Gold Coast Cobia fishing offers anglers a high-adrenaline offshore adventure targeting one of the ocean’s most powerful and exciting species. Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) are known for their explosive runs, opportunistic feeding, and strong fights, making them a must-target for serious offshore anglers.

These large, migratory fish are particularly active during autumn and winter (May–September), when they often trail whales and sharks in search of food. If you spot these marine giants nearby, it’s a good sign that packs of Cobia are close at hand.

Identifying Cobia

Cobia are often mistaken for sharks due to their long cylindrical bodies, flat broad heads, and dark lateral stripe. They are typically grey on top with a white underbelly and a long lower jaw. When hooked, cobia often surface with their tail and dorsal fin breaking the water, making the initial approach both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

Local Gold Coast Cobia range in size from small juveniles to up to 45kg, with world-record specimens reaching 135lbs (61kg). These fish are found around rocky outcrops, gravelly reefs, and bait-rich offshore waters between 10–60 metres deep.

Gold Coast Cobia Habitat

Cobia prefer warm, offshore waters and are highly migratory, moving along the coast following schools of baitfish. They orient themselves around:

• Shallow reefs and pinnacles

• Gravel or rubble bottom

• Areas where baitfish such as yellowtail, slimy mackerel, or tailor concentrate

Cobia often travel in packs, hunting from surface to bottom, which makes sight fishing on a burley trail one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them.

Best Baits for Cobia

Cobia are opportunistic feeders and will take a wide range of baits, depending on conditions:

Live bait (most effective):

• Yellowtail scad

• Slimy mackerel

• Tailor

Dead or cut baits:

• Pilchards

• Mullet fillets

• Tuna slices

• Small crabs or stingrays

Using a burley trail is highly recommended. A constant trickle of mashed fish will attract cobia to your baits. Live baits can be fished under balloons at varying depths or pinned near the bottom, depending on how the fish are feeding.

Tip: Cobia can be fickle—what works one day may not work the next. Experiment with bait type, presentation, and depth to entice bites.

Gold Coast Cobia Fishing Tackle

Cobia are strong, hard-fighting fish that demand quality tackle:

• Reels: Overhead or large threadline reels from Shimano, Penn, or similar

• Mainline: 15kg braid or stronger

• Leader & hooks: Suitable heavy-duty leader and strong hooks to handle runs to the bottom or through reef structure

• Rod: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore rod for control during long fights

Once hooked, cobia may circle the boat, run to the bottom, or surface dramatically, so patience and technique are key. A gaff is essential for landing these prized fish safely.

Eating Quality

Cobia are not only a thrilling catch but also a delicious table fish. Their firm white flesh is excellent for:

• Barbecuing

• Baking

• Pan-frying or deep-frying

Cobia provide both a hard-fought battle and a memorable meal, making them a perfect target for serious anglers.

Gold Coast Cobia Fishing Charters with True Blue Fishing Charters

If you want to maximize your chances of catching Cobia, joining a True Blue Fishing Charter is the ideal choice. Their experienced skippers:

• Know the best offshore cobia grounds

• Provide top-quality tackle and baits

• Teach proper techniques for sight and bottom fishing

• Ensure a safe, fun, and productive day on the water

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, a trip with True Blue Fishing Charters guarantees access to prime cobia fishing spots and the thrill of battling these powerful offshore predators.

Book Your Gold Coast Cobia Fishing Adventure

Phone 07 5510 9622 to reserve your spot and experience some of the most exciting offshore fishing the Gold Coast has to offer.

Gold Coast mackerel fishing is a thrilling offshore experience for anglers seeking fast, hard-fighting pelagic fish. Mackerel are among the ocean’s fastest species, known for razor-sharp teeth and blistering high-speed runs. They provide both adrenaline-packed sport and excellent eating quality, making them a top target for South East Queensland anglers.

Common species found off the Gold Coast include:

• Spanish mackerel (narrow-barred mackerel or spaniards)

• Spotted mackerel (spotties)

• School mackerel (schoolies)

Peak fishing season runs from January to May, with Spaniards commonly reaching 20kg and occasional giants topping 30kg. Spotties and schoolies typically grow to 12kg, providing plenty of action for offshore anglers.

Gold Coast Mackerel Habitat

Mackerel are structure-oriented hunters that congregate where bait is abundant. Key habitats include:

• Shallow reefs with pinnacles or drop-offs

• Areas with bait schools such as yellowtail scad, slimy mackerel, and pilchards

• Current lines where warm and cool water meet

Productive reefs include the close patches off Mermaid Beach and Palm Beach, while deeper water around 18–24 fathoms east of Surfers Paradise can also hold big fish.

Mackerel Tackle Recommendations

Once hooked, mackerel will tear off like a speeding bull, so robust tackle is essential:

• Rod: Medium-heavy offshore rod, matched to overhead or large threadline reel

• Mainline: 10–15kg braid is sufficient for most sizes

• Wire trace: 6–12 inches to prevent bite-offs, attached to ~1200mm of strong leader

• Hooks: 5/0–9/0 single hooks, gang hooks for baits

• Lures: Hard bodies like Rapala Magnums, Halco Laser Pros, chrome slices, and skirted lures

After the initial high-speed run, mackerel often make a few shorter bursts in lower gear, signaling the fight’s progression. Gentle, steady pressure will eventually allow you to bring the fish alongside the boat.

Safety tip: Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth. Always handle with care and dispatch quickly before placing on ice.

Bait and Burley for Gold Coast Mackerel

Mackerel respond well to a variety of baits, especially those prevalent locally at the time:

• Live bait: Yellowtail scad or slimy mackerel, set below a balloon in a healthy burley trail

• Dead bait: Lightly weighted floating pilchards

• Burley: Finely ground fish flesh maintains a constant trail without overfeeding or attracting sharks

A continuous burley trail increases the chances of attracting large Spanish mackerel, while keeping baits natural in appearance improves hook-up rates.

Mackerel Fishing Methods

Locating mackerel is key. Keep a close eye on:

• Depth sounders for bait balls

• Pinnacles, reefs, and drop-offs

• Current lines where water temperatures change

Effective fishing techniques include:

• Trolling lures behind the boat

• Spinning metal lures at structure edges

• Live and dead baiting with pilchards, slimies, or yakkas

• Float fishing baits along a burley trail for natural presentation

Mackerel have excellent eyesight and can be wary of boats, so maintaining a distance and setting baits well behind the vessel is crucial for success.

Gold Coast Mackerel Fishing Charters

If you don’t own a boat or want the best chance of landing big mackerel, True Blue Gold Coast fishing charters provide access to the best offshore grounds. Expert skippers know where to find schooling mackerel, which tackle and baits work best, and how to safely handle these powerful predators.

Charters are ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike, offering a safe, fun, and productive offshore fishing experience.

Snapper fishing on the Gold Coast is one of the most popular and rewarding offshore pursuits for recreational anglers. Known locally as knobbies, pinkies, squire or red bream, snapper (Pagrus auratus) are available year-round, but the best opportunities for catching big snapper occur during the cooler months.

From May through September, larger snapper move onto the Gold Coast’s shallow reef systems, offering excellent fishing conditions and quality table fish. Winter often brings calmer seas thanks to prevailing westerly winds, making it easier to access close offshore reefs just a few miles from shore.

Highly regarded across Australia, snapper provide great sport on light tackle, can be targeted using multiple techniques, and are exceptional eating. While fishing pressure has increased over the years, anglers who apply local knowledge, use quality bait, and fish the right ground at the right time can still consistently catch quality snapper on the Gold Coast.

Snapper Movements and Seasonal Patterns

Snapper movements on the Gold Coast follow a fairly predictable seasonal pattern. During the warmer summer months, snapper tend to spread out and move into deeper water, making them less concentrated and harder to target consistently.

As winter approaches, schools of snapper migrate back into shallower depths ranging from 25 to 90 metres, with many fish returning to the same reef systems year after year. These movements are influenced by:

• Water temperature

• Food availability

• Spawning and breeding cycles

Snapper generally begin moving offshore into deeper water from late October, then gradually return to shallower reefs from late May through early June. Understanding and tracking these movements is one of the most effective ways to improve snapper fishing success.

Many experienced anglers keep fishing logs or digital records noting dates, locations, tides and results. Over time, patterns emerge, allowing fishers to plan trips around historically productive periods.

Local Knowledge and Finding Snapper Grounds

Local knowledge is critical for successful snapper fishing on the Gold Coast. Snapper are strongly structure-oriented and feed over specific types of bottom, including:

• Reef edges

• Broken reef and gravel patches

• Hard bottom surrounded by sand or mud

• Pinnacles, ledges and drop-offs

Knowing where these areas are — and how to fish them — separates consistent snapper anglers from the rest. Productive snapper marks can be found through:

• Local fishing clubs

• Books and fishing publications

• Online resources and forums

• Fishing with experienced charter operators

When fishing near other boats, always practice good etiquette. Avoid anchoring in another angler’s burley trail, don’t drift over anchor ropes, and give fellow fishers plenty of room. There is more than enough reef on the Gold Coast for everyone.

Using GPS and Sounders

A GPS loaded with snapper marks makes offshore fishing far more efficient. Recording waypoints allows anglers to revisit productive ground year after year. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, accurately recorded land-based marks in a notebook can still be effective.

A quality sounder or fish finder is equally important. Snapper often show as arches or clusters close to the bottom, particularly around reef edges, pinnacles and rubble ground. Learning to interpret your sounder will dramatically increase your success rate.

Snapper Habitat

Snapper inhabit a wide range of offshore environments, but the most productive areas usually feature hard or broken bottom. Key habitats include:

• Reef edges where hard reef meets sand or gravel

• Drop-offs and pressure points

• Pinnacles and isolated bommies

• Broken rubble ground

Smaller squire are commonly found over gravel and rubble, while larger snapper tend to hold closer to solid structure such as caves, ledges and pinnacles. Find the right ground, and the snapper won’t be far away.

Best Baits for Snapper Fishing

Snapper respond well to a wide variety of baits, but fresh bait consistently outperforms frozen. Effective snapper baits include:

• Fresh squid (whole or strips)

• Pilchards

• Cuttlefish

• Fresh mullet slabs

• Mack tuna or bonito strips

• Crabs and shellfish

During the cooler months, fresh bait is often easy to catch on the Gold Coast’s close reefs, with yellowtail scad, bonito and mackerel tuna commonly available. Taking the time to gather fresh bait before fishing often makes a significant difference.

Good bait presentation is critical. Poorly rigged or unnatural-looking baits are often ignored, even by feeding snapper.

Burley – A Key to Catching Big Snapper

Burley is one of the most important tools for successful snapper fishing, particularly when fishing at anchor. A consistent burley trail helps draw snapper up off the bottom and into the strike zone.

Burley can also be effective while drifting, provided drift speed is slow (generally less than 0.5 knots). In faster drifts, the boat moves away from the burley trail too quickly for it to be effective.

Burley Delivery Methods

• Burley pot and masher

• Chopped fish frames and old bait

• Bread and pellets

• Mackerel tuna, which breaks down easily

Avoid over-burleying. Feeding snapper too heavily can shut the bite down and may also attract sharks, which often push snapper away.

A very effective method is a PVC burley bomb filled with minced burley and attached to the anchor chain. As it defrosts, it releases a steady trail directly beneath the boat.

Snapper Tackle and Gear

There is a wide range of tackle suitable for snapper fishing, and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Avoid very cheap gear and aim for reliable mid-range equipment that will last.

Common Snapper Tackle Options

• 6–7ft rods

• Threadline, overhead or Alvey reels

• 6–15kg mainline depending on technique

Alvey reels and traditional bottom-bouncing outfits are still favoured by many experienced anglers. For float lining and soft plastics, longer rods with softer tips matched to threadline or small overhead reels are ideal.

Snapper Rigs and Terminal Tackle

Paternoster Rig

A proven and simple rig, ideal for anchoring or drifting:

• 15–20kg leader

• Two 5/0 octopus-style hooks

• Snapper lead between ¼–1lb depending on depth and current

The downside is increased snagging, but it remains one of the most effective snapper rigs in Australia.

Float Line (Floater Rig)

This is one of the most effective techniques for targeting bigger snapper.

• 6–15kg mainline

• Swivel

• Approximately 1m leader

• Two 5/0 octopus hooks (snell and locked blood knot)

• Small ball sinker above the swivel

Float Lining Technique

Float lining involves establishing a burley trail and allowing a lightly weighted or unweighted bait to sink naturally through the water column. The key is patience and subtlety — the bait should drift down smoothly without unnatural movement.

When a snapper takes the bait, it will often swim off confidently. Allow the fish to load up before striking. This method regularly fools large, wary snapper and is considered one of the most exciting ways to fish for them.

Float lining also produces a wide range of bycatch, including pelagic and bottom-dwelling species.

Snapper Fishing on the Gold Coast

Snapper fishing on the Gold Coast during a crisp winter morning is hard to beat. Always ensure you follow current size and bag limits and handle fish responsibly.

For anglers without a boat, or those wanting to learn proven techniques and locations, a Gold Coast deep sea fishing charter is a great way to experience snapper fishing and improve your skills.

Good luck and happy snapper fishing 🎣

Mulloway, commonly known as jewfish, are one of Australia’s most highly prized offshore sportfish. While many anglers associate mulloway with estuaries and river mouths, offshore mulloway fishing on the Gold Coast can be extremely productive, particularly when targeting deep structure beyond the coastline.

With access to productive reefs, wrecks and drop-offs close to shore, the Gold Coast offers excellent opportunities to target quality mulloway year-round. Fishing with experienced operators like True Blue Fishing Charters allows anglers to focus on proven locations, techniques and conditions that consistently produce offshore jewfish.

Where Mulloway Hold Offshore

Offshore mulloway are structure-oriented predators that favour deeper water and areas where bait congregates. Key offshore habitats include:

• Deep reef systems and rubble grounds

• Isolated pinnacles and ledges

• Shipwrecks and artificial reefs

• Drop-offs and current-affected pressure points

Most offshore mulloway are found holding close to the bottom in depths ranging from 20 to 60 metres. During daylight hours they often remain tight to structure, becoming more active during low-light periods such as dawn, dusk and night.

Skippers from True Blue Fishing Charters rely heavily on sounder interpretation and local knowledge to locate productive offshore structure and identify bait concentrations that attract mulloway.

Best Conditions for Offshore Mulloway Fishing

While mulloway can be caught offshore throughout the year, certain conditions significantly improve success rates:

• Cooler water temperatures

• Strong but manageable current flow

• New and full moon phases

• Tide changes, particularly the run-in tide

Timing is critical, and understanding how mulloway respond to current and moon phases is a key reason many anglers choose to fish offshore with True Blue Fishing Charters, where trips are planned around optimal conditions rather than guesswork.

Tackle and Gear for Offshore Mulloway

Offshore mulloway are powerful fish that demand reliable gear, especially when hooked near reef or wreck structure.

Recommended tackle includes:

• 15–24kg rods and reels

• Quality spin or overhead setups

• Braided mainline with abrasion-resistant mono or fluorocarbon leaders

A smooth, dependable drag system is essential, as mulloway are known for sudden, powerful runs and stubborn fights close to structure. True Blue Fishing Charters supply well-matched tackle suited to offshore jewfish fishing, allowing anglers to fish confidently in deep water.

Best Baits for Offshore Jewfish

Bait fishing remains one of the most consistent methods for targeting offshore mulloway. Fresh, oily baits are critical for success, including:

• Squid (whole or large strips)

• Live or dead slimy mackerel

• Live yellowtail scad

• Fresh mullet slabs

• Large pilchards

Live baits are especially effective when presented close to the bottom near structure. Running sinker rigs and paternoster rigs are commonly used to keep baits in the strike zone while maintaining natural movement in the current.

On board True Blue Fishing Charters, bait presentation and positioning are carefully managed to ensure baits are fishing exactly where mulloway are holding.

Lure and Jig Fishing for Offshore Mulloway

Lure fishing for offshore mulloway has become increasingly popular and can be highly effective when fish are active.

Common lure techniques include:

• Large soft plastics worked close to the bottom

• Vibration lures

• Slow-pitch jigs and knife jigs

Controlled lifts, pauses and drops are crucial, as mulloway often strike on the fall. Working lures tight to structure requires precision boat positioning — an area where experienced charter skippers excel.

Drifting vs Anchoring Offshore

Both drifting and anchoring play an important role in offshore mulloway fishing.

Drifting allows anglers to cover ground and locate fish across reef edges and rubble patches.

Anchoring becomes effective once fish are located, particularly around wrecks or isolated structure. Accurate anchoring ensures baits remain in the strike zone without snagging or drifting away from the fish.

True Blue Fishing Charters utilise both techniques depending on conditions, structure and fish behaviour on the day.

Bycatch and Mixed Offshore Bags

One of the advantages of offshore mulloway fishing is the variety of quality bycatch often encountered, including:

• Snapper

• Pearl perch

• Cobia

• Venus Tuskfish

• Teraglin

This makes offshore mulloway trips ideal for anglers looking for a productive mixed bag while still targeting a trophy jewfish.

Offshore Mulloway Fishing with True Blue Fishing Charters

For anglers serious about targeting offshore mulloway on the Gold Coast, fishing with True Blue Fishing

Charters offers a major advantage. With in-depth local knowledge, professional equipment and a strong focus on safety and results, their offshore trips are tailored to maximise success when chasing jewfish.

Whether you’re new to offshore fishing or an experienced angler looking to refine your approach, True Blue Fishing Charters provide the experience and expertise needed to fish deep structure confidently and effectively.

Sailfish are reasonably common in Gold Coast waters throughout the summer months, They like to live in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are blue to grey in colour and have a distinctive dorsal fin that is also known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another characteristic is the bill, resembling that of the Broadbill swordfish other Marlin species. They are a highly regarded Game fish in sport fishing circles.

Sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2-1.5 m in less than a year, and feed on bait fish such as Slimy mackerel, Yellowtail scad, pilchards, frigate mackerel, squid and bonito near the surface or at mid-depths high up in the water column. Generally speaking, sailfish do not grow to more than 3.5 m in length and rarely weigh over 120kg.

The sail is normally kept folded down when swimming, but it will be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much bigger than it is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a school of sailfish use their sails to “herd” a school of bait fish towards the surface before embarking in a feeding frenzy on their herded victims.

We rarely specifically target Sailfish here on the Gold Coast, but they are often taken as a by catch while targeting species like Tuna, marlin, Mackerel, Mahi mahi and cobia. They are often taken while trolling skirted lures for Marlin, and they often respond to live baits like yakkas and slimies set under balloons. Sailfish hit hard and fast and usually explode the surface with awesome display of aerial acrobatics, when using light tackle some fast boat work is required to avoid being clean spooled.

Sailfish often travel in small groups and double and triple hook ups are not uncommon when trolling skirted lures. We recommend tackle in the 15-24kg range, preferably overhead reels due to their longer line capacity to avoid being spooled, but thradlines will work to if you are prepared to give chase with the boat.

When targeting Gold coast Sailfish and marlin keep an eye out for tell tale signs such as current lines and working sea birds, also keep an eye on your sounder and watch for bait fish balled up high in the water column, this often indicates that bigger predatory fish like sailfish and marlin are rounding them up.

If you would like to book one of our Surfers paradise fishing charters visit our home page for more information, for information about other species we catch on our deep sea fishing charters visit our Species guide page.

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier destinations for offshore tuna fishing. With deep water close to shore, consistent bait activity and a wide range of pelagic species, anglers can enjoy year-round opportunities to target fast, hard-fighting tuna just an hour south of Brisbane.

Whether you’re chasing surface-feeding schools or targeting deeper water with bait and lures, tuna fishing on the Gold Coast offers thrilling action and outstanding table fish. In this guide, we’ll break down the main tuna species found locally, the most effective techniques, and proven tips to help you hook up more consistently.

Tuna Species Found Off the Gold Coast

Tuna are highly prized saltwater game fish known for their speed, endurance and brutal fighting power. Several species are commonly encountered offshore in South East Queensland, each with its own behaviour and preferred techniques.

Longtail Tuna

Longtail tuna are one of the most sought-after species on the Gold Coast. Often found feeding aggressively on the surface, longtails can grow large and are extremely powerful on light tackle. They are commonly spotted busting up baitfish near bait schools, reef edges and current lines.

Longtails respond well to casting metal slugs, stickbaits and live baits, particularly when approached quietly.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are a true offshore prize. Larger fish are usually encountered wider offshore, often around temperature breaks, bait aggregations and current lines. Yellowfin are known for long, blistering runs and deep circling battles beneath the boat.

They are commonly caught trolling skirted lures, live baits such as slimy mackerel, or fishing in a burley trail.

Striped Tuna

Striped tuna (also known as skipjack) are abundant off the Gold Coast and provide fast-paced action. While smaller than yellowfin and longtail, they are aggressive feeders and excellent eating when bled and iced properly.

Striped tuna are often found in large surface schools and readily take trolled lures, chrome slices and bait.

Bonito

Bonito are closely related to tuna and are commonly encountered while trolling or casting into surface activity. While not everyone’s first choice for the table, they are an exceptional baitfish for targeting larger pelagics such as marlin, sharks and big tuna.

Mackerel Tuna

Mackerel tuna are fast, aggressive and commonly found feeding close to shore. They are often mixed in with bonito and striped tuna schools and readily take small metal lures, feathers and hard-bodied minnows.

Trolling for Tuna on the Gold Coast

Trolling is one of the most productive and reliable methods for catching tuna offshore.

Effective trolling lures include:

• Skirted trolling lures

• Hard-bodied diving minnows (brands like Halco and Rapala)

• Feather jigs

• Chrome slices

• Live or fresh dead baits

When trolling for tuna, set a spread of lures at staggered distances behind the boat to cover different water columns. A trolling speed of 5–8 knots is ideal for most tuna species.

Where to Troll

While trolling, always keep an eye out for:

• Current and tide lines

• Reef edges and pressure points

• Bait schools

• Working birds and surface disturbances

If you locate tuna feeding on the surface, avoid driving straight through the school. This will often spook the fish and push them deeper. Instead, troll wide around the edges or approach quietly up-current.

In many cases, once a feeding school is located, shutting down the motor and drifting can be highly effective. This allows you to cast metal slugs, stickbaits, or lightly weighted baits directly into the action.

The Hook-Up and Fight

When a tuna strikes, there is no mistaking it. The hit is sudden and violent, and the reel will scream as line peels off at speed. Most tuna will hook themselves if the drag is correctly set.

Key fighting tips:

• Always maintain constant pressure

• If the line goes slack, wind quickly – the fish may be charging the boat

• Expect long runs followed by deep dives

• Be prepared for tight circles under the boat late in the fight

Tuna are relentless fighters and will test both angler and equipment. Clear communication and fast reactions are essential, especially when fish are circling near the keel or propellers.

Bait Fishing and Burleying for Tuna

Another deadly technique for tuna fishing on the Gold Coast is bait fishing using a burley trail. This method works exceptionally well when tuna are holding deeper or not actively feeding on the surface.

Burley can be created using:

• A burley pot and masher

• Cubed pilchards slowly fed over the side

Once the burley trail is established, set baits at varying depths within the slick.

Best Baits for Tuna

• Live yellowtail scad

• Live slimy mackerel

• Lightly weighted pilchards

Live baits are generally the most effective. A 6/0 hook is ideal, with baits pinned either through the shoulder or nose. Balloons or floats can be used to keep baits away from the boat and higher in the water column when required.

Bycatch and Bonus Species

While targeting tuna offshore on the Gold Coast, it’s common to encounter other prized pelagic species, including:

• Cobia

• Spanish and spotted mackerel

• Wahoo

• Marlin and sailfish

• Sharks

This diversity makes tuna fishing one of the most exciting offshore pursuits in South East Queensland.

Gold Coast Tuna Fishing Charters

If you don’t have access to a boat or want to maximise your chances of success, a True Blue fishing charter is a great option. Experienced skippers understand seasonal movements, bait patterns and conditions, giving anglers the best opportunity to hook into fast and furious tuna action.

Final Thoughts

Tuna fishing on the Gold Coast offers adrenaline-filled action, incredible fights and some of the best offshore fishing Queensland has to offer. With the right techniques, quality tackle and an understanding of tuna behaviour, anglers can enjoy consistent success targeting longtail tuna, yellowfin tuna, striped tuna, bonito and mackerel tuna throughout the year.

Whether trolling, casting into surface schools or fishing the burley trail, the Gold Coast is truly a world-class tuna fishery. 🐟🔥

Fishing for Wahoo.

Wahoo are a pelagic fish species that frequent Gold Coast waters between December and April. Wahoo are very similar in shape to a Mackerel but can be distinguished by its different jaw shape, and the length of its dorsal fin. Not to mention its colour pattern of cobalt blue bars over their long streamline silver sides. A big wahoo is a truly majestic fish when first removed from the water. By the same token, they lose their colour quickly. A prime sport fish regularly taken on board our offshore deep sea fishing charters off the Gold coast.

Baits and Lures For Wahoo

Generally speaking, wahoo are usually taken while trolling either large hard bodied or hex head skirt style lures. However, they also respond to well-presented dead or live baits. Best baits include live yellowtail scad, slimy mackerel, tailor, small tuna, bonito, and pilchards. Other species are often encountered when targeting Wahoo off the Gold coast, these include mackerel, marlin, cobia and sailfish. Big wahoo are a true speedster, they can swim at extreme speeds and have been known to hit lures when trolled at speeds up to 16 knots.

Their scissor like jaw action with razor sharp teeth can easily bit through monofilament line so a short wire trace is essential to avoid snip offs and the loss of expensive lures. Even this is no guarantee! We’ve seen several wahoo bite through 300lb wire over the years.

Wahoo are a fairly solitary species but sometimes of the year they do move in small schools and multiple hook ups are not uncommon. They are a pelagic species and tend to swim high up in the water column near the surface. It’s not unusual to see a Wahoo swim right up to back of the boat in the burley trail.

Tackle Required

Heavy tackle is required to stop these brutes; we recommend a main line between 10-20kgs on a reel that has a good line capacity. The Wahoo’s initial run is usually long and extremely fast, only the best quality reels will stand up to them.

Wahoo are a highly prized game fishing species and also make great table fare, a boat is essential for catching Wahoo off the Gold coast as they are very rarely taken from the shore, if you don’t have a boat and would like the chance to try and catch a Wahoo you can visit Deep sea fishing Gold Coast more information.