10 Best Fishing Spots in Gold Coast [With Fishing Tips]

Fishing Licenses on Gold Coast 

In Queensland, a Stocked Impoundment Permit is needed to fish with a line on more than 60 impoundments (dams and weirs). Native fish are supplied in the impoundments, especially for recreational fishing. The program lessens the fishing load on wild fish supplies by offering a sustainable fishing option.

Please consult the interactive search engine to find impoundments that necessitate a permit before engaging in fishing activities. You may search based on fish species, facilities, or location. The quantity of fish planted at each site is also covered in great depth.

Concerning Stocked Impoundment Licences

As per the government's indexation policy, most of our fees and levies experienced a 3.4% rise on July 1, 2023. If you have a stocked impoundment permit, you can fish with recreational fishing lines only at impoundments under the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS). Cost of permits:

• $12.72a week
• $60.42annually
• $43.46annually if you qualify for a discount

*You are eligible for a discount if you own a Queensland Government Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card).

When line fishing in SIPS impoundments, anyone over eighteen must have a permit (children and teens under eighteen do not require a license).

When fishing in a stocked impoundment, you must have your permit (digital email, digital SMS, paper receipt) on you and provide it upon QBFP inquiry.

Digital Licenses

You don't have to print your permit. When you acquire a permit online, over the phone, at specific sub-agent shops, or through an online portal, you will immediately get a digital permit via email or SMS.

When a permit is purchased over the counter at Australia Post shops, a digital license will also be provided to the buyer within 24 hours of the transaction.

Get A Permit

Purchases of a Stocked Impoundment Permit can be made online, in person at Queensland and a few NSW Australia Post locations, or over the phone at 1300 575 359 (for permit purchases only; call 13 25 23 for general SIPS questions).

Gold Coast Fishing Gear: What To Pack? 

The Gold Coast Seaway is an alluring location for fishing enthusiasts, accommodating a range of skill levels and tastes.

The Seaway provides a wide variety of fish species and fishing techniques to suit your preferences, whether you want the security of land-based fishing or the excitement of a boat-based expedition.

To make your fishing trip in the Gold Coast Seaway a fantastic experience, we'll explore the subtleties of bait selection, lure options, equipment requirements, and strategic approaches in this guide. This is the ultimate gear list for fishing on the Gold Coast.

The fish you target and the Gold Coast Seaway's current fishing circumstances will determine what type of bait or lure you use. Let's examine your possibilities in more detail:

Besides, a portable power station is the most secure way to get power while fishing outside. These generators will keep your essential tools charged no matter where your fishing takes you.  

Look at the Jackery Portable Power Station, which is excellent for fishing, to see how reliable portable solar power sources can be. The options are less intense, quiet, and clean than this one. A portable power source like the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus or 500 is essential for modern fishermen who care about the environment.

10 Best Fishing Spots in Gold Coast 

Being close to excellent fishing locations is one of the nicest things about living on the Gold Coast. There's always something new to discover when it comes to Gold Coast fishing, whether you're bringing the kids fishing for the first time or you fish there every weekend. These are a few of the top ones.         

1. Gold Coast Seaway

Location: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 07 5539 7350

Website: Gold Coast Seaway 

When to Fish: 11:03-13:03

Fish Species: Dusky Flathead, Giant Trevally, Tuna, Mackerel

The Gold Coast Seaway is a canal that links the Nerang River to the Pacific Ocean between South Stradbroke Island and the Southport Spit. Though it's likely one of the most popular Gold Coast fishing places, its accessibility and variety of fish make it a terrific place to toss in a line. Year-round fishing often yields yellowtail, kingfish, whitehead, and flathead, as well as an abundance of bream and mangrove jacks.

2. Southport Pier

Location: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 0439 580 243

Website: Southport Pier

When to Fish: Before & after a storm

Fish Species: Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack

The Southport Pier, also known as the Broadwater Jetty, is a well-liked destination for residents because of its accessibility and variety of marine life. It is situated in the Broadwater Parklands. It's not only home to a wide variety of fish but also an excellent place to hook a ray and is reputed to be a good place to capture squid at night.

3. Jacobs Well and Jumpinipin

Location: 2682 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4208 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 1300 667 386

Website: Jacobs Well and Jumpinipin

When to Fish: November to April

Fish Species: Dusky Flathead, Surf Bream, Japanese Meagre, Common Carp

Jacobs Well is a little fishing village at the far south end of Moreton Bay, at the mouth of the Pimpama River. It's the starting point for some of the best estuary fishing on the Gold Coast. There are many flathead, whiting, and bream, and bait fishing is the predominant method. Anglers usually use worms and yabbies for whiting and bream, while tailors and flatheads use pilchards and whitebait.

The jetty is a great place to start if you want to stay near town. If they're running, you may even catch a prawn here! On your way to Jumpinpin, the highlight of the show up this way, Tipplers Passage and Golden Bank are other fantastic sites to try for the more daring anglers eager to explore the natural rivers the region offers.

4. Nerang River

Location: Price Street, Nerang, Gold Coast Area Queensland 4211 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 1300 667 386

Website: Nerang River

When to Fish: 6-9AM, 1-5PM

Fish Species: Australian Bass, Bream, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Crappie, Rainbow Trout

The Nerang River, which flows directly through the heart of the Gold Coast, offers fantastic freshwater fishing. While you may fish anywhere along the river, we suggest going to the Nerang fishing platform in the Nerang River Parklands beneath the M1 motorway.

This location is excellent since it is close to Weedon's Crossing, a significant river inflow point where plenty of food is available for the fish. You could successfully reel in bream, flathead, whiting, mangrove jack, shark, trevally, and mud crabs, among other species. There is parking in Arthur Earle Park.

5. Tallebudgera Creek

Location: 1544 Gold Coast Highway, Gold Coast Area Queensland 4221 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 61 75581 6984

Website: Tallebudgera Creek

When to Fish: 12:17Am - 2:17 Am

Fish Species: Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Bull Shark, Surf Bream

Tallebudgera Creek, often known as "Tally Creek" by the locals, empties into the ocean near Burleigh Head National Park. The water beneath the bridge is quite deep, making it an excellent place to capture colossal fish, and the river mouth is a terrific place to catch a flathead or two from the tinny.

Alternatively, explore Tallebudgera Creek's whole range by travelling inland. Tally offers everything from coveted mangrove jack to bream, whiting, and luderick. Tallebudgera Creek is an excellent choice if you want to cast off from the beach because much of the creek is accessible, and there is lots of parking, especially upstream.

6. Snapper Rocks

Location: Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta QLD 4225 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 61 75582 8211

Website: Snapper Rocks

When to Fish: Early morning and late afternoon

Fish Species: Tuna, Bonito, Tailor, Blackfin Snapper

Located at the southernmost point of Coolangatta, this famous surf break is an excellent family outing. You may stroll up and down the beaches running each side of the end, or you can fish right from Snapper Rocks for aquatic species, including tuna, bonito, and tailors. Watch out for the swell.

7. Currumbin Rocks

Location: 828 Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach, Queensland 4223 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 61 7 5534 4466

Website: Currumbin Rocks

When to Visit: 12:17AM - 2:17 AM

Fish Species: Bream, Flathead, Garfish, Mangrove Jack, Sea Mullet, Tailor, Whiting

With its superb surf fishing peninsula projecting into the northward ocean current flow along the Queensland coast, Currumbin Rock offers a variety of rock and beach fishing options, potentially yielding prizes such as tailor, bream, and snapper. An added benefit on this day of beautiful weather is the vista along the coast, with the ghost of Surfers Paradise downtown and the Broadbeach (left).

8. Burleigh Heads

Location: 828 Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach, Queensland 4223 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 61 7 5534 4466

Website: Burleigh Heads

When to Visit: New moon days

Fish Species: Whiting, Dusky Flathead, Jewfish, Tailor, Yellowfin Bream, Yellowfin Whiting

Burleigh Heads, well-known for its breathtaking coastline and crystal-clear waters, offers plenty of chances for novice and experienced anglers alike.

The variety of fishing in Burleigh Heads is what makes the experience unique. There's something for every angler here, whether you're casting from the rocky outcrops, the coastline, or out to sea in a boat. Many fish species, such as bream, tailor, flathead, whiting, and jewfish, may be found along the shoreline.

9. Wave Break Island

Location: Main Beach QLD 4217 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 07 5539 7350

Website: Wave Break Island

When to Visit: Winter seasons

Fish Species: Flathead, Whiting, Bream, Mangrove Jack, Trevally

A great place to fish on the Gold Coast is Wave Break Island. This artificial island provides a variety of fishing spots. You may catch fish species like bream, flathead, and maybe even pelagic species like trevally and mackerel, depending on whether you're fishing from the shore or out on a boat. It's a great location to take in the beautiful scenery and fishing.

10. Mermaid Beach

Location: Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast Area Queensland 4218 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 018 4141 6468 69

Website: Mermaid Beach

When to Visit: Twilight periods

Fish Species: Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Mackerel, School Mackerel, Mulloway, Cobia

On the Gold Coast, Mermaid Beach is an excellent place to do land-based fishing. Casting lines from the shore is a common practice for anglers hoping to capture a variety of coastal species. Tailor, Whiting, and Bream are common catches.

The large sandy area makes it accessible and a well-liked hangout for residents and tourists who want to unwind with a peaceful day of seaside fishing. A relaxed fishing experience is made more pleasant by Mermaid Beach's stunning beach environment and the sound of the waves.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Fishing

Since fishing is a fun and relaxing thing to do, it lasts a long time. Annoying things will always happen outside, like losing electricity. As a result, outdoor mobile power can be considered an essential piece of gear for fishing.   

This need is responsibly met by Jackery Portable Power Stations, which store the power that Jackery Solar Panels collect from the sun. The Jackery Portable Power Stations can be charged in carports, wall outlets, or with the Jackery Solar Panels. If you want to go fishing on the Gold Coast, choose one with a bigger capacity.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various situations such as hiking, kayaking, picnicking, camping, road trips, and emergency power backup.

This power station has a unique Battery Management System (BMS). It has 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that work together to keep the device and any attached appliances as safe as possible. It also has four kinds of physical security to ensure everyone is safe.

This model stands out because it has an intelligent app control feature that lets users quickly manage the battery through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it more modern and convenient to use. It's also very light - only 8.27 pounds - so it's an excellent choice for people who are always on the go.

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the best portable power option. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 800W output and 632Wh capacity. The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is your go-to power station for all your activities because it is strong, durable, and light. It makes charging fun things to do outside easy.

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus can meet all of your outdoor entertainment needs. A lot of different outdoor entertainment gadgets can connect to it. Its dual PD fast charging can go up to 100W, so your devices will be charged quickly. The Explorer 600 Plus can give you long-lasting power, a backup in an emergency, or quiet charging that won't bother anyone.

It's small and light (16.1 pounds/7.75 kg), making it convenient and easy to store. It's easy to take with you because the handle folds up. You can always get power to stay linked and charged on your hikes, no matter where they take you.  

Gold Coast Fishing Tips

Artificial canals are another important fishing feature; they provide a network of waterways with rock walls, jetties, and boardwalks, all home to sizable fish populations.

Numerous mangrove-lined streams, drains, and channels stretching further into the Jumpinpin and Nerang River portions are home to diverse species. The following are some tips for fishing on the Gold Coast:

Tip 1: Understand Local Species 

This region offers bream, flathead, whiting, trevally, tailor, Mulloway, mangrove jack, estuary cod, and tarpon, among other species. Bream is by far the most common species in the region. They are abundant around rock walls and on bridge/jetty pylons because these structures provide a lot of tiny baitfish and crustaceans for them to eat.

Schools of bream, flathead, whiting, and tarpon may be found in the sandy flats and deeper channels. These fish feed on the yabbies, baitfish, and crustaceans that come and go with the tides. When pursuing the recognizable mangrove jack, anglers should concentrate on the deeper, shaded canal and central waterway borders. 

This is especially true in areas where mangrove roots or rock walls provide an excellent hiding place for these wary fish, using the area to search for bait.

(Data Source: Gold Coast Fishing Charters)

Tip 2: Fish in Proper Season 

Flathead can be obtained throughout the year, but understanding their periodic migrations can significantly enhance your likelihood of success. Here's a breakdown by season:

Summer (December-February): Flatheads migrate to shallower waters as the temperature rises, making them easier to catch. Pay particular attention to sandbanks, estuaries, and weed bed margins.

Autumn (March-May): Flathead migrates to deeper waters due to dropping temperatures. Look for them around river mouths, drop-offs, and channels.

Winter (June-August): Winter offers chances to catch more giant flatheads in deeper waters. Seek them out near artificial reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures.

Spring (September-November): Flathead returns to shallower places as the waters warm and become more active. For shore-based fishermen, this is the perfect season.

Tip 3: Learn Some Fishing Skills 

Casting: Develop your casting skills to put your bait or lure in the exact spot where the fish are - practice casting techniques like roll, sidearm, and overhead to enhance your talents.

Presenting bait or lures on or near the bottom of the Body of water is known as bottom fishing. Use weights to keep your bait attached to the bottom and draw in bottom-dwelling fish like grouper, flounder, and catfish.

Pulling bait or lures behind a moving boat allows you to cover much ground and find actively eating fish. Adapt your trolling speed, depth, and lure choice to the species you're after and the fishing circumstances.

Jigging: It is a fishing technique that involves using a weighted jig or lure to imitate the movement of prey by continuously raising and lowering it. This method works well for luring predatory fish such as cod, walleye, and bass.

Fly Fishing: Fly fishing mimics natural insect prey using lightweight artificial flies made of fur, feathers, and other materials. Learn the art of throwing and presenting flies to fish in rivers, freshwater lakes, and streams with finesse. 

Gold Coast Fishing FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about fishing in Gold Coast:

1. Where to catch kingfish on the Gold Coast?

Both the deeper offshore fifty-fathom reefs and the stony beaches surrounding the Gold Coast seaway barriers are frequented by kingfish. Juvenile fish move freely in the ocean and congregate behind logs and other floating trash.

2. Where is the best land-based fishing spot on the Gold Coast?

The Palm Beach Rock Wall is a popular location for land-based fishing on the Gold Coast. Anglers frequently cast their hooks in this rock formation, hoping to catch fish such as snapper, tailor, and bream. The waves pounding against the cliffs at this spot provide a distinctive fishing experience.

3. What is the best bait for Gold Coast fishing?

Use whole mullet, fish frames, and raw chicken pieces as bait; to keep smaller fish, eels, and crabs away, consider using a bait bag. Fishing on the Gold Coast can be enjoyable despite the problematic weather if you have the correct equipment, prepare ahead, and have patience.

Final Thoughts

For those who understand the subtleties of this pastime, flathead fishing on the Gold Coast offers thrilling thrills and plentiful catches. Increase your chances of landing these incredible carnivores by being aware of the tides, remaining mobile, utilizing the appropriate equipment, and handling fish carefully.

Equipped with an understanding of the top baits and lures, you're prepared for an exhilarating flathead fishing expedition along Australia's breathtaking shoreline. Please take a look around, and I hope your next fishing trip is one you will remember.