If you are a regular visitor to Fraser Island (K’gari) there is a good chance you have packed a fishing rod at least once.

Even those who have never considered fishing before feel inclined to give it a try after seeing the fun had by families, teenagers, and solo anglers who make the most of Fraser’s diverse environments for reeling in a catch of the day.

As if made from an anglers’ dream, Fraser Island (K’gari) acts as a natural collection of some of the richest and varied fishing spots around the country.

With surf, reef, deep sea, sportfishing, and estuary fishing all available on the island it’s easy to see why fisherman young and old flood to the island year-round.

We’ve compiled a handy guide of all the types of fishing available on the Island and what you’re most likely to catch!

1. Onshore Fishing on Fraser 

Onshore Fishing is a popular choice with a lot of Fraser Island (K’gari) regulars and newcomers as it’s easy to get the hang of and can be done year-round.

The eastern side of Fraser is home to the most popular fishing beaches with a huge variety of fish swimming close to the sandy shore.

Anglers fishing here are likely to reel in whiting, mackerel, flathead, swallowtail, and bream.

Seasoned fishermen know the best time of day to cast a line is in the early morning or just before sunset, however Frasers’ bait-rich seas and largely untouched shores mean you’re likely to feel a tug on the end of your rod at any time of day.

While most onshore fishing is permitted without requiring a license, make sure to check the Fraser Island (K’gari) regulations for ‘no fishing’ guidelines at certain times of the year.

Some of the best onshore fishing spots around Fraser Island:

• Waddy Point
• Middle Rocks
• Sandy Cape (If fishing here make sure to take some time to view the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, the second and tallest active lighthouse in Queensland)
• South Moon Point

2. Offshore Fishing From Fraser

Thanks to its prime position, Fraser Island (K’gari) offers a vast variety of fish species for those who prefer to take their rods out onto the deep blue.

Offshore fishing around Fraser Island gives anglers the potential of reeling in both northern coral and southern reef fish species without venturing too far away from shore or sailing for great distances.

The most common species caught offshore include coral trout, large gropers, trevally, jewfish, wahoo, and many others.

Compared to onshore fishing, offshore fishing and what you are able to catch can depend heavily on the season and time of year of your fishing escapades.

Heading out from July to March is perfect for those who prefer to catch whiting. Tailor swims close to Fraser in large quantities in the winter months from May to October.

If you are keen to try offshore fishing but don’t have your own boat have no fear, Fraser Island game and sport fishing charters and tours have you covered!

Some of the best offshore fishing spots around Fraser Island:

• The Great Sandy Strait
• Moon Point Channels
• Roy Rufus Artificial Reef

What To Bring

So you have decided that some fishing is definitely on the cards for your next trip to Fraser, now what? First things first is making sure you come prepared. As with any fishing expedition, make sure you have the following basic essentials:

• Fishing Rod
• Fishing Line
• Ball Sinker
• Pliers
• Fishing Knife
• Sun Safe Protection (Long sleeves, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen) – Bait (It is recommended that you pack your own, however, local shops in Eurong and Happy Valley usually have plenty of bait for sale) Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing is prohibited on Fraser Island(K’gari).

While the lakes and rivers of Fraser house many species of freshwater fish who are easy to spot and beautiful to look at, attempting to catch them is a strict no-go zone.

Protecting the diverse ecosystem is an important task and all of us have an important part to play by fishing responsibly.

Fraser Island is home to some of the best fishing spots in Australia.

The island’s wealth of fish species and spectacular fishing spots is well-known to keen fisherman and always an eye-opening experience for newcomers.

Try your hand at reeling in a catch on one of the pristine beaches or out on crystal clear waters as a must-do addition to your Fraser Island holiday plans. 

You might also like our article on: Everything you wanted to know about Fraser Island’s lighthouse