Spring bounty in Bribie Island, Pumicestone Passage and offshore Moreton Bay

As the first whispers of summer tease Queensland's southeast coast, the waters around Bribie Island, the sheltered embrace of Pumicestone Passage and the expansive playground of offshore Moreton Bay are alive with action. With warming temperatures and the tail end of spring tides stirring the shallows, anglers report solid bites across the board. Whether you're casting from the sandbanks, drifting creek mouths or chasing pelagics beyond the bar, October promises a mix of inshore staples and offshore thrillers. Here's the lowdown on what's hot, where to target them and how to hook up - based on the latest reports from local charter crews and shore-based enthusiasts. 

Pumicestone Passage: Creek Jacks and crab pots heating up 

The Pumicestone Passage remains a haven for estuary aficionados with its mangrove-lined creeks delivering reliable catches amid the calmer conditions. Mangrove Jack are firing in the snags off Coochin and Hussey Creeks, where live baits like mullet or vibes on light spinning gear are turning heads. Sizes are pushing 50cm+, perfect for a feed or a quick release. Summer whiting are schooling on the flats, responding well to live bloodworms or yabbies pumped on-site. Target the outgoing tide around dawn for numbers up to 40cm. 

Mud crabs are another highlight with pots filling in the upper reaches as freshwater inflows from recent showers boost salinity levels. Expect peelers and jennies in the 1-2kg range; bait with fresh mullet heads and check pots on the flood tide to avoid snags. Weather-wise, expect light northerlies (10-15 knots) and highs in the low 20s°C, making for comfortable paddling or small-boat outings. Pro tip: Anchor up current of creek mouths and let the burley trail do the work - patience pays off here. 

Bribie Island: Sandbank whiting and bridge bream on the bite 

Bribie Island's beaches and bridges are buzzing with activity, though reports note a slight uptick in effort required as whiting schools disperse post-winter. Solid summer whiting (35-45cm) are patrolling the ocean side gutters at low tide, best hit with fresh prawns or bloodworms on a running sinker rig. Bream are holding tight to the structure under the Bribie bridge, slurping up pillies or small soft plastics - early mornings or dusk sessions are gold, with fish to 35cm keeping light tackle honest. 

Flathead are ambushing vibes along the drop-offs near the Island's northern tip, especially around the new breakthrough areas where tidal flow concentrates baitfish. Keep an eye on the swell (under 1m this week) for safe wading. Local guides emphasise checking the sandbanks for fresh tracks - whiting love the weed edges. With the full moon neap tides settling in, focus on the smaller 0.8m flows for less current drag. 

Offshore Moreton Bay: Pelagics and reefies beyond the bar 

Venturing offshore into Moreton Bay's deeper waters, the action ramps up for those with bigger boats. Spanish mackerel and longtail tuna are patrolling the bait balls near Hutchies Reef and the North Moreton artificial reef, where slow-trolled garfish or lures like Laser Lures are accounting for speedsters to 15kg. Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) are crashing the party around FADs off Moreton Island, smashing into skirted trolling lures on the troll - bright colors in 20-30m depths are key. 

Closer to the bottom, snapper are still on the chew at the Captain Nielsen wreck and Curtain artificial reef, though sizes are tapering to 40-50cm after the winter peak; try cuttlefish strips after dark for an edge. Jewfish (mulloway) are lurking at the Brisbane River mouth, vibing up live mullet or soft plastics on heavy PE lines. Flathead and tailor round out the bag limits, with school mackerel providing frantic surface boils around Green Island. 

Conditions offshore are favorable: seas at 1-1.5m with a light SE breeze, visibility 10m+ and water temps climbing to 22°C—ideal for a full-day charter. Watch for shipping traffic in the shipping channel and always log your positions. 

Quick tips for October success 

Tides and timing: Ride the bigger spring tides mid-month for offshore runs, but stick to neaps for passage wading. 

Gear check: UV protection is non-negotiable with longer days; pack polarised sunnies for spotting whiting. 

Sustainability: Slot limits are in play - measure twice, release those undersize. Report illegal activity to the QLD Fisheries hotline. 

Weather watch: Track BOM forecasts; isolated showers could freshen the passage and fire up the jacks. 

Whether you're a local chasing a personal best or a visitor dipping a line for the first time, these waters deliver. Tight lines and remember: the best catch is the one you release. For charter bookings or tackle advice, hit up Bribie Island's marinas. What's your latest tale from the bay? Share with us. SMS 0448 855 086. 

Sources: Compiled from SEQ Fishing Reports (Coastwatch) and local angler updates as of late September 2025, 

Catch only what you need,  

Roger