Gold Coast Fishing: Golden Opportunities and Abundant Catches

Early mornings mid-week along the Gold and Tweed Coasts provided a welcomed respite for anglers seeking to seize some prime fishing conditions before the winds picked up in the afternoons. As we prepare this report, Saturday morning beckons as an excellent window of opportunity before the return of northerly winds during Sunday and Monday. Remember to stay updated with the latest forecasts before venturing out. In this post, we’ll dive into the week’s catch highlights and the best places to cast your line.

Whiting Galore on the Nerang River

With southerly winds sweeping through last week, we took advantage of the chance to head up the Nerang River with our friend Wayne Young in search of Whiting. The council chambers area saw a gathering of at least 15 other boats, all eager for a successful catch. After some exploration and trying various spots, we struck gold, landing a splendid feed of Whiting. Among the prized catches were a few elbow-slappers measuring between 38 and 40 cm, a true delight on light gear. Our secret? Quality live blood worms, though beach worms and yabbies can also work their magic. As summer approaches, night fishing becomes the prime time for catching both quantity and quality. Other fantastic Whiting spots include the Tweed River, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, and more. To increase your success, remember to keep moving, and exercise patience when you feel a bite. An ideal setup includes a light outfit, a long rod with a sensitive tip, a 6-inch Alvey or 2500 spinning reel, 6 to 9lb mono line, a long 6lb trace, 3 to 5 ball sinker (depending on the current), and a small bait holder hook

Exploring Gold Coast Seaway

As the weather warms up, the Gold Coast Seaway promises excellent opportunities for targeting Jewfish, Trevally, Mangrove Jack, and even the occasional juvenile Yellow Tail Kingfish. This spot is a bit of a lucky dip, with surprises often waiting to be discovered. Bait has been abundant in the Seaway and surrounding channels, with an unprecedented number of Slimy Mackerel recently. They’ve been biting at nearly anything thrown at them. If you’re after quality bait, try scouting during the last hour of the run-in tide.

Offshore Excursion

With favorable weather conditions in the forecast, Saturday morning presents an ideal opportunity to venture offshore before the Northerly winds gain strength later in the day. The close reefs have been yielding fantastic Snapper catches, as exemplified by Scott Kempton’s recent success off the Gold Coast. Keep in mind that the current can be unpredictable during this time of year, making it a bit challenging for bottom fishing on the 36 and 50 fathom reefs. For those eager to target pelagic species, heading farther out will be a wiser choice. In shallower waters, from 18 to 24 fathoms, anglers have enjoyed a diverse mix of Snapper, Jewfish, Moses Perch, Tusk Fish, Maori Cod, and a few Trag Jew. A sunrise start is always a great idea to maximize the bite time. Popular baits include WA Pilchards, Squid, Mullet Fillet, Bonito Fillet, live Yakkas, and Slimy Mackerel.

As you prepare for your fishing adventures this week, keep an eye on the weather conditions and choose your locations wisely. The waters around the Gold and Tweed Coasts offer plenty of opportunities for memorable catches. So, grab your gear, hit the water, and create some fishing memories to cherish.

Quotes from  the Boats

Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters reports:

“What a wild and windy week it has been, and it was very challenging as a guide to negotiate the wind and inaccurate forecasts. As a long term guide you get used to dealing with mother nature’s little tantrums and adjust to the conditions you are dealt. It was fantastic to finish the week taking out Moms and Dads with their kids from New South Wales and Victoria as it was the last week of their school holidays. To hear parents say it’s good for the kids to be off their computers and away from theme parks and to just being on the water and learning about fishing is overwhelming for me. We found some sheltered areas and as always found some fish which were mainly the good old Flatties. By far the best results this week came from trolling the shallows with Pontoon 21 crackjacks and the deeper areas with slam minnows.”

Clint from Brad Smith Fishing Charters/Gold Coast River Charters reports:

“Some very windy days this week, I postponed some trips, and on the days, we did go we chased Whiting on the flats catching some nice fish in the 30-35cm range. Not big numbers yet but it is still early in the season for the Broadwater whiting. This coming week is looking better, until later in the week at least. New moon is next Sunday 15 October, the Flathead should fire this week, especially after this nice bit of soaking rain we had on the weekend. Some great options with morning run out tides for both the shallow bank edges and deeper holes and reefs in the Gold Coast Broadwater. There are still heaps of Flathead, and Winter Whiting, Squid, Slimy Mackerel, Squire, Bream, Tarwhine. I’ll be using soft plastics and lots of vibe’s lures including Ecogear, Samaki, and the new TT blades and vibes.“

Gavin from Sea Probe Fishing Charters reports:

“The fishing has been a little tougher this week but still a few Snapper and Yellow Tail Kingfish out wider and Dolphin Fish around the fads. On the closer reefs Jewfish and some better quality Snapper are being caught. “

LINKS & INFO 

If you have any great catches or photos you would like to share, please email us and let us know how you went. mail@coomerahouseboats.com.au.

Stay up to date with all fishing regulations in Queensland https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Hire a tinnie with your Coomera Houseboat hire to maximise your fishing range on the water:  http://www.coomerahouseboats.com.au/our-fleet-type/hire-tinnies/     

Seabreeze is a great website to access a local forecast http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/  

Good luck with the Fishing. Brett