Bribie Island Fishing Update: Prime spots and recent catches in January 2026

As we dive into the heart of summer in Queensland, Bribie Island and its surrounding waters continue to offer some of the region's most rewarding fishing experiences. With warm waters attracting a variety of species, anglers are reporting solid action both from shore and boat. Whether you're a local or visiting from Brisbane, this update gathers the latest on top spots, recent hauls and tips to make your next outing a success. The Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay are buzzing with activity, thanks to favourable tides and the start of prawn runs. 

Best fishing spots around Bribie Island 

(With thanks https://www.youtube.com/@Wayne.Groomes.Fishing) 

BRIBIE ISLAND fishing, SEQ my favourite spots. (maps) - YouTube.        

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Bribie Island boasts accessible locations for all skill levels, from jetties and beaches to creeks and bridges. Here are some standout spots based on local knowledge and reports: 

Bongaree Jetty: Located south of the Bribie bridge, this jetty extends into depths of about 7.5m, making it ideal for mulloway, juvenile snapper, bream, flathead, cod, parrotfish and moses perch. Tailor are particularly active here from June to August, but January sees consistent bream and snapper bites on outgoing tides with pilchards or gang hooks. Cast 30-50m out for best results. 

Bribie Island Bridge: A hotspot for bream, trevally and mulloway, especially at night. The structure provides shelter for fish and it's productive on both incoming and outgoing tides. Try prawn imitations or live baits for grunter this time of year. 

Skirmish Point, Sandstone Point and Toorbul Point: These northern points are favorites for boat anglers targeting flathead, whiting and estuary cod around rock bars and snags. Low tide drop-offs are key for larger duskys and mangrove jacks in nearby creeks like Ningi Creek. 

Beaches and Surf Zones: Woorim Beach, Banksia Beach, Red Beach and Sylvan Beach offer excellent shore fishing for bream, flathead and bluefish. The surf at Bribie dog beach is prime for bream on pilchards. For those venturing into Pumicestone Passage, spots like White Patch and Spinnaker Sound Marina provide access to Moreton Bay's broader grounds. 

A good sized Bribie flathead 66 cm. 

(With thanks to Land-based fishing at Bribie Island | Landangler's Blog.)   

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Old Oyster Jetty flats and Rous channel: On the mainland side south of the bridge, these flats are reliable for flathead and whiting. Early morning sessions yield the best results, with tiger squid also in the mix. 

Other notable areas include Donnybrook Jetty and the Toorbul waterfront for easy access, with more than 10 boat ramps across the island facilitating offshore trips. 

Recent catches and reports 

January 2026 has kicked off with promising activity, bolstered by warmer waters and light winds. Inshore fishing has been strong over the dark moon phase, with grass sweetlip leading the pack. School mackerel are showing in good numbers from north of Harry's Spoiled Grounds up to the beacons and Shark Spit, while a few schools of spotted mackerel (spotties) have been sighted west of Sand Hills. Anglers using chrome slugs or surface lures are having success. 

Whiting are thick in the Rous Channel, Chain Banks and Amity Banks, with peeled prawns and worms proving effective. Prawns have started running, adding to the excitement for bait collectors. Common catches this month include bream, cod, flathead, parrot, mulloway and juvenile snapper. Offshore, gold band snapper are biting on local reefs, preferring warmer temperatures. 

Local charters report consistent action, with some boats landing cobia, pelagic and RQ species in season. However, note that the Bribie Island breakthrough No. 2 is currently closed, so plan routes accordingly. 

Tips for Success 

Tides and weather: Focus on early rising tides for grunter and outgoing tides for snapper. Check bite times for major and minor periods - January 18 saw peaks around 10:23-12:23 and 22:48-00:48. Light winds make inshore spots more accessible but watch for rain. 

Baits and lures: Pilchards, prawns, worms and soft plastics work well. For mackerel, try slugs or prawn imitations. 

Regulations: Stick to bag limits and size restrictions - Queensland rules apply. Sustainable practices ensure these waters remain productive. 

Gear up: Visit local spots like Island Fishing Supplies in Banksia Beach for expert advice and supplies. 

With the prawn season underway and mackerel schools building, now's the time to hit the water. Tight lines and share your catches with us for the next update! For more details, explore resources like Fishing Monthly or local forums. 

Happy Flicking, 

Roger