Fishing and Boating

Q.C.L Wharf, Auckland Point Wharf, Barney Point Wharf, Q.A.L Wharf and Boyne Smelter Wharf are all accessible by boat. The main quarry under these spots would have to be big cod and jewfish. Both types love a very snaggy pile laden area, from which they can hide and ambush any unsuspecting victims. Best baits, obviously live baits on large hooks and very strong line. Other species liable to be encountered are the usual bream, flathead and occasionally mackerel and tuns which frequent the wharves in the winter months.

If on foot then surely the most popular venue producing quality fish would have to be the hot water outlet situated at the rear of the Gladstone Power Station. The most sought after fish at this venue must be the elusive barramundi. Most barra fall victim to lures, the most popular being the larger of the nilsmaster invincible types. Queenies and Trevally often succumb to a surface fished popper, and tarpon are regularly caught on lead head jigs. If you don't like lure fish, fresh baits like prawn, mullet, tailor or squid will almost always get you a feed of bream or whiting.

Great fishing but watch for stingers during November to March on northerly breezes.

The offshore reefs offer exciting fishing opportunities and, by prior arrangement, there are a number of charter boat companies available to take groups on expeditions to the Capricorn and Bunker Groups as well as the mighty Swains Reef.

The Calliope River is home to many species of fish, including bream, whiting, barramundi, mangrove jack, flathead, trevally, salmon and queenfish. Beecher Bar, situated about fifteen minutes to the left of the boat ramp, above the railway bridge, produces good catches of salmon and grunter when they are running. Best bait is tailor, pilchards and fresh prawns. Just above the bar heading upstream are a few good mangrove jack spots. Just cast small bibbed type lures in and around the ranches of the over hanging trees and if you're lucky you just might land yourself a jack.

Excellent for crabbing and provides safe boating for small craft when the weather is heavy.

Looking to catch some barramundi? Lake Awoonga is loaded with barra. Located 30 kilometres from Gladstone, the Lake boasts excellent recreation facilities open to the public. Approximately 300, 000 fish are released each year into the Lake, the largest barramundi caught by July 2007 weighing 33.3kg. Lake Awoonga hosts more than 200 species of birds and is arguably one of the most important near coast bird refuges on the East Coast of Australia.

Often produces a good catch and the 'Lillys' is a well known spot to fish. The mangroves provide a home to many fish and test the skill of most anglers. Access at Boyne Island and from the Bruce Highway.

Safe fishing for mangrove jack, grunter, barramundi and flathead at South Trees Inlet when the weather is rough. Also for those on foot near the Boyne River bridge there is a ready supply of bream and grunter.

Located at the southern end of Tannum Sands Main Beach this area sports a wide selection of fish including barramundi, salmon, whiting and crabs. Wild Cattle Island also has plenty of flathead, mackerel and whiting although access to and from the Island by foot is limited to low tides so plan your trip accordingly.

Situated at the south end of Facing Island, accessible by boat only. Several reef areas scattered around Gatcombe, all produce catches of sweetlip, coral trout, honeycomb cod, tuna and mackerel. Good results can be obtained by bottom fishing with squid or pilly, for lippers, trout and cod or livebaiting and lures for mackerel and tuna.

Farmers Point is at the northern end of Facing Island and South End is the southern end of Curtis Island, just a stones throw across the bay. Beach fishing is very good on Farmers with whiting, bream, dart and flathead being the main quarry. These can be caught on a variety of baits — yabbies, beach worms, prawns and mullet proving the most productive. The rocks at South End provide a home for a lot of reef type species.

Situated within the sheltered waters of Rodds Harbour this is an ideal area for boating, fishing, crabbing and is also a sanctuary for dugong.

Including coastal areas down to Baffle Creek this area is suitable for all types of fishing and crabbing, although crabbing is not permitted in Eurimbula Creek. There is ready access to the reef and a plentiful supply of beach, rock and estuarine fishing spots waiting to be explored.

The offshore reefs also offer exciting fishing opportunities, and by prior arrangement, there are a number of charter boats available to take groups on expeditions as far east as the mighty Swains Reef.

Situated 15 kilometres east of Biloela, the Lake Callide is popular for barramundi, yellowbelly, saratoga, long tom, sleepy perch, spangle perch and banded grunter. The dam has excellent facilities including boat ramp, toilet block, picnic tables, bbq and tap water. Barramundi are usually abundant in the dam in the warmer months of the year from late September to early April. Bait such as shrimps, worms and mussels found along the shoreline are the best to use.

The weir is situated at the south end of Baralaba behind the hospital. The weir is well known for barramundi, saratoga, sleepy cod, yellowbelly, sooty grunter, spangle perch and banded grunter. The weir has a toilet and shower block, picnic tables, shelter sheds and a concrete boat ramp. Camping is permitted in the recreation area along the river's edge. The best baits to use to land the big one are bait fish from the river or worms.

Situated 10 kilometres west of Moura on the Dawson Highway, Apex Park is home to a number of species including barramundi, yellowbelly, saratoga, sooty grunter, sleepy cod, spangle perch and banded grunter. The area has a boat ramp, toilet block, picnic area, bbq and children's playground. 48 hour camping is allowed in the park all year round. There is no power. Natural baits such as worms, shrimps and mussels found along the water's edge are the best baits to use.

Situated 31 kilometres from Theodore, Cracow Beach is famous its beautiful Livistonia Palms. The area is known for saratoga, yellowbelly, sleepy cod, spangle perch and banded grunter. The area has no facilities so it is important that all rubbish be removed from the area. Camping is permitted in the area, however you will need to ensure that you are on high ground as the water level can raise rapidly. Natural baits are usually best to fish this part of the Dawson River.

Lake Cania lies some 11 kilometres from Cania Gorge National Park. The lake offers good fishing and is noted for saratoga catches. Other popular species caught are perch, bass and garfish. Boat ramp facilities, picnic shelters, barbeques and public toilets are available at the lake. Watersports and boasting are permitted on the lake. Lake Cania is an integral part of the Bass to Barra Trail.

Whether it’s the thrill of reef fishing, the simple pleasure of casting a line from a jetty or beach, the soothing feeling of a relaxing estuary or lake fishing experience, the excitement of finding your own deserted beach; all are possible in the Gladstone Region.