Fishing in Thuringowa

• Estuaries and Creeks
• The Great Barrier Reef
• In-shore
• Townsville Barra Fishing Farm
• Fairdinkum Fishing Charters
• For More Information

Estuaries and Creeks

Thuringowa's creeks and adjacent ocean are blessed with some of the best fishing in North Queensland. Boat ramps are located at Bushland Beach, Saunders Beach, Bluewater, Toomulla Beach and at the mouth of Rollingstone Creek at Balgal Beach. Access is restricted at low tide from these ramps, so check with local tackle and bait stores for the best times.

The Northern Beaches are a delight for anglers. Renowned for winter whiting or "elbow slappers", shore-based fishing can be productive. Look for gutters or the mouth of tidal creeks for the best spots.

In the creeks of Thuringowa, Barramundi and Mangrove Jack abound. The Bohle River is one of the most best Barramundi fishing spots on the east coast, but be aware that the closed season runs from November 1 to February 1 each year. To catch a famous "barra", fish an hour before and after low tide using lures or live bait. If it is Mangrove Jack you're chasing, keep in mind they can be difficult to entice away from snags.

If fishing the mountain streams is more preferred, check out Crystal Creek where likely catches include Jungle Perch and Sooty Grunter. These tough fighters inhabit the freshwater reaches of the estuaries and can been taken on small lures, poppers and flies using light gear.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef (about 70km from the mainland) or the Palm Islands (about 25km from the mainland) are home to Red Emperor, Nannygai, Giant Trevally and Coral Trout. In winter you should try trolling around the headlands for Pelagics and, in summer, fish deep for reef species using fresh or live bait.

In-shore

In-shore fishing is most popular in this region. Along the coastline are fringing reefs which extend to 3km off-shore. These areas are home to School Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, Fingermark, Grunter, Coral Trout, Estuary Cod and Tuna. You will be successful trolling lures or "bottom bashing" with fresh bait in a burley trail. High tides bring the fish closer to the shoreline and you can take home a quality catch within 1km of land.

Townsville Barra Fishing Farm

Townsville Barra Fishing Farm is the place where you're almost guaranteed to catch a fish, and there are also plenty of other activities to keep you busy. You'll be able to try your luck at the farm's dams, which are packed with Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Barcoo Grunter and Red Claw Crayfish - you even have the choice to purchase and take home your catch. As well as fishing, there are also mini golf, aqua golf and farm tours available, and there is an licensed bar on-site for those would like to kick back with a drink or have a barbeque. For more information, call the Townsville Barra Fishing Farm on 07 4789 3093 or go to www.barrafishing.net.

Fairdinkum Fishing Charters

Fairdinkum Fishing Tours offers live bait, lure and fly fishing charters for Barramundi & estuary species. Perfect for adventurous individuals, groups or corporate functions.. For more information, call Glen Jepson on 07 4751 5324 or email fairdinkum@travel-pro.com.au.

For More Information...

Get the latest fish take, possession limits, and restricted fishing zones from tackle stores or from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website: www.dpi.qld.gov.au or from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au.