Productive Techniques – Live bait fishing Gold Coast.

A guide to live bait fishing on the Gold Coast. We use all of these techniques with great success on board our Gold coast fishing charters. Read on for some great local live baiting tips.

Despite an enormous range of various lure fishing styles used on the many target species these days, live bait fishing is one of the simplest and most effective techniques used for catching a myriad of prized species off the Gold Coast.
Anglers who seek out species such as Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, Mackerel, Cobia, Mulloway, Mahi mahi, and even Flathead are regularly using live baiting techniques and often find them to be more successful than other techniques.

Locating live baits – Gold Coast Live Bait Grounds

There are plenty of options for catching livie’s around the Gold coast. Inshore, Mullet and Herring are plentiful and can easily be caught in a cast net. Ideal spots are around the sand flats, canal entrances and off the many public jetties scattered around the Broadwater. Yabbies are also easy to obtain at low tide on the many sand flats and mud banks in the Broadwater and southern Moreton Bay.

Live bait tips and techniques offshore, there is several local reefs approximately 1 nautical mile southeast of the seaway way wall. These rocky out crops hold Yakkas, Pike, Trevally and Slimies. These reefs are easily identifiable on a good day. There’s usually always boats there. Further out the 18 and 24 fathom reefs hold yakkas and trevally year-round and slimies seasonally. All can easily be caught on a simple bait jig. If they don’t respond to the jig by itself, add a little flavour to it. A squid tentacle, prawn or a small piece of fish flesh can make all the difference some days.

Catching and keeping livies

The most critical factor in live baiting is actually getting the right bait to use, matching the hatch so to speak. In Southeast Queensland, Yakka’s, Slimy mackerel, Herring, Mullet, Trevally, Pike, squid, and Tailor are all excellent offerings and easily available for those wanting to try their hand at live baiting. Mulloway gold coast live baiting

Some species have a minimum legal-size limit, which of course you will have to abide by even if you are only using the fish for live bait. Don’t be afraid to go big with your baits. I’ve witnessed many Marlin and big Wahoo taken on large Tailor and Trevally.

After you have caught your favourite baits, take care of your catch and look after them. The liveliest baits are usually the best baits. A decent size bait tank is a good start, with a good supply of recycled water circulating to ensure they stay alive until it’s time to use them.

No matter the rig you choose to use, being gentle is critical for keeping the bait alive and healthy for as long as possible. For example, be careful handling your live baits so you don’t squash it or knock too many scales off. Using a glove or wet cloth helps. When it comes to inserting the hooks, be careful not to damage the internal organs and the lateral line of the live bait.

Live Bait Fishing Gold Coast – Rigs

Single hook rigs
Single hook rigs are used in smaller baits such as Herring, Mullet, Trevally, Yakkas, Slimy mackerel, and even small squid. There are several ways to rig livies using the single hook technique, but most are very simple and get the maximum possible life span from your selected bait. My personal favourite while fishing at anchor is a single hook through the shoulders. It allows the bait to swim naturally. Another great method is a hook through the nose. This works better when drifting. Bridle rigging using a rubber band is also a great technique.

Double hook rigs
Double hook rigs are useful with big baits or when the fish are shy and finnicky. A second stinger hook can produce good results. they do however tend to weigh the livies down a little more and obviously 2 hooks in it will also reduce the life span of the bait. Mahi mahi taken on a live bait

Live Bait fishing Gold Coast can be very productive and extremely rewarding for those who try it. We hope you enjoyed this article and if you would like to get out and learn more about live bait fishing Gold Coast. we would recommend you book one of our exciting half day fishing charters.

True Blue Aussie Gold Coast Fishing Charters- Gold Coast Fishing Charters

Half Day and Full Day Offshore Deep sea Fishing Charter Trips.

True blue fishing charters offer exciting deep sea reef and game fishing charters. Our boats depart daily from True Blue Aussie fishing chartersMain Beach. Our Fishing Charter boats will have you travelling around The Spit before heading through the seaway and further out to sea for some fast action fishing. There’s a wide variety of fish in the Gold Coast’s semi-tropical waters. Including: Snapper, Jewfish, Cobia, Samson fish, King fish, Teraglin, Marlin,Tuna, Mackerel, Sailfish, Tusk Fish, Pearl Perch, Cod, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo.

True Blue Aussie Fishing Charters Gold Coast

The abundance of fish, the vast array of species, the wildlife and the location all add up to the fishing adventure of a lifetime. A must do when you visit the Gold Coast!
True blue Aussie fishing charters friendly skippers and deckhands will offer all the assistance you need to ensure your day on the water with us is a memorable experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you will love our fishing tours. All our fishing trips include all bait, rods, True bluereels, quality fishing tackle and bottled water.

The boats are legendary Steber craft vessels made locally in Taree. Powered by economical turbo diesel engines, so we get you out to the reef fast! The boats have full length shade awnings and there is clean flushing toilets on board.
All fish are gutted & gilled, cleaned, iced down and bagged for you. You keep what you catch provided its legal!

True Blue Aussie Gold Coast Reef Fishing Charters are a proudly Australian owned and operated Family Business. Run by a team that is passionate about fishing and being on the water. Our friendly staff have the knowledge and the expertise to make your Gold Coast Charter both an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Book Instantly Online Or call our friendly staff on 07 55109622.

Why Charter a Boat on the Gold Coast?

There are countless reasons to charter a boat on the Gold Coast. You may be a keen angler chasing the catch of a lifetime, a visitor hoping to witness the incredible annual whale migration, or a business looking to host a memorable corporate event or private celebration on the water.

Whatever your reason, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier destinations for boating and fishing. With easy access to offshore reefs, calm inshore waterways, and the open Pacific Ocean, the region offers outstanding opportunities for fishing, sightseeing, whale watching, and relaxed cruising. Few places provide such variety, fresh ocean air, and stunning coastal scenery all in one location.

One of the Best Gold Coast Fishing Charters

True Blue Fishing Charters is widely regarded as one of the leading fishing charter operators on the Gold Coast. Alongside our popular deep sea, reef, and game fishing charters, we also offer a range of other on-water experiences including Broadwater cruises, whale watching tours, and estuary fishing trips.

No matter what brings you out on the water, our experienced team will tailor the experience to suit your group. With modern vessels, quality fishing tackle, advanced marine electronics, and a friendly, professional crew, everything is taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy the day.

High-Quality Vessels and Experienced Crew

When you fish with True Blue Fishing Charters, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Gold Coast’s marine environment up close. Our vessels are powered by reliable turbo-diesel engines, cruising comfortably at speeds of up to 18 knots, allowing us to reach productive fishing grounds efficiently and safely.

Our charters target a wide variety of species, from fast-moving pelagic fish to prized bottom-dwelling reef species, depending on seasonal conditions.

Owner-operator Mark has been fishing the Gold Coast for over 12 years, and our skippers bring extensive local knowledge gained from years of operating charter vessels in the area. This experience translates into a strong understanding of weather patterns, sea conditions, local fisheries, and marine wildlife.

If you’re ready to experience the Gold Coast from a different perspective, step aboard True Blue Fishing Charters and enjoy a professional, safe, and unforgettable day on the water.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Fishing Lovers 🎣

Still searching for last minute Christmas gifts or a unique present that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer? If you’ve left your shopping to the final days, don’t stress — there’s a simple solution that’s exciting, practical, and guaranteed to be used.

Forget the usual socks, jocks, and novelty gifts. This year, give something memorable with a fishing gift voucher from True Blue Fishing Charters.

The Perfect Last Minute Fishing Gift

A fishing charter gift voucher is an ideal last minute gift idea for men, women, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s instant, flexible, and offers an unforgettable experience on the water.

True Blue Fishing Charters gift vouchers are available for our popular 5-hour offshore reef and game fishing charters, priced outstanding value for a premium Gold Coast fishing experience.

✔ Valid for 3 years from purchase
✔ Can be used on morning or afternoon charters
✔ Suitable for beginners and experienced anglers

What the Fishing Gift Voucher Includes

Our 5-hour fishing charters target a wide range of species depending on the season, including snapper, mackerel, tuna, kingfish, cobia, and more.

We supply:

• All fishing tackle and bait

• Professional, experienced crew

• Large, stable offshore charter vessels

• A fun, safe, and well-organised fishing experience

The voucher recipient simply chooses a date that suits them — all they need to bring is a hat, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.

Why Fishing Vouchers Make Great Last Minute Gifts

✔ No shipping delays
✔ No crowded shopping centres
✔ Instant online delivery
✔ An experience, not clutter

True Blue Fishing Charters operates two quality charter vessels, running 7 days a week (weather permitting), making it easy for gift recipients to find a suitable date.

Buy Fishing Gift Vouchers Online Today

Take the hassle out of Christmas shopping and secure one of the best last minute fishing gifts on the Gold Coast. Our vouchers can be purchased instantly online — perfect for when time is running out but you still want to give something special.

🎁 Buy online via the True Blue Fishing Charters Gift Voucher page
🎣 Give the gift of an unforgettable day on the water

Make it a Merry Fishmas with True Blue Fishing Charters.

Charter Fishing Etiquette

Charter fishing Etiquette is essential. Etiquette will always gain you respect by others. It’s also the same when participating in a fishing charter. If you haven’t been on a fishing tour before or you have been on plenty, we at True Blue Fishing have come up with a few tips which will help make your next deep sea fishing trip a more pleasurable experience for everyone on board.

Use your Manners

Having manners onboard or off will always go a long way. If there’s something not going your way, speak to the Skipper and deckhand with courtesy. The crew will always go above and beyond to assist if you are polite, making the trip more pleasant and enjoyable. Lets face it, no one likes to be spoken to in a rude manner.

Be Flexible with Your Itinerary

Although Skippers are very skilled and extremely knowledgeable about ocean conditions, they cannot control weather and other unforeseen occurrences. So, when the Skipper calls to cancel your charter due to safety and weather concerns, you just have to trust his years of experience and expert judgment. In some instances, your captain may offer an alternate trip such as Broadwater cruising or calm water fishing. Of course, if you prefer, you can reschedule or request a refund of your deposit.

Tell the Skipper and Crew What You Would Like to Target

Don’t forget to talk to your skipper about your experience. Before your trip, tell them what kind of fishing you prefer. Whether you’re aiming for a specific target fish to, fishing methods you like (or don’t like). The more info you provide, the better for them to help manage your expectations. If you have booked the boat exclusively the captain should be able to accommodate your preferred fishing methods.

Don’t Put Your Captain and Crew in an Awkward Situation

Being demanding onboard the boat is a stressful situation for any skipper or deckhand to be in. If you’ve communicated with the operator prior to your scheduled trip, Skippers will generally have advised you what is and possible or not. Making unrealistic demands and not taking your charter crews advice more often than not leads to an unpleasant experience. You may be a seasoned weekend angler but note your fishing charter skipper fishes almost every day and will know his local grounds and target species better than anyone.

It’s Called Fishing, Not Catching

One thing to keep in mind is your crew takes great pleasure in getting their clients on to fish and will do all they can to ensure this happens. They are also just as disappointed or frustrated as you the customer when fish just won’t cooperate. So, in reality, fishing is just that, “fishing”. Catching does not happen all day, every day (We wish it did!). Whether you travel to a holiday destination from the other side of the country, or just wander down to your local wharf, your target species may or may not co-operate. With this in mind, you’ll enjoy your fishing charter so much more.

Sea sickness

Unfortunately many people suffer from motion sickness. Prevention is the best cure. If you are concerned you might be sick while on your charter. Consult your local pharmacist, there are several different medications and devices available.

If you are going to vomit while onboard. Don’t ruin the experience for others. Head for the down wind side and vomit straight into the ocean. Do not vomit in the toilet, sink or garbage bins. If it goes over the side the smell is gone instantly.

What and What Not to Wear

There are not many restrictions when it comes to what you wear for a fishing charter, wear something comfortable that is suitable for the season. The footwear, however, is another story. High heel shoes will lead to a broken ankle! You may wear boat shoes, sneaker or thong for your trip.

Enjoy the Whole Experience – Charter fishing etiquette

Fishing can sometimes be extreme but don’t also forget to enjoy the “downtime” – you are at sea on a boat after all. Enjoy the ocean, the scenic views and the fresh sea breeze. Get acquainted with the Skipper and deckie and be one with nature, you will likely see Dolphins, whales and other marine life. Bottom line, relax and enjoy the whole experience.

Stay Safe

Though you can have tonnes of fun while fishing, keep in mind you’re out in the middle of the ocean. No Doctors, hospitals, just you, the Skipper and the boat. You always have to practice safety first. Always listen carefully to the safety briefings at the beginning and during your trip. These policies are there to keep you safe.

Enjoy your time on the water and remember to take your charter fishing etiquette along.

Charter fishing etiquette – True blue fishing

Gold Coast Estuary Fishing.

Gold coast estuary fishing charters With True Blue Fishing. The Gold Coast’s estuary system is a great place to fish. Providing easy access to inshore waterways, and the chance to bag a trophy-sized fish or just a feed of mud crabs make the Gold Coast Broadwater a low stress option for boaties and shore anglers alike. The extensive size of this waterway makes it a fishermen’s paradise. Even during peak holiday season you can still find your own secluded hideaway. As an angler, you will coexist with dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife. The number of different fish species available make it impossible to ever get bored and with South Stradbroke Island being so accessible you can easily pull up and have lunch or visit one of the islands bars for a cold beer.

Gold Coast Broadwater Fishing.

The Gold Coast Broadwater is loaded with fish due to excellent water quality. The system is flushed twice Gold coast estuary fishing charters daily via the Seaway and the Jumpinpin entrances. Complementing the natural environment there are numerous manmade fish holding structures inside the Broadwater including the Seaway rock walls, Wave Break, Sovereign, and Ephraim islands, multiple bridges, and the entire Gold Coast canal system. The creation of these new habitats ensures everyone can expect to catch a feed of fish whether it be from a boat or onshore.

The months of September to November are perfect for chasing Dusky Flathead, arguably Australia’s most popular fish. These delicious bottom dwellers become prolific in the Broadwater for the breeding cycle that begins in September and October. A size legal limit allows fish between 40 and 75 centimetres to be kept, with the larger breeding females legally required to be released to continue the breeding cycle.

In addition to the resident Flathead, schools of Bream are thick through the winter months. Giant and Big-Eye Trevally tend to turn up in the warmer months. Mulloway and Tailor are prolific in areas with a bit more depth and Mangrove jacks are always a favourite for those who take the time to target them.Gold coast Seaway
A great tip for Gold coast estuary fishing is to fish as light as possible. A 6-7’ spin rod with a matched threadline reel, or a similar sized bait caster outfit spooled with 6-10lb braid, and 15lb leader will handle most of the critters that call the local estuaries home. By fishing light, you can cast further and not spook fish in shallow waters.

True Blue Fishing charters offer Exclusive Gold Coast Broadwater fishing charters for private groups. Targeting various species depending on the season. We can accommodate groups of 12 or 16 people.

For bookings call 07 55109622 or visit our home page.

Gold Coast Estuary Fishing Charters – Gold Coast Broadwater Fishing Charters.