Fishing is an incredibly popular sport in Australia with well over 3 million of us (at the last count) investing in rods, bait and tackle, casting our lines and hoping to catch some mighty fine fish. For those well versed in the art of fishing or if you’re a complete newbie and are looking to make waves, you’ll be pleased to know that Brisbane is a fantastic place to start out.
While you could, of course, check out Sydney’s best fishing spots, which inevitably includes the iconic Sydney Harbour, Brisbane is home to some of the most picturesque fishing spots around, not to mention, some great species of fish that, if you’re allowed to keep them from the area you’re fishing, will make for some fresh and delicious meals.
However, fishing comes a strict set of rules set by each state’s individual government that have been implemented to protect various fish species and to keep numbers healthy. The good news is, however, that unlike in NSW, in Queensland, you don’t need a license to fish recreationally. The only time you will require a permit allowing you to fish is if you set up in some stocked impoundments.
You will also need to be aware that only certain fishing equipment can be used depending on the water you’re fishing in, for example, cast nets are not permitted in freshwater and must not exceed 3.7m from the point of the rope attached to the rest of the net if you’re fishing in tidal waters.
A full breakdown of the regulations regarding fishing equipment can be found on the Queensland government website.
As with there being rules on the equipment you can use, there are also rules to define which fish you’re allowed to catch and keep and which are totally protected and cannot be caught โ either because they may pose a threat if eaten, or to help maintain/grow population numbers.
A full list of protected species can be found on the Queensland Government website.
So, now you know the dos and don’ts of fishing in Brisbane, it’s time to take you through some of the best spots around.
Shorncliffe Pier | Shorncliffe
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Shorncliffe Pier is worth a visit for being a landmark attraction alone. The timber pier is the longest in Brisbane โ and popular with both tourists and fishers โ giving you plenty of space to pick a spot and cast into the saltwater below. With so much water flowing around the structural support of the pier, you’re highly likely to catch Bream, Flathead and Yellowfin and Winter Whiting.
Fishing Type: Pier Fishing
Type of Fish: Bream, Flathead, Yellowfin Whiting, Winter Whiting, Tailor
Cameron Rocks Reserve | Hamilton
Brisbane City Council is keen to encourage recreational fishing and so has installed a number of fishing platforms at various sites to not only indicate where you’re likely to find fish, but to give you a solid ground from which to fish from. The fishing spot at Cameron Rocks Reserve is geared more towards experienced fishermen due to the currents of the river, but persevere (and head down in the evening) and you’ll be rewarded with some excellent catches.
Fishing Type: Land Based Fishing
Type of Fish: Flathead, Yellowfin Bream, Mangrove
Port of Brisbane
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If saltwater fishing is your jam then you’ll do well to head down to the Port of Brisbane. It caters to both land-based fishers and those who prefer to venture out on a boat (just to be sure to abide by the access restrictions) with the latter being able to benefit from deep waters that should serve up Mangrove, Jewfish and Bream. Bear in mind, however, that with deep water comes a more difficult fishing experience.
Fishing Type: Land Based/Boat
Type of Fish: Bream, Threadfin, Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Jewfish
Manly Boat Harbour Rock Wall | Manly
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Offering up a couple of different vantage points, Manly’s boat harbour rock wall is best visited either side of the changing tide. The deeper water should give a good return for bream, Whitehead and flathead, which will likely be hiding underneath the numerous moored boats.
Fishing Type: Land Based
Type of Fish: Whitehead, Flathead, Bream, Cod
Wynnum Jetty/Creek | Wynnum
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Wynnum Jetty is another spot in Brisbane that offers keen fishermen the chance to cast off into deep water and really test their skills, but if you’d rather settle for something a little more user-friendly, you can send your line into shallower waters closer to the rock wall where you should find bountiful bream, whiting and flathead.
Fishing Type: Jetty Fishing
Type of Fish: Bream, Whiting, Flathead
Breakfast Creek | Albion
Follow the Brisbane River northeast and you’ll come across Breakfast Creek that offers multiple chances to reel in some fish at various times throughout the day. While at high tide the current can be strong, making it nigh on impossible to catch anything, it’s when it goes slack that presents your best chance to pounce. During this period, you’ll be able to have a crack and catching threadfin salmon, jackfish and mangrove jack.
Fishing Type: Land Based
Type of Fish: Salmon, Jackfish, Mangrove Jack, Snapper, Bream, Jewfish, Mullet
Wellington Point Jetty | Redlands
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For beginners or experienced anglers looking to teach their kids, Wellington Point Jetty offers a great entry point into the world of fishing. You’re virtually guaranteed to catch something when casting off from the side railings into shallow water, while the point at the end of the pier where the water is deepest presents slightly more of a challenge. Best of all, fish are available to catch no matter the time of day, so whether you head down at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds or can only make it during the day, you should leave feeling accomplished.
Fishing Type: Jetty Fishing
Type of Fish: Snapper, Flathead, Bream
Peel Island | Moreton Bay
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Admittedly you will need a boat to get to Peel Island, but secure yourself one and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque fishing spots Brisbane has to offer. The island can be hit quite often with some northerly winds and if this is the case when you visit, you’ll want to moor up at Horseshoe Bay to protect yourself. Also on a wise note, if you plan to fish Peel Island at the weekend, get there as early as you can as it consistently proves to be a crowded place.
It’s easy to see why though, as Peel Island gives fishermen the chance to catch a wide variety of fish, including snapper, grass sweetlip, cod, bream, parrot fish and spotty mackeral.
Fishing Type: Boat
Type of Fish: Pink Snapper, Bream, Tailor, Spotty Mackeral, Grassy Sweetlip
Fishing Spots Brisbane FAQ
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