Gold Coast

Gold Coast is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the whole of Australia, and it’s no wonder. With a year round fishery and a rich variety of both reef and game species, this is a mecca for all types of angler. Whether you are trolling for pelagics or exploring the deep reefs between Tweed Heads and North Stradbroke Island, there is something for everyone here.

Known For

There aren’t many places better known for surfing and deep sea fishing than Gold Coast. The miles upon miles of beautiful beaches have something for everyone, while there is stunning nature inland for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. Not to forget world class golfing greens and all sorts of theme parks - Sea World, the Rockpools, Dreamworld and more await! Take some time on the water between May and November, and there’s a very strong chance you’ll see Humpback Whales, too.

Rules & Regulations

Queensland does not require recreational anglers to have a fishing license unless they are fishing in stocked impoundments (dams or weirs). Size and possession limits apply to a variety of fish species.

Types of Fishing

If big game fishing is your thing, you should be looking at fishing between December and January. This is when Black Marlin arrive as part of their annual southwards migration. Large numbers of game fish appear in the area at this time of year, with Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Sailfish, and Wahoo all making an appearance. Travel slightly further offshore, and you can be in with a chance of a Blue Marlin as well. Fishing is exciting in the winter, too. May to October has some phenomenal reef fishing, with Cobia, Yellowtail Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper, Tailor, Pearl Perch, and many more species up for grabs with traditional bottom fishing or fast-paced deep water jigging. And with an average temperature of around 20 degrees centigrade, this is generally a very comfortable time of year to fish.