The Best Fishing Spots around Brisbane by Boat

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Brisbane is a top destination for anglers. It is home to many estuaries and rivers within the Greater Brisbane region. The area booms with a wide variety of bread and butter species as well as top sports fishing varieties, meaning you can easily wander along the shores with your fishing line and never know what you might catch.

However, if you have a boat you can truly enjoy fishing Brisbane and it’s surrounding water. Check out the following locations if you are looking for somewhere to wet a line from your tinny. We highly recommend the use of a top fish finder when fishing in and around Moreton Bay. There are plenty of hidden reefs, rocky grounds and dropoffs that you would never find boating without one.

Top Fishing Spots around Brisbane accessible by boat

Right at the doorstep of Brisbane is the beautiful Moreton Bay that’s bountiful with all sorts of marine life. Here are some of our top spots you’re likely to find fish:

Brisbane River Mouth / The Port

The river mouth and port region have become very popular of late especially for those targeting Threadfin Salmon and Jew fish. The deep water and good tidal flows create the perfect environment for these great sportsfish. Drifting and using jigs or soft plastics have the best results, or anchor up and float live bait of pilchards/mullet strips just off the bottom. Be careful you don’t go too close to moored ships or the wharf as Port security are very active in this area.

Peel Island

The Island provides excellent fishing spots around the West Peel Artificial Reef. It is situated near boat ramps and borders the Cleveland Point to the north-east. The reef is an ideal spot for snapper and the fact that it’s sheltered means you can fish for longer. Expect to find Moses Perch, Tailor, Parrot Fish, Bream and Grassy Sweetlip around the dropoffs and small reef sections.

Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef

Also known as Harry’s, the reef lies on the western edge of the Rous Channel and borders St Helena Island east-south-east, about 7km away. Harry’s is wind-protected except on the north-western side, making it a favorite fishing spot for many anglers. Instead of anchoring, find single fishing spots to drift, and keep moving from one to another.

Mud Island

Located just 5km away from the Brisbane River’s mouth, the island is easily accessible on a boat. When the weather is good, this location can turn into quite the carpark due to it’s accessibility. The island is home to several fishing zones on the south, north and west of the land mass. Also the island is popular for catching snapper, it also breeds other fish species such as tailor, pelagic, bream and grassy sweetlip.

Spotty mackerel, school, long-tail and mack tuna also call the island waters home. With everything the island has to offer anglers and other adventurers, it is often busy. Therefore, the best time to visit the island is during weekdays.

Deep Water Bend

Just like the Pumicestone Passage, the Deep Water Bend lies nearer to the shore. It has a pontoon and a boat ramp for easy access to the river. On a good day, you you can head downstream along the Pine River and out into Moreton Bay. However, note that the river banks are shallow in low tide. Therefore, keenly follow the markers. Deep Water Bend and throughout the Pine River is great for Flathead, Whiting, Bream and also Mud Crabs.

Pumicestone Passage

The Passage is an ideal breeding ground for crabs, fish and prawn, making it a perfect fishing destination. It is sandwiched between the mainland and Bribie Island. Whichever point on the passage you pick to catch fish, you won’t go home empty-handed. However, the best fishing spots on the passage lies to the north of the bridge. You need a boat to access some of the best fishing spots around.

These are just a few of the many great fishing spots in Brisbane. Get out there and explore and hopefully you will catch some fish as well.

Picture of Peter Wilkins

Peter Wilkins

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