A Gold Coast Fishing Charter: An Unforgettable Experience

A great way to spend time on the Gold Coast, Queensland is to take a fishing trip on a charter boat. Gold Coast fishing charters operate from the Nerang River estuary known as the Broadwater at the northern end of the Gold Coast and the Tweed River at the southern end of the Gold Coast. So what can you expect to catch and experience during your Gold Coast fishing charter given that no two days are the same when it comes to fishing?

Gold Coast fishing charters can be divided into two basic categories: calm water and deep sea (offshore fishing).

In terms of calm water fishing conducted by Gold Coast fishing charter operators, small boats are generally used with a limit of around 6 people on board. The fish that are usually caught include whiting, bream and flat head. Of course other fish are caught as well including even offshore varieties like tailor and snapper.

Most Gold Coast fishing charters are geared for deep sea fishing which makes it possible to catch some really large fish. Also it is common to view dolphins and whales as well as the opportunity to view the Gold Coast and mountainous hinterland looking from the ocean.

According to the summer to winter seasons, Gold Coast fishing charter operators adjust their plans accordingly.

As warm water flows from the north in the summer season, Gold Coast fishing charters target game fish like black marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and certain species of tuna. Alternatively, bottom fishing for snapper, teraglin, tailor etc is best done on the reefs that are fairly close to the shore.

What kind of baits are used by Gold Coast fishing charters? Live baits are used to catch the larger pelagic whilst pilchards, prawns and squid is typically used for reef fishing for bottom dwelling fish species.

What is the fishing strategy of Gold Coast fishing charters during the winter season when the larger pelagic fish will have moved on? The ideal is to fish the deeper reefs where snapper, amberjack, kingfish and teraglin abound. Alternatively large cobia can be caught off the reefs closer to shore.

The winter season off the Gold Coast becomes an ideal location to witness the breathtaking appearance of whales, dolphins and turtles along with an increased abundance of various bird life. So who says that the only reason you go on a Gold Coast fishing charter is to fish? Which ever season you choose to go on a Gold Coast fishing charter, your experience will be unforgettable.