{"id":51394,"date":"2023-06-17T17:21:25","date_gmt":"2023-06-17T15:21:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=51394"},"modified":"2026-01-08T10:35:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T10:35:57","slug":"moreton-bay-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/moreton-bay-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"Moreton Bay Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Just 15 kilometers south of Brisbane, on Australia’s eastern coast, lies the impressive Moreton Bay. This scenic angling paradise stretches across 125 kilometers, extending from Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast Seaway in the south to Caloundra in the north. Fishing in Moreton Bay<\/a> is something that’s kept anglers busy for decades, thanks to its abundant waters and rich history.<\/p>

\"An<\/figure>

Moreton Bay is sheltered by Moreton Island. It’s home to tranquil, sandy beaches, vibrant mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. Anglers come to the bay to enjoy both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, as well as its incredible biodiversity. Whales, dolphins, dugongs, and around a quarter of Australia’s bird species come here at some point every year.<\/p>

This article will guide you through the fishing wonders of Moreton Bay, including the most productive spots, the top fish species, techniques, and more. So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with your friends and family, or a full-day extravaganza, prepare to be captivated by the allure of Moreton Bay. <\/p>

What can I catch while fishing in Moreton Bay?<\/h2>

The waters of Moreton Bay are pretty shallow, ranging from 1–8 meters deep. This allows for incredibly diverse fishing opportunities. The bay’s artificial reefs and natural sand banks and islands are home to a generous variety of fish species, from the notorious Snapper<\/strong> to various types of Tuna, Bream, Mackerel,<\/strong> and Sweetlip<\/strong>. That’s without mentioning Whiting, Cobia, Jewfish, Cod, Trevally, Mangrove Jack<\/strong>, and many other species that patrol the bay.<\/p>

In this section, we’ll outline our personal favorite targets, in no particular order. But here’s the bay’s superstar catch to kick us off…<\/p>

Snapper<\/h3>

Snapper fishing in Moreton Bay should need no introduction. These gorgeous fish are so popular in the bay, that they probably deserve their own article. Snapper can grow up to a meter in length and weigh as much as 20 kilograms<\/strong>, making even the most experienced anglers sweat a bit. <\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Fishing Tours<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Look for Snapper in areas with reef margins<\/strong> or weed beds with tidal current <\/strong>flowing past them. The fish are known to feed around ambush points, especially with drop-offs nearby, good current flow, and a pressure point. The key to finding schools of Snapper is to look for bait fish congregations on the sounder. <\/p>

50–65 cm fish are prolific around the “Mud,” the Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef, and Goat Islands, along with the island bays and channels as far south as the Logan River. The overall best time to fish for Snapper in the bay is during the cooler months, from April through October<\/strong>. But these locations can be productive any time of the year. Tides and lunar cycles aren’t as important, here, although you might get the best bite around dawn after new and full moons. <\/p>

Locals use light tackle and tend to keep their presentation very quiet to not spook the fish. Some of the most effective lures are small plastics rigged on a 1\/8th jig head<\/strong> that you can cast along the reefs’ drop-offs. <\/p>

Note that there are closed seasons for Snapper fishing. Make sure to consult with your guide and follow the regulations outlined by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.<\/a><\/p>

<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Sweetlip Emperor<\/h3>

Snapper aside, there are plenty more fish in the sea, and Moreton Bay is no exception. Sweetlip Emperor are tasty bottom-dwellers that patrol the rocky reefs, wrecks, and artificial reefs. The Amity and Harry Atkinson Artificial Reefs, along with Peel Island, Hutchinson Shoal, and the Flinders Reef are good spots to explore. <\/p>

\"A
Photo courtesy of Fishing Offshore Noosa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

When working the shallows, you’ll most likely come across two types of Sweetlip: Grass<\/strong> and Spangled<\/strong>. The keeper Grass needs to be at least 30 cm<\/strong> for you to keep, with a maximum possession limit of 10 fish. You can keep only five Spangled Sweetlip, although slightly bigger: the minimum size is 45 cm<\/strong>. Since the regulations can change, make sure to double-check everything ahead of time. <\/p>

Grass Sweetlips hang out close to juvenile Snapper and Bream, while Spangled patrol deeper waters with good drop-offs. If you’re fishing a rising tide in 3–8 meters of water, chances are you’ll come across Grass Sweetlip, while waters at least 10 meters deep are best for Spangles. <\/p>

Avoid using a sinker and let the bait (small plastics or live bait) drift slowly down through the water column. If the current is pretty strong, add a small sinker and ⅛ oz jig head. Moreton Bay anglers fish at dawn and dusk, concentrating their efforts from June to September<\/strong>. Sweetlips are around throughout the year, but the bite is weaker from November through February.<\/p>

Mackerel<\/h3>

Mackerel are fast predators with razor-sharp teeth that keep anglers busy throughout the year<\/strong>. Moreton Bay anglers typically land 50–75 cm Mackerel, with 50 cm being the minimum legal size. And on that note, you’re only allowed to keep 10 fish per person. <\/p>

\"A
Photo courtesy of Deep Sea Fishing Co. Noosa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

So, where do Moreton Bay Mackerel bite best? Start your journey on the southern end of Moreton Island, then move to the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island or the Tweed Heads Artificial Reef. Or, alternatively, check everything in between. Some of the most productive spots are deeper areas around the Rous Channel or the shipping channels. <\/p>

When picking the right gear, consider a rod in the 4–10 kg range<\/strong> matched with a 3000–5000 spinning reel<\/strong>. If you’re lucky enough to hook into a larger fish, carbon drag washers can be a good addition to your reel. While rigs usually do the job, some locals use live bait. Unweighted live baits can be pretty productive one day, while on other days, you may want to fish live bait on the bottom. <\/p>

Flathead<\/h3>

Moreton Bay Flathead are among the most popular target here, thanks not only to their delicious taste, but also the fact that they’re easy to catch. Well, relatively easy to catch, anyway. The fish bite best from November to April<\/strong>, although you can find them in the bay throughout the year. <\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Fishing Smooth Water<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

The shallow flats around Kalinga Bank, Cabbage Tree Point, Jacobs Well, the mouth of the Logan River, the southern end of Peel Island, the Rous Channel, and Jumpinpin are among the most productive Flathead spots. In general, anglers look for them in shallow sandy areas near mangroves<\/strong> or in deeper channels<\/strong>, casting into drains on low or high tides. <\/p>

When targeting Dusky Flathead, consider looking for female species, since they tend to grow much larger than males and also live longer.<\/p>

Bream<\/h3>

While Moreton Bay Bream aren’t exactly wall-hangers, these smaller fish species are perfect for beginner anglers from November to March<\/strong>. In some cases, you can target them in the mix with bigger fish to keep things interesting. <\/p>

\"A
Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Fishing Tours<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Look for shallow waters around oyster beds, rocky outcrops, and mangroves<\/strong>. The Brisbane River, Tingalpa Creek, and Cabbage Tree Creek hold good numbers of Bream. Incoming tides seem to make the fish push up into the areas looking for food, which you can use to your advantage. <\/p>

Ask any local, and they’ll most likely tell you that Moreton Bay is a mecca for targeting Bream on crankbaits<\/strong>. Try different depths, mimicking the bait and tapping into the feeding patterns. If you’re after something visually pleasant, consider using small surface poppers and stickbaits. <\/p>

Just like every other species, there are certain limits and regulations when it comes to Moreton Bay Bream. The bag limit is set for 10 fish per person, while the minimum size of keeper fish is 25 cm<\/strong>. As usual, double-check the regulations with your guide or online before you hit the waters. <\/p>

Tuna<\/h3>

Tuna fishing in Moreton Bay certainly needs no introduction. When the season allows,<\/strong> anglers hop on board their boats and head to the local honey holes to hunt for Yellowfin<\/strong>, Longtail<\/strong>, and Mack<\/strong> Tuna<\/strong>. Fly fishing, trolling with live bait, casting and retrieving lures – there are many techniques that you can try.  <\/p>

\"Two
Photo courtesy of Top Gear Fishing Charters<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Some of the best spots in the bay include the shipping channels, the Tweed Heads Artificial Reef, and offshore reefs such as Hutchies Reef and Flinders Reef. Look for bait schools and bird activity on the surface to locate your target.<\/p>

The whole spectacle of Tuna fishing depends on whether you’re using the right gear – and some luck! Tuna generally feed into the wind, so make sure the boat is positioned right. It’s never a bad idea to head out with a local skipper who knows how to maximize your chances at a successful catch. <\/p>

Generally, the best time to go Tuna fishing in Moreton Bay is through autumn<\/strong> and early winter<\/strong>, especially if you’re after Longtail. If you’re fishing in spring and summer, target other Tuna or look for the Tuna schools that are attacking bait fish on the surface. <\/p>

\n

What anglers said about fishing in Moreton Bay<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Moreton Bay Fishing Spots<\/h2>

It’s safe to say that the whole of Moreton Bay is one big honey hole. There’s a myriad of reefs, some productive shipwrecks, drop-offs, and other types of structure that are good places to start your excursion. The vast area of the bay spans over 1,500 square kilometers, so picking the most productive spot is definitely a challenge. <\/p>

\"A<\/figure>

Peel Island<\/strong>, for instance, sits in the southern part of the bay, offering some of the best opportunities for Flathead, Bream, and Snapper, as well as Tuna, Mackerel, and Sweetlip. Another good spot for Tuna and Mackerel is Moreton Island<\/strong>, especially its western side – the Tangalooma Wrecks. <\/p>

The bridges and jetties of the Brisbane River<\/strong> offer good Bream and Tailor fishing, while Kalinga Bank<\/strong> in the northern part of the bay is a good spot for Flathead and Whiting. If that’s not enough, consider paying a visit to the deep-water Rous Channel<\/strong> or the Wester Rocks<\/strong> off the northwest end of Moreton Island near Yellow Patch. But here’s a breakdown of the best reefs:<\/p>

Top Moreton Bay Reefs<\/h3>