The goal of fishing with kids is for them to actually catch a fish, that’s usually more exciting than the eating of it. So if the kids are bugging you to take them fishing, but the thought of standing around for hours waiting for a bite doesn’t appeal, here are some places where it’s not too hard to hook something.
Kids and Fishing – What You Need to Know
If your kids are quite small then their attention span is not going to be huge. In short they’ll get bored quickly, especially if nothing’s biting, so don’t plan to be out all day, aim for a short excursion. When it comes to equipment, the same rule applies, simple techniques, tackle and bait are best to keep them from getting dazed and confused.
Install conservation habits in them from an early age, teaching them about catching and releasing tiddlers and keeping only what you can eat. You can check current rules and regulations on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Lastly make sure they’re protected from sunburn with sunscreen and protective clothing, and keep them well fed and watered with snacks and drinks.
Here are some of our favourite Brisbane fishing spots to check out with your kids:
Deepwater Bend – Tinchi Tamba Wetlands
Tinchi Tamba Wetlands are a 40 minute drive north of the CBD. The Deepwater Bend area has fishing platforms for safe, easy fishing in these fresh and saltwater wetlands. Flooded mangrove and tidal flats are food-rich environments for bream, flathead and whiting. There is also a playground for kids if they lose interest in fishing.
Cabbage Tree Creek – Shorncliffe
This north Brisbane creek can be accessed at Sinbad Street in Shorncliffe, you can cast in anywhere around here. If you don’t catch anything there are creekside fish vendors selling their catch straight from the boat and Shelley Inn further round in Allpass Parade does great fish and chips.
Nundah Creek/Nudgee Beach – Nudgee
Nudgee has popular spots for fishing with kids. Nundah Creek is tidal so there’s good fishing on both the incoming and outgoing tide. Flathead, bream and jacks can be encountered here. It’s a popular spot for crabbing too if you, or they, have the patience. Nudgee Beach has a boardwalk for fishing in the creek or you can fish near the dog park on O’Quinn street.
Redcliffe Peninsula – North Brisbane
Redcliffe Peninsula, and the beaches from Margate up to Queens/Scarborough are excellent places for kids to fish with the possibility of catching whiting, bream, sole and flathead.
Albert River – Logan
Albert River at the Skinners Park end of Mt Cotton Road. This is a popular place for kids as it’s not too hard to catch yourself something! Albert River Park offer fishing pontoons as well as a boat ramp – along with play equipment for the kids.