Fishing on the Gold Coast

Renowned for its stunning beachside setting and fantastic range of beaches all along the coast, the Gold Coast is a popular fishing hot spot for locals and tourists alike. No matter your skill level or how much or how little is in your tackle box, the Gold Coast's excellent variety of fishing offers an experience for you. From the excitement of platform and deep sea fishing to the relaxing freshwater and beach fishing, there's somewhere for you to drop a line in on the Gold Coast.

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing charters specialise in game fishing and provide all the tackle you need. Their local knowledge also ensures you'll visit some of the best fishing spots including a number of offshore reefs. Parrot fish, cobia, snapper and black kingfish are often caught and although fishing is good all year round, a fishing charter in winter comes with the chance to spot the migrating humpback whales. Half and full day charters are available starting at just $90 for five hours.

Beach Fishing

Apart from the swimming areas between the flags, anywhere along the Gold Coast beaches offers great fishing. Snapper, bream, flathead, whiting and dart are always biting and the tailor keep the beaches especially busy in winter. Lots of local establishments offer everything you need to try your hand at fishing including information and guides on fish, tides and legal sizing.

Platform Fishing

Platform fishing is a popular pastime on the Gold Coast and the range of choices available is amazing. Fishing platforms are located in rivers and estuaries along the Labrador waterfront in the north, Broadwater in the south as well as Barney Street in Southport, Chevron Island near Surfers Paradise, the Currumbin Creek, Coombabah Creek jetty and the Nerang River. Offering plenty of shade and close to local amenities, platform fishing offers the chance to hook luderick, bream, whiting, flathead, trevally, mangrove jack and sometimes even mud crabs.

Freshwater Fishing

The Hinze Dam offers the Gold Coast's best freshwater fishing and is home to native species including Australian bass, Mary River cod, saratoga and golden and silver perch. The area is however, protected, meaning only electric motor boats are permitted, you may only fish one rod or line at a time and you must possess a fishing permit. These can be purchased from the Gold Coast City Council, Park Rangers and selected kiosks for $5 per week or $40 per year. Restrictions apply on bait and bag and size limits.