Located along Australia’s Gold Coast, the Queensland suburb of Main Beach is the place to be for an angling adventure worth its weight in gold! With a wealth of waters to explore, from rocky reefs, brackish estuaries, and the deepest spots of the Pacific, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Main Beach fishing charters.
Which fishing charter is for me?
Estuary Fishing
Main Beach is just minutes from the Gold Coast’s Seaway. This is where the Nerang River flows into the Pacific Ocean, and you could easily spend an entire trip exploring these estuaries!
The hotspots start only a mile from the dock, so a half-day trip allows for plenty of fishing time – perfect for newbies, and families. Flathead, Bream, Whiting, and Golden Perch can be found here. These are fun to catch, and make for seriously good eating! The best time to visit is from August–November, with Flathead being especially plentiful in the spring.
These waters aren't just for beginners – hardcore anglers come here every year to battle hard-fighting Trevally on the fly or with light tackle. Come in the summer to test your skills, too!
Plumb the Depths of the Reefs
Queensland is home to incredible reefs, and Main Beach is no exception. Travel just 6 kilometres from the shore to hit waters brimming with impressive bottom-dwellers! For anglers who want to squeeze in a half-day trip, or newer fishermen unsure about heading offshore, there’s nothing better.
The general rule is that the further you go, the bigger the fish! You can hook Pink Snapper, Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack), Amberjack, Cobia, and even Tuna species within 15 minutes. Even better, you’ll find charters ready to take you out year round!
For Seriously Adventurous Anglers!
If you’ve always wanted to conquer a trophy-sized Marlin, get ready to head offshore on a full-day adventure!
Most charters will take you past the reefs, where you’ll start trolling, before heading into the open ocean. Bring plenty of fighting spirit – with depths of over 300 metres, there are seriously huge fish lurking beneath these waters.
As well as the trifecta of Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin, other big game fish call these waters home, including Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and others. The best time to visit is in the spring and summer months, with January offering extremely productive Black Marlin action!
What to Bring
In Queensland, anglers don’t need a fishing license. However, be aware that restrictions apply depending on the species you target. Feel free to discuss this with your captain!
The majority of charters provide fishing gear, tackle, bait, and lures. Bring along:
- Money for tips – Deck hands are common, especially on longer trips!
- Snacks and drinks – Ice and water are usually provided.
- During the summer months, make sure you "Slip, Slop, and Slap" – This is Aussie terminology for slipping on a shirt, slopping on 50+ factor sunscreen, and slapping on a sunhat!
The Pacific Ocean is on your doorstep, so why not make Main Beach the starting point of your angling adventure? Come and discover the real treasure that lies beyond the lustrous Gold Coast!
Amberjack
Bonito
Cobia
Coral Trout
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Black)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (Striped)
Pearl Perch
Sailfish
Shark (Hammerhead)
Snapper (Pink)
Spanish Mackerel (Narrow-barred)
Sweetlip Emperor
Tailor
Threadfin Salmon
Trevally (Silver)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Wahoo
Yellowtail Amberjack
