbours and bays.
But fly fishing adventures go beyond the shallow waters. The bravest anglers set out to the reefs and further offshore to face off against the giants of the deep. Think Giant Trevally, Tuna, Jacks, and yes, even Billfish. Offshore fly fishing endeavours require heavy tackle quality gear, and a great deal of skill and knowledge, not to mention courage!
Deep Sea Fishing with a Charter
If you’re coming to Queensland to chase your next trophy fish, then deep sea fishing is your path to glory. The safest way to explore your options is to hire a charter skipper. These seasoned professionals dedicate their lives to putting people on fish, and they’ve got the know-how and know-where.
Different charters specialise in different kinds of fishing, so you’ve got plenty of choices. Tuna and Billfish trips are the longest, but they could grant you a fish of a lifetime. You can book a specialised expedition or, if you prefer, go for a variety of bluewater dwellers. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, helicopter fishing is on offer.
More affordable excursions will take you to the reefs. These are the best choice for families and anglers wetting their line for the first time. This is where the good-eating species hide, which means you get to eat like a king after the trip.
Queensland Fishing Spots
The short answer to this question is just about anywhere with water. Some of the biggest cities in the state are fishing hubs, and some spots are well off the beaten path. Here are only a few top fishing destinations for you to check out:
- Cairns: Let’s start in the north, with the city closest to the Great Barrier Reef. Marlin in spring, Trevally in summer, and Barra year-round are just some of the species you can reel in.
- Capricorn Region: The name doesn’t have a lot to do with the horoscope sign, but it’s got everything to do with excellent fishing. Yeppoon and Rockhampton are famous for their fishing culture, and everything from Barramundi to Snapper is fair game.
- Port Douglas: Dubbed as one of the best Black Marlin fishing grounds in the world, Port Douglas is the departure point of Billfish chasers. It doesn’t hurt that these waters are home to well over 200 fish species.
- Brisbane: Visiting Queensland’s capital? Add fishing to your to-do list. Head to the port, and you could land Flathead, Jewfish, Mangrove Jack, and even Snapper. A great destination for shore anglers.
- Gold Coast: Head to the south until you hit the beautiful town of Gold Coast. From here, you can travel offshore in search of Marlin, Tuna, and Snapper or stay on the reefs and see what’s biting.
- Noosa River: When you’re in the mood for some freshwater fishing, Noosa River has a lot to offer. Australian Bass and Mangrove Jacks are the most common catches, and then there’s also the peace of mind you’ll find in the beautiful nature around you.
- Daintree River: Probably the most diverse river in Queensland, the Daintree boasts hundreds of fish and crustacean species. In summer you can look forward to Mangrove Jacks and Barra. In winter, you’ll be treated to Queenfish, Grunter, and much more.
Queensland Fishing Regulations
What makes fishing in Queensland easy and accessible is that, whether you’re fishing from shore or from a boar, you don’t need a fishing licence. However, if you plan on going to one of the stocked dams to fish, then you’ll need a special SIPS Permit.
You need to understand and respect the size and creel limits for fish you’d like to keep. Some species have seasonal closures, so make sure you’re allowed to target them before you go out. Your charter guide can help you with sticking to the rules while enjoying fishing to the fullest.
Fishing in Queensland: Endless Angling Thrills
Passionate anglers will never be bored in the Sunshine State of the southern hemisphere. Wherever your interests lie – be it with the biggest fish in the sea or the promising inshore bite – you’ll find something to your liking. That’s what makes fishing in Queensland so alluring. Quantity, quality, diversity, and excitement, you’ve got it all!
If you crave more information on how to fish in Australia, take a look at our Australia fishing guide and learn about fish species, hotspots, angling techniques, and regulations.
Have you ever been fishing in Queensland? What were your experiences? Do you have a favourite spot or species? Share your stories with us in the comments.
