Tips for fishing success in Moreton Bay and freshwater lakes

HALF of all recreational anglers in Queensland head to Moreton Bay each year but according to this fishing expert, there’s plenty of fish for everyone. You just have to know how to catch them.

David Bateman on the rocks in Scarborough. Photo: Russell Shakespeare

DAVID Bateman loves fishing in Moreton Bay and it seems he is not alone with half of all recreational anglers in Queensland heading to the same spot each year.

But don’t worry, there’s enough fish for everyone. David, 74, says anglers just need to know where they are and when they are biting. He should know, as the deputy chairman of recreational fishing group Sunfish Queensland and author of a guide to coastal fishing from the Tweed River to Cairns.

David has been fishing since he was about two and started with his parents on their boat around the islands on Moreton Bay. He joined a club when he was about 17 because he wanted to learn to fish properly.

It’s a move he recommends to others.

David says Moreton Bay offers options for everyone, with land-based and boat fishing and even surf fishing from Moreton Island.

David Bateman on the rocks at Scarborough. Photo: Russell Shakespeare

The Newport resident says the bay has all the characteristics necessary for good fishing, including mangroves, big river systems, tidal flows, mud and sand and rocky foreshores.

“People say all the fish are gone and I say they are there, they’re just not biting.”

“If they’re not biting, you’re not going to catch them anyway but having the right gear and the right bait, you stand a better chance.”

Anglers need to know what the fish are eating and the best lures to suit the conditions and species of fish.

The moon, wind and tides will determine how the fish behave and where they are.

David mostly fishes in Moreton Bay but he also likes the southern end of Bribie Island, the Red Beach area, for southern whiting which run in September, October, November, December and January. Rock worms are his preferred bait for whiting.

He goes fishing two or three times a week, depending on the weather, keeping family and friends supplied with fresh fish.

“It’s a good, clean, healthy sport and activity and it provides a nice meal,” he says

“There’s nothing like a nice piece of whiting or flathead. They’re easy to catch and there’s plenty of them.”

Fishing in Pumicestone Passage. Photo: Glenn Barnes

TIPS FOR FISHING SUCCESS

■ Seek advice from local tackle shops. They talk to anglers regularly and know what gear is best.

■ Try not to buy cheap gear.

■ You don’t need a big tackle box, just the right gear. David uses a small pill box containing just hooks and sinkers.

■ Look after fish when you catch them. Always have an icebox with ice slurry.

■ Take all rubbish home with you (don’t discard anything like plastic bags or line).

■ Put undersized fish back in the water.

■ Put discarded bait in the water.

Volunteers releasing fingerlings. Photo: Peter Cronin