Gold Coast fishing tips?

[FerretallicA]

Hi all,

I haven't been fishing since I was about 8 and would really like to get into it. I'm heading up to Surfers Paradise for a holiday with my girlfriend and want to take the opportunity to catch a couple fresh meals and hopefully convince her that it's worth getting into as well. I have tried doing a fair bit of research on the area as far as fishing is concerned and have a list of a few decent spots as well as what bait to use, what fish to expect etc. The one thing I HAVEN'T been able to find though is any mention of fishing on a budget. The holiday funds are already being stretched to buggery on accommodation alone and hiring a boat or going on a fishing charter is really out of the question, and few sites have any mention of recommended places and methods for fishing from land around the Gold Coast.

Ideally I'd love to catch a mud crab or two- is that realistic without a boat? Also could anyone give tips to a fishing novice in the area? eg good beginner spots, cheap but decent gear etc. I was set on Hinze Dam but from what I've been told it's only any good by boat...?

Cheers,
Ferret

[alan1]

welcome FerretallicA.

sorry i have no idea about fishing up there, hopefully someone can help you.

[Steve]

G’day FerretallicA,
If it’s been a while I’d suggest you stick to the basics.
Fish light, an 8lb line will help the bait to move and look more natural than a 30lb line and the fish aren’t going to be spooked as easy if they decide to have a little nibble. Don’t use a big sinker if you don’t need too, the sinker should allow you to get the bait out and hold the bottom and maybe even drift a little with the current. A swivel is a good idea also, it will help prevent the line twisting and creating tangles and also separate the bait from the sinker. Don’t tie the sinker into the line like I have see so many times the older and wiser fish will feel the weight and drop the bait (did I just make a rhyme?)
Remember a small hook will catch a big fish easier than a big hook will catch a smaller fish. You’ll need to ask a local or tackle shop what types of fish are around to help decide on the hook type and size.
Bait should be fresh as possible, live bait such as worms, pink nippers or small bait fish is even better.
Fish were the fish might be, look for structure, drop offs, edges of weed beds, gutters and pinnacles are some possible areas you might find a lurking fish.
Take your girlfriend for a nice romantic walk along the river, she doesn’t have to know your casing the river for a likely spot to fish.

Get a copy of the bag limits and minimum legal sizes from the local bait shop and familiarize yourself with the types of fish you may catch there, also take note of any poisonous or protected fish.

When you catch a fish and it looks like it may be undersize try to remove the hook while the fish is still in the water, if you have to handle the fish be gentle and wet your hands first, dry hand will strip the mucus slim from the fish that protects it from infection and disease. Catch and release is pointless if the fish is going to die from miss handling. A pair of pointy nose pliers to grab hold of the hook makes things a little easier.
If you plan to keep a fish don’t allow the fish to suffer a slow cruel death! If you do it’s not only inhumane, it can affect the taste of the fish. Knock it on the head and bleed it by cutting
Handle the fish with care so you don’t bruise it and put it on ice to keep it fresh.
Well that’s about all I can think of for now, I hope it helps you to catch a few on your holidays.
Cheers
Steve

[FerretallicA]

Thanks for the tips Steve! While I was more hoping for suggestions about particular spots and the best gear for those spots, the general advice is probably even more useful. The reply came just in time too- I'm leaving for Surfers tomorrow! The only thing I'd probably do differently would be how to kill the fish. The best sounding suggestion I've heard is to ice them first so they go unconscious and their nerves kinda go to sleep, then cutting clean across the head and letting it bleed out. Apparently the most painless way for them to go... but not being a fish and all, this is only speculation.

If we catch anything worth while I'll be sure to post some pics here and let you know how it goes. Thanks again!