An exciting fishing trip starts by pulling back that fishing rod and reeling in one or more huge fish! Brisbane offers numerous species, such as snapper, salmon and flatheads for you to catch, making it one of the premier places in Queensland to go fishing. Here we list all of the premier fishing spots in Brisbane so that your next fishing excursion will be an enjoyable and successful! From popular tourist locations to lesser-known locales that only locals know of, check out this guide to top fishing places in Brisbane that will ensure an amazing fishing adventure, so make your next fishing trip unforgettable.
Top 10 Best Fishing Spots in Brisbane
Ranging from scenic riverbanks and piers, to expansive harbors and offshore islands , there are top 10 best places to fish in Brisbane that promise unforgettable fishing adventures every time!
Hamilton
Hamilton stands out among cities due to its special cityscape and superb fishing opportunities on the Brisbane River. Locals flock here for leisurely fishing trips along its riverbank. Experienced anglers find ample spots just waiting to be explored. And if you’re just starting or feeling a bit stuck, the nearby park is the perfect place to chill and wait for the big catch. Hamilton is a comfortable fishing area in Brisbane and provides an unforgettablefishing experience!
- Recommended rating: ★★★
- Fishing Type: River fishing, shore fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, threadfin salmon, flathead, catfish
- From the city: 15 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Incoming tide, evening
- Fishing license: Not required
Colmslie Recreation Reserve
A short drive from the city, this expansive reserve is an idyllic destination for fishing enthusiasts with riverside beaches, pontoons and jetty available for setting up your fishing rod and casting your line. In addition, grassy picnic spots make this ideal location to spend a pleasant outdoor day with your family.
- Recommended rating: ★★★
- Fishing Type: Pontoon and jetty fishing
- Fish you might see: Perch, catfish, eels
- From the city: 15 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Early morning, evening
- Fishing license: Not required
Nudgee Beach
Nudgee Beach is easily accessible and boasts beautiful wetlands, waterways and numerous sandy beaches, making it the ideal place for fishing or just taking a stroll when your fishing is slow. Picnic areas and playgrounds have also been provided so the whole family can join you. Nudgee Beach is one of the best fishing places in Brisbane. Kayaks can even take anglers deep into deeper waters when necessary! Regardless of your skill or experience level as an angler, Nudgee Beach should be on your itinerary when fishing Brisbane!
- Recommended rating: ★★★
- Fishing Type: Land-based fishing, kayak fishing or deepwater fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, catfish, whiting
- From the city: 25 minute drive
- Best time to fish: high tide
- Fishing license: Not required
Breakfast Creek
Breakfast Creek, situated just minutes from the CBD, provides the ideal urban fishing experience without leaving the city limits. Breakfast Creek flows directly into the Brisbane River near Newstead making it easily accessible for all anglers. Breakfast Creek offers the ideal fishing environment, whether you’re an expert or newcomer alike. You can fish near the creek mouth jetty or along the creek itself. When the ferry leaves, the fish are at their most active and ready to take the bait. Nothing beats live bait like prawns or herring if you’re looking to catch a big one. This way can make your fishing experience unforgettable! Breakfast Creek makes an excellent quick fishing excursion without ever having to leave city limits behind!
- Recommended rating: ★★★
- Fishing Type: Creek fishing, shore fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, flathead, mangrove jack, thereadfin salmon
- From the city: 10 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Early morning, late afternoon, and after rainfall
- Fishing license: Not required
Shorncliffe Pier
Shorncliffe Pier, in Brisbane, is one of the longest piers. Here you can take in breathtaking sunrises or sunsets while fishing from one of its 350 metres in length platforms. Even during peak fishing seasons, you can find enough space to set up your platform for optimal casting of lines. For those hoping to catch something big at the end of their line, head towards deep water at either end for optimal success. Maybe dinner tonight will include your very own catch!
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Pier fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, whiting, tailor, garfish, flathead
- From the city: 35 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Early morning, evening and high tide
- Fishing license: Not required
Redcliffe Jetty
Fishing in Brisbane Australia, Redcliffe Jetty is an extremely popular spot. Residents from Brisbane frequently come here as day trip destinations! Cafes and picnic spots line its shores, creating the ideal setting to spend quality time with family and friends while taking in breathtaking views of Moreton Bay. The area has an amazing lifestyle and maritime element, and most importantly, it’s an ideal place for fishing. It has shelters and fishing-related amenities. The bait can be purchased easily along Redcliffe Parade. You can bring fishing gear, a chair, and sunscreen to enjoy your fishing trip. Then, all that’s left to do is wait at the wharf for your fish feast!
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Jetty fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, flathead, snapper
- From the city: 17 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Early morning, evening, year-round
- Fishing license: Not required
Manly Boat Harbour
Manly Boat Harbour, just outside Manly Bayside, is a modern marina packed. Home to over 2,000 boats and offering excellent facilities such as restaurants, cafes and shops. Manly Boat Harbour also provides fishing from concrete walkways or its rock wall which reaches deep into deep water, where there is an incredible variety of fish species awaiting capture! At the same time, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding harbour.
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Harbour fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, trevally, mackerel, flathead
- From the city: 37 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Night
- Fishing license: Not required
Bribie Island
Bribie Island offers visitors an ideal fishing and beach relaxing experience. Easy access, stunning waters, and amazing views make Bribie a location to unwind and fish at your leisure. There is fishing to be found everywhere on Bribie, from Pumicestone Passage beachfront fishing to Pumicestone Passage’s deeper water, providing opportunities to catch all types of species depending on which body of water it lies beneath. Newcomers or experts alike will have fun here with plenty of places available from which you can cast out rods. Bring your fishing gear and enjoy the peaceful and rewarding experience that Bribie Island has to offer. However, there are strict no-fishing zones surrounding Bribie, which should always be respected before casting into water.
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Beach fishing, jetty fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, whiting, flathead, snapper, mulloway, crabs, prawns and mud crabs
- From the city: 100 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Early morning, evening, and incoming tide
- Fishing license: Required for some areas
Mud Island
Mud Island in Moreton Bay offers hidden treasure for those in search of a big catch. At 5 km from the Brisbane River estuary and easily reachable from Sorrento and Queenscliff by boat, Mud Island boasts more than 15 fishing areas covering to the south, north, and west, so you’ll never be short of a spot to cast your line. These have various depths, so fishing from both boats and kayaks is possible. If you want to catch different kinds of fish, Mud Island is the place to go. Remember to prepare different baits such as pike, squid and herring to attract your target fish.
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Boat fishing, kayak fishing
- Fish you might see: Bream, tailor, mackerel, long tail tuna, crab
- From the city: 50 minute drive + 40 minute boat ride
- Best time to fish: Night, dawn and dusk
- Fishing license: Not required
Port of Brisbane
The Port of Brisbane boasts many wharves that provide ample fishing opportunities from both shore fishing and deep water near Howard Smith Wharves. Fishermen can catch various species here, especially near shipping lanes or rock walls where bigger fish may be attracted by bait. Those familiar with casting lines could experience spectacular results! With strong currents or passing boats at play however, anglers should use caution while fishing to maximize catch potential and enjoy maximum success with each cast of their line!
- Recommended rating: ★★★★
- Fishing Type: Deep-water fishing, land fishing, boat fishing
- Fish you might see: Jewfish, bream, mangrove jack, threadfin, salmon
- From the city: 30 minute drive
- Best time to fish: Anytime throughout the day
- Fishing license: Not required
6 Fishing Essentials for Beginners While Fishing in Brisbane
Fishing in Brisbane can be enjoyed by both newcomers and experienced anglers. When first starting, having the correct equipment will help make for an enjoyable fishing experience. Here are 6 fishing essentials for beginners that may prove valuable in helping novice fishers have a blast on the waters of Queensland!
Fishing Rod & Reel
As a beginner in fishing, your initial equipment requirements include an excellent rod and reel combo. Before purchasing one, be sure to know where and what type of water you plan on fishing in and the species of fish you wish to catch to find your ideal choice – lightweight spinning rod combinations may work better as an entry level model than heavier spinning models, making your search for that special combination simpler! Once you find one that meets all your criteria for use during future Brisbane fishing expeditions!
Line
Once you’ve obtained a rod and reel, the next step is selecting a fishing line. There are numerous variations available, choosing one depends on factors like target fish species and fishing location. When targeting larger species, using heavier lines works better. While for targeting smaller ones lighter lines work more effectively. If you need help selecting an effective line, expert anglers can assist you.
Bait
As soon as you start preparing bait, your type of catch will become clear. Make a list of fish species you wish to pursue and choose the appropriate baits before heading out fishing. This increases the likelihood that something will bite! Different fish require various forms of bait, so you might need to buy live bait, frozen bait or even different types of artificial bait. For example, live bait, such as worms or shrimp, is highly effective for bream, Whiting, Snapper, etc.
Power Solution
Fishing takes a lot of time, so you need to be patient and have the best equipment at all times. So, it’s important to have a portable backup power you can rely on. Take the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station and EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel with you. They are both highly efficient and waterproof, as well as easy to install and use. When you’re ready to go fishing with live bait, they can keep your bait fresh for 3 hours in your portable refrigerator. For night fishing sessions you could start up an LED night fishing light through its use! Portable power stations make fishing trips simpler!
Motor Battery
As an experienced boat angler, your trolling motor must remain quiet and running so as not to scare away fish while moving the vessel. A battery designed specifically for trolling motors, such as EcoFlow 12V Battery, ensures uninterrupted trolling motor performance – perfect for boats as well as anglers!
Super Hat
Outdoor activities necessitate sun protection for skin health reasons, which makes preparing an EcoFlow Power Hat ideal. Not only will you find shade but the EcoFlow also captures solar energy at every angle to convert into electricity which allows fishing expeditions while at the same time charging two devices simultaneously!
Conclusion
If you’ve never fished before or you’re a pro, there are some great fishing spots in Brisbane that you’ll never forget. So, grab your fishing gear and the things we mentioned, head to one of these spots to catch your dinner.
FAQs
Can you fish anywhere in the Brisbane River?
No, there are areas of Brisbane where fishing is restricted or prohibited and these areas are usually marked with signs.
Do I need a licence to fish in Brisbane?
Usually not, but if you plan to fish in an impoundment dam or weir, you will need to purchase a special impoundment license.
What fish are biting around Brisbane?
You can catch all kinds of fish around Brisbane. In saltwater areas, you can try for bream, flathead, whiting, snapper, tailor and jewfish. While in freshwater areas, you might catch catfish, mullet and threadfin salmon.