Moreton Bay

16 Fishing Charters

Top Moreton Bay Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Moreton Bay

Fishing in Moreton Bay

The Moreton Bay fishing scene offers excellent action, whether you’re searching for an easy inshore catch for dinner or want to hunt a big game trophy offshore. This scenic paradise stretches across 125 kilometers, from Caloundra in the north to Gold Coast Seaway in the south. Apart from fishing, you can explore the diversity of the bay’s marine life, such as turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and wading birds.

What to Catch

The bay itself is very shallow and sandy, but stretches of deep channels and rocky reefs attract a variety of species to these waters. Some of the best fishing spots are West Peel Artificial Reef and Harry Atkinson Reef, where you may find Pink Snapper, Sweetlip Emperor, Bam, Mackerel, and many more. Snapper is right at the top of the “most-wanted” list. When the temperature drops in winter, their numbers skyrocket and you can find them in both the shallow bay and deep reefs.

If you’re up for a longer trip, you’ll have enough time to reach the deep sea fishing grounds, which start beyond Moreton Island. Target Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, or any other furious predators hungry for bait. These trips are the best during summer, so always bring sunscreen or a hat to keep your skin safe from the sun.

Choosing a Moreton Bay Fishing Charter

You’ll often find local fishing charters that accommodate 10+ guests. If your fishing group is smaller or you want to go on your own, booking the whole boat may be expensive. Luckily, most of the skippers offer shared trips as well – the price per person is fixed, so there’s no risk of breaking the budget.

Shared trips offer nothing less than private packages. Whether you want a half day or a full day, reef or deep sea, summer or winter trip – it’s all here, as long as you don’t mind having other people on board.

Need to Know

You don’t need a fishing licence in Queensland, but there are size and bag limits for certain fish species.

If you’re travelling from abroad, the easiest way to reach Moreton Bay is by flying into Brisbane Airport.

All Moreton Bay fishing charters allow you to keep the catch and the crew will even clean and fillet it for free. Nothing beats a perfect day of fishing, topped off with a dinner you caught yourself in a restaurant by the sea.

Moreton Bay Fishing Seasons

January

Start the year with an amazing big game trophy! Head out offshore and target different types of Marlin, Mahi Mahi, or Sailfish.

February

Big game fishing is still great but you can also find some good action closer to the shore. Target Mackerel and Sharks, or catch Threadfin Salmon in the Brisbane River.

March

The water is slightly cooler as autumn approaches but deep sea fishing still offers unbelievable rod-bending action.

April

Fish move closer to the bay as the water temperature gets lower. This is a good time to target Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack) and Bonito.

May

Brisbane and the area are great this time of the year, especially if you come during Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival season.

June

Visiting artificial reefs and targeting Snapper is a must during winter if you want to have a true Moreton experience. A stealthy approach and light line are all you need.

July

The best time to target Snapper in the bay already began and most of the charters will be focused on this. You’ll also find great spots for Jewfish in the Brisbane River.

August

A great time to target Coral Trout, Sweetlip Emperor, or Bonito. If you’re more interested in offshore fishing, different types of Tuna are available.

September

With spring, Cobia rush into the bay in huge numbers, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Bay fishing is still great, so you don’t have to go far.

October

As the weather gets warmer, river fishing gets much better. If you want to target Threadfin Salmon, now is a good time.

November

Big game species are back in the game. You’ll notice that Wahoo started their peak season and Blue Marlin are on the rise.

December

End the year with a splash! Species such as Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo are at their peak, so this is the best time for a deep sea adventure.

January

Start the year with an amazing big game trophy! Head out offshore and target different types of Marlin, Mahi Mahi, or Sailfish.

February

Big game fishing is still great but you can also find some good action closer to the shore. Target Mackerel and Sharks, or catch Threadfin Salmon in the Brisbane River.

March

The water is slightly cooler as autumn approaches but deep sea fishing still offers unbelievable rod-bending action.

April

Fish move closer to the bay as the water temperature gets lower. This is a good time to target Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack) and Bonito.

May

Brisbane and the area are great this time of the year, especially if you come during Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival season.

June

Visiting artificial reefs and targeting Snapper is a must during winter if you want to have a true Moreton experience. A stealthy approach and light line are all you need.

July

The best time to target Snapper in the bay already began and most of the charters will be focused on this. You’ll also find great spots for Jewfish in the Brisbane River.

August

A great time to target Coral Trout, Sweetlip Emperor, or Bonito. If you’re more interested in offshore fishing, different types of Tuna are available.

September

With spring, Cobia rush into the bay in huge numbers, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Bay fishing is still great, so you don’t have to go far.

October

As the weather gets warmer, river fishing gets much better. If you want to target Threadfin Salmon, now is a good time.

November

Big game species are back in the game. You’ll notice that Wahoo started their peak season and Blue Marlin are on the rise.

December

End the year with a splash! Species such as Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo are at their peak, so this is the best time for a deep sea adventure.