If you’re a keen angler, the fishing options on Straddie are endless; from open ocean rock fishing and beach fishing, to sheltered or open water boat fishing.
The turquoise waters of Moreton Bay, on the western side of Straddie, offer year round smooth water fishing and favourite spots include the retaining rock walls at Amity and the waters off Dunwich.
The eastern side of Straddie is a complete contrast, with beaches and rocky headlands that are open to the elements and at the mercy of the oceans’ ever-changing mood. Over 33 kilometres of pristine surf beach runs the length of the east coast of the Island – from Point Lookout to the north down to Jumpinpin at the southernmost tip. Known by the locals as ‘back beach’, it’s the perfect natural playground for beach fishing, surfing, 4WD adventures, wildlife spotting and back-to-basics bushland camping.
“Over 33 km of pristine surf beach runs the length of the east coast of the Island – from Point Lookout to the north, down to Jumpinpin at the southernmost tip.”
Local fishing legend, Jim Campbell, who owns the only shop on the island for camping & fishing supplies, Straddie Super Sports, gives us his tips for the months leading into Summer.
“Our spanish mackerel season here on Straddie usually starts in November and continues on through the months of December and January. At the same time, tailor are usually on the chew from the Jumpinpin right through to Amity Point. The locations of the schools of tailor are always dependant on the wind direction on the day. Whiting are found on all our beaches in the gutters and in the melon holes. The best bait for whiting are worms, pippies and yabbies’ and all of these baits can be found along the beaches and in our local tackle shop.
Drifting for whiting in Moreton Bay is also a popular pastime at any time of the year. Squid strips, pippies and yabbies are usually favoured by the boaties for whiting. Dart are usually plentiful along our beaches right throughout the year. In my opinion, dart would have to be one of the tastiest fish around (must be bled immediately). Dart will take worms and pippies, but the best bait for the big dart are yabbies, which can be collected from around the Amity Point Basin and around the One Mile area in Dunwich. There are some restricted areas around the island, so check with the authorities before venturing out on a bait collection run. ”
Drop in for a chat with Jim at Straddie Super Sports, 18 Bingle Road, Dunwich (next to the Island Fruit Barn).
If you’re new to fishing but keen to learn from the pro, you can book a day’s fishing with Barefoot Dave at Straddie Kingfisher Tours. Dave will take care of everything, including pick up, and promises you a day to remember.
It’s these fun back-to-nature pursuits of Straddie, like fishing and 4WD beach adventures, that inspired our Mid Track Session Ale. Malt complexity and classic English and Australian hops, with the balance and subtlety to deliver high range flavor but low range alcohol (2.8% abv), allowing you to take the easy track to get where you’re going, safe and sound. Planned release for Mid Track Session Ale – early 2021. Stay tuned.
Celebrating the Straddie summer (and Mid Track Session Ale), we’ve developed our own Straddie Brewing Co branded fishing shirts (UPV 50+). Check them out on our webshop and order now for early December delivery. Christmas present sorted. Cheers to that!
