Fishing hot spots in the Moreton Bay Region

Anglers are spoiled for choice in the Moreton Bay Region, with great fishing spots inland and offshore to wet a line and whet your appetite. Take a look at our list.

The Hornibrook Bridge is turning 80.

Whether it is from a boat, a jetty, bridge or shore, the Moreton Bay Region has plenty of options for experienced and novice anglers to try their luck.

The adventurous can head out to the deep water where cobia, marlin, billfish and wahoo can be pulled in.

In the calmer waters of the bay tailor, squid, snapper and whiting can be lured to take a bait.

The region’s three rivers — North Pine, South Pine and Caboolture — can be fished from the banks or on the water.

Leis Park at Petrie is a good launching spot for a day out on the North Pine River, which has three boat ramps.

The rivers offer a variety of fish species with some common to all three.

These include bass, bream, cod, flathead, jewfish, mangrove jack, mud crabs and prawns, mullet, tailor, trevally and whiting.

Bullocky Rest is a great place to drop a line. Picture: Dominika Lis

And anglers should not forget about the inland freshwater lakes where regular restocking of thousands of fingerlings ensures there’s plenty to wet a line for.

The bountiful waters of Moreton Bay are covered by a zoning plan of allowable activities and anglers need to be aware of the 13 green, or no-take, areas.

In these zones, all forms of fishing and collecting are prohibited including line fishing, trolling, crabbing, bait gathering, bait netting, netting, spearfishing and trawling.

Green zoned areas include parts of Pumicestone channel, Hays Inlet, Godwin Beach, Woody Point and Bramble Bay.

Anglers need to be aware of the boundaries and boat ramps have signs with information.

There are more than 20 boat ramps across the region, owned by either Transport and Main Roads or the Moreton Bay Regional Council, providing access to lakes, rivers and the bay.

Information can also be gleaned from the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide and the Department of Environment and Science.

Freshwater fishing should not be discounted, with native fish such as Australian bass, golden perch and silver perch on offer, as well as saratoga and Mary River cod.

Boy fishing. Generic

Lake Samsonvale

This lake is also known as North Pine Dam and a healthy fishery at Joyner offers a diverse experience for the keen angler.

It is divided into five zones with only two zones accessible for fishing from a vessel.

Zone 3 is the original tinnie/kayak and electric only boating area.

Only those with a current Boating Access Permit (BAS) are able to access this northern section of the lake, permits are available from the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association. Visit prfma.com.au

Zone 3 has parking for motor vehicles and trailers, a boat ramp and toilet facility. Access is through a locked gate off Adsetts Rd.

Zone 2, Forgan Cove, is opened to public access for manually-powered paddle craft only.

A car park, toilet block and launch area was officially opened last November.

Shore-based fishing is allowed at McGavin’s View and Bullocky Rest.

Lake Kurwongbah

Shore-based fishing is allowed at Mick Hanfling Park and paddle craft anglers are permitted seven days a week in daylight hours.

Anglers need a Stocked Impoundment Scheme (SIP) permit to fish at either lake. These can be obtained at some post offices or online at qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/dams

Fishing feature. For Moreton Life magazine ONLY. Phone Kylie Knight 3480 8226.

Fishing for beginners

For those wanting to learn the art of achieving a tight line, the council runs monthly fishing lessons for beginners for just $5 for adults and $2 for children. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au for details.