Shark Bay is renowned for its shallow seagrass beds, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

Highlights of Shark Bay Fishing
– Pink snapper: The area’s star attraction, pink snapper can be caught from beaches or boats, though boat fishing is more productive.
– Other species: Sand whiting, squid, blue crabs, flathead, tailor, mackerel, trevally, and mulloway are commonly caught.
– Sharks and reef fish: Tiger sharks are prevalent, and reef fish like tuskfish (bluebone) and emperor inhabit the shallow reefs. Offshore, anglers catch red emperor, dhufish, and Spanish mackerel.

Fishing Infrastructure
– Concrete boat ramps are available at Denham, Monkey Mia, and Carnarvon. Beach launching is easy for smaller boats or canoes.
– Popular camping spots include Tamala Station and Shelter Bay near Steep Point.

Marine Habitat
The bay features extensive sandflats, seagrass beds, and shallow channels, with coral and rocky reefs in the northern regions. This ecosystem supports dugongs, turtles, crabs, and abundant fish stocks.

Regulations
– Shark Bay is a marine park with designated no-fishing zones.
– Pink snapper stocks are strictly managed to prevent overfishing. Consult the WA Fisheries website for specific rules.

Prime Locations
– Steep Point & False Entrance: Renowned land-based spots near Dirk Hartog Island, yielding Spanish mackerel, yellowtail kingfish, tailor, and more.
– Shelter Bay: Excellent for reef fish, silver drummer, and other species near the sandspit.

Tackle & Techniques
– Light gear is suitable within the bay for snapper and whiting.
– Balloon fishing and heavy tackle are recommended for spanish mackerel at Steep Point.
– Squid is a great bait for snapper. Use peeled prawns or weed worms for whiting.

Weather & Tides
– Tides are small, but summer winds can be strong.
– June to October offers the best conditions for boating and fishing.
– Mackerel fishing is seasonal but possible year-round at Steep Point.

Special Features Summary

– Easy access to sandy shore fishing.
– Sand whiting, flathead, pink snapper and squid are abundant in shallow waters.
– Reef fishing opportunities for emperor and bluebone in rocky/weedy areas.
– Queenfish, mackerel and tailor for lure-casters.

Shark Bay tides |
Book camping at Steep Point or Shelter Bay |
WA fishing regulations |
Shark Bay Marine Park |
Shark Bay Federal Marine Reserves |
WA marine parks

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Gladstone fishing revolves around its expansive harbour and a vast estuary behind Curtis Island, extending to the mouth of the mighty Fitzroy River.

There is a mix of tropical and temperate saltwater species to be had.

Relatively large tides are a feature of the area.

Anglers enjoy access to numerous tidal rivers and creeks, usually abundant with fish, prawns, and mud crabs.

Consecutive wet years tend to improve the fishing in the estuaries.

Big barramundi and threadfin salmon are regularly caught around Gladstone, particularly near the Fitzroy side of the harbour.

The harbour also offers a diverse catch, including jewfish, grunter, fingermark, pikey and yellowfin bream, cod, queenfish, golden trevally, and coral trout. Seasonal visitors include mackerel and longtail tuna.

Flathead, bream, blue salmon, and whiting thrive in the flats and creeks. Beaches and nearby islands yield high-quality whiting (summer and winter varieties).

Offshore, anglers target a mix of southern and tropical species at close spots like Rock Cod Shoals.

In deeper waters (40m+), red emperor and nannygai are common, along with other Great Barrier Reef species.

Gladstone’s detailed nautical charts mark popular fishing spots like Rock Cod Shoals, making them easy to locate. Shallow inshore reefs are ideal for emperor, redthroat emperor, coral trout, and southern pink snapper, alongside pelagic species such as yellowtail kingfish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel.

Estuaries feature coexisting southern and northern jewfish, as well as southern and northern bream. For whiting fishing, Southend Beach, Farmers Point, Facing Island’s inside, and Jenny Lind Creek offer superb opportunities.

Freshwater anglers will find Lake Awoonga an excellent barramundi impoundment, alongside redclaw crayfish. Other freshwater fishing spots include Lake Tondoon, Lake Callemondah, the Railway Dam, Wilmott Lagoon, and the Calliope River’s upper reaches.

Lake Awoonga’s barramundi occasionally escape during floods, boosting harbour fishing opportunities. Tagged wild barramundi from the Fitzroy River have also been caught in Gladstone Harbour, showcasing the species’ migration patterns.

Land-Based Fishing Spots

While fishing from shore, remain mindful of saltwater crocodiles in Gladstone waters.

Power Station Hot Water Outlet: Target warmth-loving barramundi in winter using heavy gear. Located off Hanson Road, turn left before the bridge.

The Marina: A hotspot for coral trout, mangrove jacks, barramundi, and trevally.

Auckland Creek: This tidal inlet offers jetties and wharves where you can catch barramundi, blue salmon, queenfish, mangrove jacks, cod, and trevally. Cast nets work well for bait like sardines and prawns.

Lilleys Beach: Known for whiting (summer and winter), blue salmon, queenfish, flathead, bream, and mackerel. A permit is required to drive on this beach.

Benaraby Bridge: Great for barramundi, blue salmon, flathead, and trevally. The south bank has a free camping area.

The Narrows: Barramundi, salmon, and bream are best caught on the upper tide.

Turkey Beach: Offers fishing for various species. A boat is recommended for better access to nearby Jenny Lind Creek, a top-notch whiting fishery.

Gladstone hosts the annual Boyne Tannum Hookup, a major fishing competition.

Fishing in Gladstone

Seasons

Fishing is primarily tropical, with barramundi activity peaking in warm weather, considering Queensland’s tidal water closed seasons. Jacks, mud crabs, and prawns are best in summer, while pink snapper and nannygai shine in winter.

Tides and Weather

With tides exceeding 5m, fishing drain mouths during low tides can be effective. Smaller tides suit trolling and pelagic fishing, while larger tides favor reef fish offshore.

Bait and Tackle

Heavy gear is essential for jewfish and reef fish, with fresh bait preferred. Lure fishing works well for barramundi, requiring 15kg braid due to the potential for big catches. Lighter tackle is suitable for spinning.

Gladstone Tides |
Lake Awoonga |
QLD Dam Levels |
QLD Fishing Regulations |
QLD Marine Parks |
GBRMPA Marine Parks |
Return to Queensland Fishing Map

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Shark Bay’s Steep Point rock platform is one of Australia’s premier land-based fishing destinations.

This dramatic cliff face plunges into deep water at the entrance to Shark Bay. Across the channel is Dirk Hartog Island, accessible via vehicular ferry.

Steep Point attracts experienced anglers who come equipped to handle its big game opportunities. Whales often swim past, while large Spanish mackerel, billfish, snapper, yellowtail kingfish, and tailor are common catches.

Cliff gaffs and balloon fishing techniques are standard, though lure and bait casting are also effective. Proper footwear is essential, and wearing a life preserver is strongly advised. However, many visiting anglers neglect this precaution. Due to the hazardous conditions, Steep Point is not suitable for children.

False Entrance
Just 7km from Steep Point, False Entrance offers similar fishing opportunities with its own challenges. The rocky platform here is rougher, the cliffs higher, and timing swells is critical for gaffing. The nearby beach is excellent for tailor and mulloway, particularly in the evening. Camping here requires the same permit and bookings as Steep Point.

Shelter Bay
Shelter Bay, near Steep Point, is a hub for camping, launching, and mooring. The nearby sandspit offers great beach fishing opportunities, especially for tailor and silver drummer. However, beware of aggressive norwest blowies when wading.

Access and Permits
Camping at Steep Point and Shelter Bay is managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Advance bookings are necessary due to high demand. Access requires a 4WD vehicle due to soft sand patches, and beach launching is often needed.

Bait, Lures & Tackle
– Popular Rigs: Pilchard baits on ganged hooks and balloon setups are ideal for Spanish mackerel.
– Gear: Strong surf rods and drop gaffs are essential.
– Baits: Fresh squid, prawns, bluebait, and whitebait are effective.
– Challenges: Expect gear losses when bottom fishing on rocky terrain.

Weather & Tides
Shark Bay experiences small tidal movements, though tidal rips and standing waves can occur. The region is known for strong afternoon sea breezes, particularly in summer. Optimal boating conditions occur between June and October.

Special Features
Steep Point offers a rare chance at billfish from the rocks, but the main attraction is big Spanish mackerel. Inside the bay, anglers can catch tailor, bonito, queenfish, trevally, and emperor. Boat fishing yields pink snapper, which have recovered well after historical overfishing. Special snapper rules apply to protect stocks.

Squid are abundant over seagrass beds, while emperor fish are found near reef patches.

Shark Bay tides and weather |
Book camping at Steep Point or Shelter Bay |
WA fishing regulations |
Shark Bay Marine Park |
Shark Bay Federal Marine Reserves |
Return to WA Fishing Map

Email corrections, additions, pictures, or video here.