subject: A Guide To Fishing Around Caloundra [print this page] With Pumicestone Passage to the south, Moreton Bay and the open ocean to the east, and the beaches and reefs of the Sunshine Coast to the north, Caloundra is one of South East Queenslands premier fishing destinations.
Although it offers some great land-based fishing options, Caloundra really shines when you have a boat at your disposal. Heres a quick rundown of the best boat-borne fishing action around Caloundra, courtesy of Mooloolabas Top Catch Charters.
Pumicestone Passage
The passage offers great protection to a huge range of fish, from whiting and flathead to larger fare like estuary cod and jewfish. If youre lucky, you might even come across some snapper or mackerel that stray in looking for food.
Crabbing
The sand-bottomed waters off the Sunshine Coast are prime territory for spanner crabs. Place a few traps on your way out, and by the time you return, you should have a healthy helping of crab to have with your dinner.
The Reefs
The numerous reefs dotted up and down the coast offer great fishing, depending on wind and weather conditions. Youll usually find longtail tuna, Spanish mackerel, red emperor, pearl perch, sweetlip and parrotfish, as well as some Maori cod, coral trout, trevally and tailor.
The Headlands
Headlands like Point Cartwright are a great gathering place for baitfish, and this attracts the bigger players, like snapper and Spanish mackerel.
The Bay
Moreton Bay is great for the usual bream, whiting, flathead and so on, and theres always the added bonus of dropping some bug traps. If youre after some bigger boys, there are usually healthy numbers of yellowtail kingfish, large cod, mackerel and tuna, along with your fair share of sharks.
The Outer Reefs and Beyond
Venture a bit further, and the fish get bigger, meaner and faster. Expect marlin and sailfish, wahoo, cobia, tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi and sharks.
Charters such as Top Catch Charters run , and full-day charters out to whatever area anglers want to fish, with some even offering afternoon dinner-catching trips. To find out more about Caloundra fishing charters and beyond, email bookings@topcatchcharters.com.au.
