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.
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
