GOLD COAST ESTUARY FISHING REPORT by Clint
13 April 2026
It’s been great to see the fishing fire up again across the Broadwater over the past week, with a noticeable lift in both numbers and species variety. We are right in that classic change of seasons window now, with a mix of summer and winter species showing up in the same sessions.
Squid have started to appear, along with pan size flathead and some quality flounder, all good signs that the cooler months are kicking into gear. The fishing on vibes has really taken off, especially around the reefy channels just north of the Seaway, Runaway Bay, and along South Stradbroke Island, as well as across the shallow flats.
Lures like Ecogear ZX40 and Samaki Vibelicious have been standout performers. Fished on light tackle, they are an absolute weapon and easily one of the most fun ways to fish right now. The strike rate has been excellent, and the variety is incredible. Just about everything in the Broadwater is having a crack at them.
Across my charters this week, we landed an impressive 26 different species:
Arrow squid
Bartail flathead
Barred grunter
Bream
Butter bream
Dusky flathead
Estuary cod
Flounder
Flutemouth
Fringe eye flathead
Gold line whiting
Grassy emperor
Grinner
Moses perch
Nannegai
Queenfish
Sand whiting
Seatoad
Snapper
Spangled emperor
Striped perch
Tailor
Tarwhine
Tealeaf trevally
Tuskfish
Winter whiting
Looking ahead, the outlook for winter is shaping up very nicely. With the relatively dry summer we’ve had, water clarity is excellent, which usually sets us up for a strong squid season. Along with that, we can expect some quality flathead, flounder, tuskfish, tailor, and solid numbers of winter whiting in the coming weeks.
Availability update:
Tuesday 14 April is my last remaining spot for next week, with the next availability on 22 April.
If you want to lock in a trip, send me a message anytime on 0432 990 302.
Charter options:
Gold Coast estuary and wading charters available
To book:
SMS Clint on 0432 990 302
Or book instantly here:
bookeo.com/fishing
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Useful links
YouTube:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UClkPb52-hCxcfI3isXgVLIw
Tides:
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-gold-coast-seaway
Weather:
https://www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/qld-gold-coast
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/surfers-paradise.shtml
Marine forecast:
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/gold-coast-waters.shtml
Rain radar:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml
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Big thanks to our sponsors and supporters:
Jarvis Walker Watersnake
Ark Corp
Step Outside with Paul Burt
Samaki
Sporty’s Fishing
S Tackle
Holt Productions
Yamaha Motor Australia
Gomexus
Tackle Tactics
Rapala
Crush City
Zman Australia
Spotters Sunglasses
JML
Ecogear
MMD Fishing
My Lure Box
Sax Scent
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Cheers,
Clinto
0432 990 302
SMS anytime to book your next fishing adventure!
