FISHING & BOATING IN THE GLADSTONE REGION
The Gladstone Region provides a plethora of places to fish all year round for the novice, fishing enthusiast, or professional angler.
Fishing in the Gladstone Region
Some locals believe Gladstone is one of the best places to fish in Australia. Locals and visitors alike rave about the many types of fish on offer and the accessibility of fishing spots within the region. The assortment of fish found in the Gladstone Region is endless.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a reef or estuary fishing enthusiast or want to fish from a creek, beach or island, the Gladstone Region has many easily accessible spots to cater for your whim. The waters in and around Gladstone are a transitional zone where the warm waters of the tropical north meet the cool of the south. This means the area is a virtual seafood smorgasbord with the best species of the region taking centre stage!
FISHING LOCATIONS
Baffle Creek
Curtis Island
Eurimbula
Facing Island
Gladstone
Lake Awoonga
Southern Great Barrier Reef
Town of 1770 & Agnes Water
Fishing Competitions
Each year the Gladstone Region plays host to Australia’s biggest family fishing competitions including the Boyne Tannum Hook Up, Tannum Crab Classic and the Baffle Creek Family Fishing Festival. There are also many local competitions, such as Gladstone Port’s Corporation’s Fish of the Month competition, which is an opportunity for anyone from the amateur to the pro fisher to participate.
WHERE TO CATCH WHAT?
Trevally
Locations: Baffle Creek, Curtis Island, Eurimbula, Facing Island, Gladstone, Southern Great Barrier Reef, Town of 1770 & Agnes Water
Zone: Tidal
Bream
Zone: Tidal
Barramundi
Locations: Baffle Creek, Eurimbula, Facing Island, Gladstone, Town of 1770 & Agnes Water
Sweetlip
Size & Possession Limits: Tidal
Pelagic Pursuit: Jigging off Gladstone’s North West Island | Check out More FROM MATT
REEL ACTION: HOW TO FISH THE GLADSTONE REGION | Check out More
The Reel Action Fishing Podcast
Destination: Gladstone
The Reel Action Fishing Podcast is hosted by Michael Guest and Jonathon Bleakley. The boys, who appear on Reel Action TV, cover all things fishing, including the technique, the tackle and any tips you may need when targeting your favourite fish. Throughout the series, Guesty and Jono will interview some incredible anglers and personalities in the fishing and sporting industry, while also reliving classic fishing moments through playing real-time audio of fishing trips
ONlINE COMMUNITY FISHING GROUPS
Marina & Boating
Gladstone Marina
Gladstone Marina, located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, offers an ideal spot to refresh, relax, and explore the area’s stunning natural attractions. The marina features top-notch facilities, including renovated showers, a card-operated laundry, and a Marina transfer bus for convenient access to local shops. Additional amenities include a premium marina lounge, award-winning parklands, and numerous nearby eateries. Onsite services such as mechanics, slip, and chandlery are available for repairs.
A welcoming team is on hand to assist with mooring. Spacious berths, daily power checks, and qualified mariners ensure the safety of vessels and guests. Marina staff can help plan water or land adventures. Highlights include the coral cays of Heron Island and Lady Musgrave, offering excellent snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Nearby scenic anchorages, such as Pancake Creek and Yellow Patch, provide perfect spots for relaxation.
The marina hosts events like the iconic Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, held annually at Easter.
Facilities include:
- 320 moorings and berths
- Facilities include a luxury courtesy bus, secure toilets and showers, a Marina Lounge, laundry, world-class parklands, electronic security, general rubbish and recycling, sullage pump out facility, and oil disposal services.
For more information, contact the marina office at 07 4976 1399, Marina VHF — CH82, or Gladstone Harbour VTS — CH13.
Eco Tip! Reduce your consumption of single-use plastic. When visiting the Gladstone Marina, support their pledge to become a plastic-free marina by 2025 by reducing or not using plastic.
1770 Marina
“At 1770 Marina, we offer everything you need for a memorable coastal experience. Explore nearby islands, enjoy local eateries, and take advantage of our comprehensive amenities. Come and discover the hidden gems of the Southern Great Barrier Reef at 1770 Marina!”
Facilities, businesses and additional amenities:
- Public Toilets: Clean and well-maintained facilities for your convenience.
- Fuel Station: On-water diesel and unleaded fuel available to keep your adventures going.
- Water: Access to fresh water for your vessel.
- Casual Berths (up to 15m): Secure berths for vessels up to 15 meters in length.
- Driftin’ Coconut Convenience Store: Stock up on bait and ice for your fishing trips.
- 1770 Marina Cafe: Grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat with a view of the marina.
- 1770 Reef Bookings Office: Plan your reef adventures with expert guidance.
- 1770 Larc Tours Bookings Office: Explore the region’s unique Larc Tours.
- Saltbush 1770: Discover the latest fashion at this boutique for both men and women.
- Barraca – Mediterranean Takeaway: Savor Mediterranean flavours on the go.
- 1770 Hair Salon: Look your best while enjoying your stay.
- Public Boat Ramp: Adjacent to the marina with trailer parking.
- Public Bins: Conveniently located for fish remains and general rubbish disposal.
- Public Wharf: A small wharf for short-term boat tie-ups, perfect for before or after using the boat ramp.
Contact Information: For more information, contact us on (07) 4972 7222
Fishing App: Qld Fishing 2.0
Download the Offical Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ app:
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Fishing & Boating FAQs
Is the Gladstone Region a good fishing destination?
Absolutely! The Gladstone Region is widely regarded as one of Australia’s premier fishing destinations. Its unique location, where the warm tropical waters of the north meet the cooler southern waters, creates a diverse marine environment that supports an incredible variety of fish species. Whether you prefer estuary, reef, freshwater, beach or offshore fishing, there’s a spot to suit every angler.
What types of fishing can I do in the Gladstone Region?
The Gladstone Region offers a wide range of fishing experiences, including estuary fishing, offshore reef fishing, beach fishing, creek fishing, island fishing and freshwater fishing. Whether you’re casting a line from the shore, launching your own boat or joining a guided fishing charter, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to land your next catch.
What fish can I catch in the Gladstone Region?
The Gladstone Region is home to a huge variety of fish species throughout the year. Popular catches include barramundi, coral trout, mangrove jack, Spanish mackerel, trevally, bream, sweetlip, cobia, queenfish, whiting and flathead. Different species are more active depending on the season and location.
Where are the best fishing spots in the Gladstone Region?
There are fantastic fishing opportunities right across the region. Popular locations include Lake Awoonga, Baffle Creek, Curtis Island, Facing Island, Eurimbula, the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone Harbour and the waters around Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or by boat, there’s a location to suit every experience level.
Is Lake Awoonga good for fishing?
Yes! Lake Awoonga is internationally recognised as one of Australia’s premier barramundi fishing destinations. The stocked freshwater impoundment attracts anglers from across the country looking to land trophy-sized barra, while also offering peaceful surroundings for boating, kayaking and picnicking.
Can I fish without a boat?
Absolutely. The Gladstone Region has many excellent land-based fishing locations. Beaches, rock walls, jetties, creeks, rivers and lake shorelines all provide fantastic opportunities to catch a range of species without needing your own boat. Our Fishing Guide includes several recommended spots for shore-based anglers.
Are there fishing charters in the Gladstone Region?
Yes. Several experienced fishing charter operators offer guided fishing experiences throughout the Gladstone Region, including estuary, reef and offshore fishing trips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, a local guide can help you make the most of your time on the water.
Do I need a fishing licence in Queensland?
Most recreational fishing in Queensland does not require a licence. However, permits are required for some stocked impoundments, and all anglers must follow Queensland’s recreational fishing rules, including size limits, possession limits and seasonal closures. The free Qld Fishing 2.0 app is a great resource for checking the latest regulations.
Where can I check fishing rules and regulations?
Before heading out, make sure you understand Queensland’s recreational fishing rules, including bag limits, size limits and marine park zoning. Our Boating & Fishing page links directly to the official fishing regulations and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps to help you plan your trip.
What is the Qld Fishing 2.0 app?
The Qld Fishing 2.0 app is the Queensland Government’s free recreational fishing app. It helps anglers identify fish species, check size and possession limits, locate boat ramps and artificial reefs, view marine park information and access stocked impoundment permits where required.
Are there fishing competitions in the Gladstone Region?
Yes! The Gladstone Region hosts some of Australia’s biggest family fishing competitions, including the Boyne Tannum HookUp, Tannum Crab Classic and Baffle Creek Family Fishing Festival. Throughout the year you’ll also find a variety of local competitions welcoming anglers of all ages and experience levels.
Can I bring my own boat?
Absolutely. The Gladstone Region offers excellent boating facilities, including public boat ramps, marinas, trailer parking and easy access to rivers, estuaries, islands and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re launching for a day on Lake Awoonga or heading offshore, there are plenty of options for recreational boaters.
Where are the marinas in the Gladstone Region?
The region has two major marinas: Gladstone Marina and 1770 Marina. Both offer convenient access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and provide a range of facilities including fuel, berths, amenities and nearby dining options, making them ideal starting points for boating adventures.
What facilities are available at Gladstone Marina?
Gladstone Marina offers a range of services for recreational boaters, including secure berths, modern shower and laundry facilities, a marina lounge, slipway and mechanical services, chandlery, nearby cafés and restaurants, and convenient access to East Shores and Gladstone’s waterfront.
Can I access the Southern Great Barrier Reef by boat?
Yes. The Gladstone Region is one of the best gateways to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Private boat owners and charter operators regularly access destinations including Heron Island, Lady Musgrave Island, North West Island and numerous reef systems for fishing, diving and boating adventures. Always check weather conditions and marine park zoning before heading out.
