08/10/2026
GOLD COAST ESTUARY FISHING REPORT by Clint
9 October 2026
Sand whiting are increasing in both numbers and size, spreading throughout the Broadwater around Crab Island, Runaway Bay, Southport, Labrador and Currigee.
From now until March, these summer whiting are a fantastic target from the boat or while wading the flats. The key is finding corrugated sandy gutters or submerged yabby banks. Fish over 30 cm are great fun on light tackle and superb eating!
In Queensland, sand whiting have a minimum legal size of 23 cm and a possession limit of 30 per person, combined with goldenline and northern whiting. Personally, I don’t see any need to bag out. Catch a feed, explore new areas and keep moving rather than fishing the same spots over and over.
Flathead fishing has been patchy, with a noticeable lack of baitfish for many months now. I’ll keep targeting them on lures for another month or so, unless we get a decent amount of rain and I change plans.
There are heaps of good sized winter whiting in the channels. They’re easy to catch on blade vibes and bait, making them a fun option for a feed. Plenty of bigger bream and tarwhine have also turned up around Crab and Sovereign islands.
As always, I’ve been flat out with charters, working 20 of the past 22 days, with another busy few weeks ahead. There’s no quiet season on the Gold Coast!
Upcoming options include five hour morning charters, three hour afternoon charters and seven hour wading trips targeting big whiting and flathead.
WADING SEASON CHARTER AVAILABILITY
October: 18, 19, 20 and 21
November: 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 19
December: 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18 and 19
If you’d like to learn how to find productive flats, target big whiting on light tackle and explore new fishing areas, come along for a wading trip.
To book, text Clint on 0432 990 302.
Gold Coast River Charters
www.goldcoastrivercharters.com
To book a charter with Clint
SMS 0432 990 302 anytime.
Charter options this coming week:
Gold Coast:
For wading charters SMS Clint 0432 990 302 anytime,
Or book instantly here:
bookeo.com/fishing
Or SMS 0432 990 302 to book your charter adventure!
Useful links:
Buy estuary fishing tips and secrets ebook:
https://payhip.com/b/V0Lwe
Subscribe to youtube channel:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UClkPb52-hCxcfI3isXgVLIw
Gold Coast seaway tides:
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/ #!/qld-gold-coast-seaway
Gold Coast weather:
Seabreeze:
https://www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/qld-gold-coast
Surfers Paradise:
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/surfers-paradise.shtml
Gold Coast marine waters:
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/gold-coast-waters.shtml
Rain radar:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml
Finally a huge shout out and thanks to our sponsors, preferred brands and suppliers:
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
JML
Ecogear
MMD Fishing
My Lure Box
Sax scent
Cheers
Clinto
SMS 0432 990 302 to book your charter adventure!
