Fishing spots across Moreton Bay have surged with activity after Cyclone Alfred churned up the coastline, sparking changes in water clarity and salinity that are already drawing in bream, flathead and tailor, along with eager locals looking to land a catch.
Waterways come alive after the rains
Late March’s storm flushed freshwater into estuaries from Redcliffe to Bramble Bay, stirring bait and drawing bream, flathead and tailor into the shallows. Locals report stronger-than-usual catches near creek mouths and the Ted Smout Bridge.
Cyclone Alfred has stirred up fishing across Moreton Bay, from the upper Pine River to Moreton Island’s rocky edges. Bream are biting near Clontarf and Scarborough at dawn, while flathead are holding near drains. Mulloway are active in deeper holes, especially on the run-out tide.
Blue swimmer crabs are turning up in solid numbers off Brighton and Redcliffe, while mud crabs are on the move through Deception Bay’s creeks. Locals say pots dropped near mangroves have been especially fruitful.
From jetties to reefs, locals finding their stride
Redcliffe reefs and Moreton Island ledges are producing grass sweetlip, squire and javelin fish on the tide change, with estuary cod near structure. Banana prawns are still around Bramble and Deception Bays, especially near tidal drains and creek mouths.
Land-based fishers are seeing tailor return near the Ted Smout Bridge and Clontarf at dusk on high tide. Despite cyclone shifts, whiting, dart and bream are feeding in clearer spots off northern Moreton Island.
Offshore options slowly settling
Offshore fishing has fired up as conditions improve, with snapper and pearl perch active on deeper reefs and Spanish mackerel now being caught near Cape Moreton. The one-per-person or two-per-boat limit remains in place.
Though offshore waters are improving, hazards remain. Locals urge caution, warning of submerged debris, shifting sandbars, and hidden snags near launch sites.
Safety reminders and local know-how
The cyclone left behind debris, shifting sands and hazards, especially in river mouths and creeks and fishers are urged to stay alert. Invasive tilapia have also been spotted and must be killed and properly disposed of under Queensland law.
Tackle shops across Redcliffe, Sandgate and Deception Bay are busy with locals seeking the latest bait, gear and location advice. Staff say the cyclone’s impact has reshaped conditions and opened up new opportunities for switched-on fishers ready to adjust.
Published 11-April-2025