Gladstone has some excellent landbased fishing locations for a range of species.
Local tides are quite large, exceeding 5m, so landbased fishing is mostly done around high tide.
Expect to catch a mix of tropical and sub-tropical species.
Big barramundi and threadfin salmon are realistic targets, with whiting, flathead and bream also popular among local fishos.
Mangrove jacks, cod, queenfish and trevally can all be taken by landbased fishos.
When fishing from land around Gladstone, keep in mind that saltwater crocodiles exist here and they can show up almost anywhere.
Rock walls are arguably the best landbased fishing spots around Gladstone, with the broadest range of species, but local beaches also produce fish.
Here are some local landbased spots to get you started.
Power station hot water outlet – fishos target warmth-loving barramundi in winter in the warm water outflow. This is a big-fish location so use heavy gear. Follow Hanson Road towards the NRG Power Station and turn left before the bridge.
The marina – coral trout are caught here, along with many other species, including mangrove jacks , barramundi and trevally.
Auckland Creek – this tidal inlet has several jetties, wharves and other structures. Barramundi, blue salmon, queenfish, mangrove jacks , cod, trevally and barramundi. Use cast net catch local sardines, mullet and prawns for bait.
Lilleys Beach – this beach has summer and winter whiting, blue salmon, queenfish, flathead, bream and mackerel. A permit is needed to drive on this beach.
​Benaraby Bridge – barramundi, blue salmon, queenfish, flathead, bream, trevally, mangrove jacks on the downstream side. Upstream has mainly mangrove jacks and tarpon. There is a free camping ground on the south bank of the Boyne River. Access off Gladstone Benaraby Road and after the Caltex Service Station.
The Narrows – better fished by boat, but barramundi, salmon and bream can be caught here from the shore on the upper tide.
Turkey Beach – this community is south of Gladstone. There is fishing to be had off the sheltered beach around high tide for most local species, but a boat is a better option. Jenny Lind Creek is to the east and is a superb whiting fishery.
Gladstone has a popular annual fishing competition called the Boyne Tannum Hookup.
Gladstone fishing is tropical, with barramundi activity best in warm weather, keeping in mind the Queensland closed season that applies to tidal waters.
Jacks, mud crabs and golden snapper (fingermark) are also best in summer.
Grunter and bream are caught all year.
Blue salmon are also caught all year, usually on the rising tide. They show up almost everywhere, sometimes in numbers.
When Lake Awoonga floods the big barra escape and make their way down the Boyne River, and the fishing goes silly, with landbased fishos getting a share of the big fish.
Eventually the fish disperse throughout the harbour.
Gladstone tides
Lake Awoonga
QLD dam levels
QLD stocked waters
QLD fishing regulations
QLD marine parks
GBRMPA marine parks
Return to Queensland Fishing Map
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