An angler’s guide to where to fish in Hervey Bay
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By Sarah Bristow
Fishing fanatic? Then you’ll be familiar with the Fraser Coast, a picturesque stretch of beaches rife with angling opportunities and famous for it. Hervey Bay and its neighbour K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) are nothing short of a fishing haven thanks to the diversity of its waters and fish species. There’s also little competition for your catch - the Fraser Coast boasts a strong marine protection status, with commercial fishing largely banned.
There are simply too many fish species present to name them all but try your luck with barramundi or mangrove jack in the web of estuaries present, or coral trout and snapper from the many piers straddling the coastline. Not to mention K'gari is also well-regarded as one of the best places to fish for blue, black, and striped marlin in Australia.
Not sure where to start? The below guide will walk you through where to fish in Hervey Bay and its surrounds.
The pier
Photo by @KristaEppelstun
There’s conveniently no shortage of piers in these parts, which is partly why the fishing is so good. An impressive collection of piers stretching across Hervey Bay to neighbouring K'gari and beyond remain popular amongst anglers as an easy way to access the thriving fish population of the region's salty depths.
Among them Urangan Pier is the stand-out as one of the best places to fish in Hervey Bay. Stretching 868 metres into the sea from Hervey Bay, the timber landmark has long been a favourite of eager fishermen, no matter the time of day or type of tide.
On K'gari, the landing spot of Kingfisher Bay Resort is almost as popular. The pier here may be small but what it lacks in size it makes up for in fishing potential. As an added bonus it’s also home to a space for renting fishing gear should you be lacking.
The beach
Photo by @celestemitchell
Don’t miss out on the chance to throw in a line straight off the beach, utilising the seemingly endless stretches of sand that call the Fraser Coast home. Beach fishing is all the rage in these parts (especially when it comes to tailor) - on the mainland Torquay and Coonarr are two of the most popular places to throw in a line without the added hassle of making it over to Fraser Island.
Though if you do make it to K'gari you’ll be rewarded with the chance to enjoy some offroading. With your 4WD make way for the rugged 75-mile Beach on K'gari, where fishing on shore is welcomed. Don’t boast your own 4WD? No matter. Turn to the likes of Safari 4WD Hire, Fraser Magic 4WD Hire, Fraser Dingo Four Wheel Drive Hire and Atlas 4WD Hire for all your off-roading needs, permits and accommodation included.
The operators
Photo by @enzosonthebeach
If you don’t have your own fair share of fishing or camping gear, or simply don’t want to DIY you don’t have to. There are a reliable group of operators happy to do the hard work for you when it comes to organising a fishing getaway on the Fraser Coast.
Take a pre-organised tour with experienced locals Hervey Bay Fly and Sport Fishing, or settle in for a longer stay slightly further afield with the self-contained Fraser Island Fishing Units in the prime position of much acclaimed Indian Head. There are similarly plenty of places to rent a boat for the day should you wish to take to the high seas with the family in tow - Boab Boat Hire has long been a local favourite.
At worst rest assured that there’s an alternative should your fishing prove unfruitful. The Fraser Coast is teeming with seafood-focused restaurants, from the award-winning Coast Restaurant to Enzo’s on the Beach.
