Issue 130 Fishing Report

Solid winter action  

Mid-winter has settled comfortably over Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, delivering cooler mornings, variable winds and consistent fishing for both land-based anglers and small boat fishos. While some gusty days have kept boats closer to home, the protected waters, surf beaches, jetties and canals have produced reliable catches of tailor, flathead, bream, whiting and more. 

Overall conditions 

Winds have been a mixed bag, with westerlies and south-easterlies at times making open water uncomfortable but leaving the passage and canals well sheltered. Water temperatures have dropped, pushing fish into shallower areas and around structure. Run-out tides continue to be the most productive on the flats, while early mornings and late afternoons remain the prime bite windows. Mud crabbing has also been rewarding in the creeks and passage. 

Prime locations this month 

From the reports I have reviewed and read, the areas mentioned below have offered up some great fishing this month and should continue through into next month as well. 

Bongaree Jetty and foreshores 

The iconic Bongaree Jetty remains a standout for families and beginners, where bream, flathead, juvenile snapper, moses perch, parrotfish and the occasional school jewfish or estuary cod have been regularly caught. Tailor numbers are building nicely, particularly during low-light periods. The grassy banks and sandy gutters along the Pumicestone Passage are producing good whiting and bream on yabbies or worms. 

Surf beaches (Woorim, Banksia Beach, White Patch) 

Winter gutters are fishing well for tailor, dart, whiting and the odd jewfish. The run-out tide has been best when using pillies, metal lures or worms. Early sessions before the wind strengthens have delivered the most consistent results, with flathead also common in the shallows. 

Pumicestone Passage flats and creeks 

This is classic winter territory. Flathead are firing on the sand and mud flats, especially around Ningi Creek, Bells Creek, and the Toorbul/Sandstone Point areas. Whiting (including some solid fish in the creeks) and bream are reliable targets. Grunter are showing at creek mouths, while school jewfish and tailor are active around deeper holes such as Lighthouse Reach. Crabbing remains excellent throughout the passage. 

Canals and residential waterfronts 

Bribie’s canal systems are fishing surprisingly well, with juvenile snapper, bream, trevally and mangrove jack taking up residence around pontoons, rock walls and snags. Night sessions with lures or live bait can produce estuary cod and bigger predators. These sheltered areas are an excellent backup on windy days. 

Target species and tips for June 

• Tailor: Winter runs are in full swing – target beaches, the jetty and the passage with metal slugs or pilchards at dawn and dusk.   

• Flathead: Abundant on flats and around structure. Soft plastics, vibes or fresh bait (prawns/yabbies) are working best.   

• Bream & Whiting: Consistent performers on worms, yabbies or prawns, especially in cleaner water on the run-out tide.   

• Jewfish/Mulloway & Snapper: School fish and juveniles are common; bigger specimens possible in deeper holes near the bridge.   

• Mud Crabs: Very active – don’t forget to check pots. 

Bait & lures:  

Fresh local yabbies, prawns, worms and pillies are top performers. Gulp! soft plastics and small hard-body lures are excellent for flathead and jacks. 

Tides & Timing: Focus on tides with good flow. Solunar peaks in the early morning have been particularly strong. Avoid peak wind days if planning to boat. 

Regulations reminder 

Always check the latest Queensland Fisheries size and bag limits for tailor, snapper, jewfish, mud crabs and other species. Take only what you need and consider practising catch-and-release, especially with larger fish. 

Bribie Island and the surrounding areas continue to offer some of southeast Queensland’s most accessible and enjoyable winter fishing. Whether you’re casting from the jetty with the family, walking the flats or exploring the canals, there’s plenty of action on offer. 

Tight lines for the rest of June — get out there and make the most of the cooler weather! 

Local tip: Pop into the nearby bait and tackle shops for the latest hot spots and real-time conditions. 

Roger