Beginner's Guide to Winter Fishing from Brisbane Jetties

Brisbane River

Brisbane's Best Beginner Fishing Spots: A Winter Guide

Fishing in Brisbane during winter doesn't require traveling far from the city. Here's where to go, what to bring, and what you might catch this June and July—all just minutes from the CBD or suburbs.

Easy Access Fishing Spots

North Side

• Shorncliffe Pier - Fully restored heritage pier with plenty of space, seating, and fish cleaning stations

• Decker Park, Brighton - Large waterfront park with dedicated fishing platforms

• Dowse Lagoon, Sandgate - Calm waters with easy bank access and parkland surrounds

South Side

• Colmslie Recreation Reserve - Features a dedicated fishing platform over the Brisbane River

• Mowbray Park, East Brisbane - Public pontoon with excellent city views

• West End Riverside Lands Park - Accessible riverbank spots with nearby facilities

East Side

• Wynnum Jetty - Protected foreshore with a long jetty and nearby wading pool

• Lota Foreshore Park - Family-friendly bank fishing with playground nearby

• Wellington Point Reserve - Sandbar and jetty offering shallow water options

West Side

• Colleges Crossing, Chuwar - Freshwater fishing with picnic areas and shallow banks

• Kookaburra Park, Karana Downs - Easy riverbank access with barbecue facilities

• Jindalee Boat Ramp - Fishing platforms adjacent to the ramp

Basic Gear for Beginners

• Light 6-7 foot rod and small spinning reel

• 4-6lb monofilament line

• Size 4-6 hooks (long-shank for bream)

• Small ball sinkers and split shots

• Selection of small floats

• Bait container and small scissors

• Basic tackle box for storage

• Small cooler for catch and bait

Winter Catch Possibilities

• Bream - Found around structure at most river and bay locations

• Flathead - Look for them at Wellington Point and Wynnum/Lota

• Winter Whiting - Common at Sandgate and Brighton foreshores

• Luderick - Around jetty pylons at Shorncliffe and Wynnum

• Tailor - Early morning at river mouth locations

• Moses Perch - Often caught from river pontoons in the city reaches

• Catfish - Common catch in freshwater spots like Colleges Crossing

Simple Baits That Work

• Peeled prawns (cut into small pieces)

• Squid strips

• Frozen whitebait

• Bread (great for luderick)

• Worms (for freshwater spots)

Remember that fishing is allowed year-round at these locations, though catch limits and size restrictions apply. Most spots have nearby parking, toilets, and picnic facilities, making them perfect for beginners looking to try fishing without major investment or travel. Morning high tides are generally best during winter, when the water tends to be clearer.

Winter Whiting Jetty Fishing Checklist.pdf

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