Anglers in Woody Point are reporting productive catches this July, with diver whiting, mac tuna, and flathead proving active in the surrounding Moreton Bay waters.
Inshore Species Active in Local Waters
Diver whiting continue to be a reliable catch in Moreton Bay’s western areas, with Cockle Banks near Scarborough and waters off the Redcliffe Peninsula yielding steady numbers. Commonly referred to as winter whiting, these fish are caught year-round but appear in greater numbers during winter. Bloodworms and squid strips remain effective bait, with drifting techniques used to locate active schools. A possession limit of 50 per person applies, with no minimum size.
Snapper are still present on inshore reefs around Redcliffe following rainfall from previous months. Clear water conditions make nighttime fishing preferable, although soft plastics are also effective during the day. A seasonal closure for snapper and pearl perch applies from 15 July to 15 August across Queensland tidal waters.
Tuna Sightings Near Woody Point Jetty
Pelagic species, particularly mac tuna and longtail tuna, are visible across the bay, especially where bait fish are present. These species are being caught by anglers casting metal slugs into surface feeding schools, with caution advised to prevent spooking. Mac tuna have been regularly landed from land-based locations, including Woody Point Jetty and Shorncliffe Pier, marking a strong season so far.
Land-Based Fishing Options Expand
Flathead, tailor and bream remain key targets for estuary and shoreline anglers. The Pine River, Hays Inlet, and the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge fishing platform are reliable locations. Flathead are responding to both live bait and artificial lures, while bream are active during evening high tides. Tailor activity has increased around Redcliffe, with yellowtail pike caught near jetties being used as effective bait.
Tiger squid are also in season, with land-based night fishers advised to carry squid jigs. Redcliffe is noted as one of the best locations to target squid during July, with the species’ colour-changing ability attributed to skin chromatophores.
Offshore and Surf Conditions
On Moreton Island’s surf beaches, bream, tarwhine and swallowtail dart are common, particularly in deeper gutters with active whitewash. Dart respond well to yabbies, eugaries, prawns and worms. Sinkers should be adjusted based on surf conditions to improve bait presentation.
Tailor are appearing in higher numbers along the surf, driven by their northern spawning migration. Bonito and garfish baits used at night yield larger specimens. Pilchards and metal lures are also effective during daylight. Offshore fishing must shift away from snapper and pearl perch due to the month-long closure. Other available reef species include teraglin, venus tuskfish and silver trevally.
Looking Ahead
Fishing conditions in and around Woody Point remain favourable this July, with various species available across inshore, estuary and surf areas. Anglers are reminded of seasonal closures and encouraged to adjust techniques based on water clarity, bait movement and time of day.
Published 10-July-2025