Nestled along the stunning Sunshine Coast coastline, Noosa offers access to a range of world-class offshore fishing sites. With spectacular weather year-round and a diverse range of fish species calling Noosa’s waters home, offshore fishing in Noosa is second to none.
As one of the top fishing destinations among keen anglers, here’s why you should make Noosa your next fishing adventure destination.
What makes offshore fishing in Noosa so special?
There are plenty of reasons to make Noosa your next fishing destination. Firstly, the subtropical waters located off Noosa offer rich marine biodiversity with a range of fish species that make for great fishing. You can expect to hook snapper, coral trout, mackerel, tuna and marlin.
Besides the variety of fish species, there’s also a range of world-class fishing spots to cast a line from. North Reef, Barwon Banks and Jew Shoal offer exceptional reef fishing opportunities, but there are also plenty of drop-offs and open water fishing spots that make for a good catch too. If you book an offshore fishing charter with Noosa Bluewater Charters, our experienced skippers will take you to the best fishing spot based on that day’s conditions.
And to top that all off, Noosa offers excellent fishing conditions year-round, making planning your next offshore fishing adventure even easier.
Best spots for offshore fishing in Noosa
There are plenty of exceptional spots to land an outstanding catch off the coast of Noosa. Some of our favourites include:
- Noosa Canyons: These deep underwater structures are known for attracting large, predatory fish. The offshore canyons provide the ideal baitfish habitat, luring in marlin and sailfish species.
- Sunshine Reef: Just 10kms off the Noosa Bar, Sunshine Reef is home to a diverse collection of marine life. Featuring scattered boulders, coral bommies and sandy patches, this rich ecosystem attracts a number of species, including kingfish, mackerel, tuna, snapper, pearl perch, parrotfish, cobia, spangled emperor, grass sweetlip and trout.
- North Reef: Set in roughly 45m of water, North Reef is home to various reef-dwelling species, while also attracting different seasonal species throughout the year. The reef is a hotspot for pink snapper during winter, while summer months see an influx of Spanish mackerel.
- Double Island Point: Double Island Point is a firm favourite among beach fishers, but it also offers excellent offshore fishing opportunities. The large gutters are home to baitfish, which draw in diverse fish populations. You can expect to catch species like golden trevally, mackerel, longtail tuna, jewfish, bream and tailor just off the coast of the Noosa Northshore.
What you can catch: Target species
Noosa’s coastal waters are home to a diverse range of fish species. No matter the season, you can expect to find cod, parrotfish, grassy sweetlip, morwong and trevally, especially on the reefs. That said, a few key fish species tend to run hot during different seasons.
Here’s a quick overview of what’s biting throughout the year so you can plan your next fishing holiday in Noosa.
Summer (December – February)
Warm waters bring in fast pelagics and game fish. Set off early in the morning to beat the heat and target fish during peak feeding times. It’s also worth noting that the wet season typically coincides with the summer months, lasting from December through to May. Here’s what you could hook during a summer fishing adventure:
- Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Wahoo
- Marlin (black and blue)
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin tuna
- Cobia
Autumn (March – May)
A transitional season with a mix of reef and pelagic species. Autumn is often considered one of the best times to plan a fishing trip in Noosa, with warm days and mild evenings. Here’s what biting:
- Spanish and spotted mackerel
- Snapper
- Pearl perch
- Longtail tuna
- Amberjack and kingfish
- Cobia
Winter (June – August)
Winter in Noosa brings with it cooler weather, crisp mornings and crystal-clear water, making it a prime time for reef fishing and cooler-water species:
- Snapper
- Pearl perch
- Tuskfish
- Moses perch, red emperor and grass sweetlip
- Jewfish (mulloway)
- Cod and coral trout
Spring (September – November)
As the conditions start to heat up and warmer currents return, fish become more active. The warmer waters also attract early pelagics. Rainfall is at its lowest in September, so you’ve got a better chance of enjoying a sunny day for your day on the water. Here’s what you could land:
- Mackerel (early run of spotties)
- Tuna (mac and longtail)
- Snapper and pearl perch
- Cobia
- Wahoo and mahi-mahi
Planning your offshore fishing trip
When it comes to planning your Noosa fishing adventure, preparation is key. Noosa is an offshore fishing hotspot year-round, but if you’re chasing a particular species, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with some of the seasonal catches you can expect off the coast. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the weather patterns at that time of year, too.
Whether you’re a first-timer or you don’t have a boat or the right gear for an offshore fishing trip, booking a charter through a local company can be a great way to get the most out of your next adventure. As Noosa’s first and longest serving deep sea fishing charter company, the team at Noosa Bluewater Charters have the knowledge, experience and equipment to provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience.
Why choose Noosa Bluewater Charters for your next offshore fishing adventure?
Great weather, phenomenal scenery and loads of fish, offshore fishing in Noosa has it all, any time of year. To experience the best offshore fishing in Noosa, you can’t go past Noosa Bluewater Charters. With three incredible offshore fishing charter options to choose from, you’re sure to find an adventure that works for you.
Our custom-built charter vessels, Cougar One, Trekka 2 and Wild Thing 2 can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 12. We offer a full service experience, including rods, bait, food and snacks, as well as an experienced skipper and hands-on decky. We’ll even clean up your catch after the charter so it’s ready to take home for a feed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, book now and join us for an epic fishing adventure.
