In my opinion, not much beats the adrenaline surge of a surface strike from a powerful fish. Over the last few weeks I have introduced my young boys to surface fishing for queenfish. Using small 3 inch surface poppers, light line, rods and reels makes for fantastic sports fishing. And, I can safely say, they are both now completely addicted to it.
Known for their speed, aerial acrobatics, and aggressive nature. Queenfish, or ‘queenies,’ offer a thrilling angling experience in the tropical waters of Hervey Bay and around Fraser Island. This guide will delve into the tactics, techniques, and offer local tips for catching these formidable sportfish using surface lures.
Understanding the Queenfish
Getting acquainted with your target species is fundamental to successful angling. The queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) is a high-speed predator, native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Northern Australia’s warm waters. These fish are distinguished by their large, elongated bodies, razor-sharp teeth, and powerful tails. Making them an exciting challenge for sportfish enthusiasts.
Queenfish thrive in a variety of habitats, from offshore reefs to inshore flats and estuaries. They’re notable for their unique top-water feeding style, often spectacularly launching themselves out of the water when chasing baitfish. This predatory behavior makes them an excellent target for surface lure fishing.
We also find that queenfish sizes vary greatly during May to July in our local waters. It is not uncommon to be fighting smaller 50 to 60cm queenfish. Then all of a sudden to have a metre plus queenfish join the party. As such your gear must be robust enough to deal with this.
Essential Gear for Queenfish Fishing
Successfully fishing for queenfish starts with equipping yourself with the right fishing gear. A medium rated spinning outfit is recommended for this pursuit. A rod around 7-8 feet long, paired with a 4000-5000 size reel and a 10-20lb line rating. Offers sufficient casting distance and power to handle these hard-fighting fish.
Opt for a high-quality braided line for its sensitivity and minimal stretch. Allowing you to feel every bite and achieve better hook-up rates. A durable 20-40lb fluorocarbon leader is a must to withstand queenfish’s sharp teeth and vigorous fights.
Choosing the Right Surface Lure
Queenfish are aggressive predators, and the right lure can make all the difference in drawing a strike. Poppers and stick baits are particularly effective when targeting queenfish on the surface. Poppers create a ‘pop’ or ‘bloop’ when retrieved. Mimicking an injured baitfish, while stick baits imitate the action of a fleeing fish. Selecting a lure that generates ample water disturbance and combining it with a suitable retrieval technique. Can trigger aggressive strikes from these voracious feeders.
As mentioned we favour smaller poppers with a profile approx. 3 inches or 90mm in length. I have experimented with running double treble hooks and also single hooks on surface lures. I have found no significant difference between either regarding hook up rates. However, what I do notice is the damage to the fish. Trebles definitely cause more damage mainly due to the aerial acrobatics, and aggressive fight put up by queenfish. If you are mainly fishing ‘catch & release’. Perhaps consider using single hooks on your lures to ensure the fish is released as healthy as possible.
The Art of Queenfish Fishing
Queenfish fishing is relatively straightforward but requires practice. Cast your lure near suspected queenfish hotspots – such as shallow reefs, drop-offs, pressure points or areas teeming with baitfish. Let the lure rest momentarily after it hits the water; this pause often piques the curiosity of nearby queenfish.
The retrieval process is crucial. For poppers, a consistent, rhythmic retrieval with sporadic pauses often works best. Remember to keep your rod tip low. Stick baits, on the other hand, require a ‘walk the dog’ action on the surface. Don’t lose heart if a queenfish misses the lure on the first strike. These fish are known for their persistence and often hit the lure multiple times before getting hooked.
Often, you will see a large water disturbance or ‘bubble’ behind your lure as a predator comes in close to attack your lure but turns away at the last moment. It is this visual tease which makes surface fishing so addictive. Turning that ‘bubble’ into a foaming splash of white water as a queenfish inhales your lure, turns and takes off is the challenge!
Exploring Queenfish Hotspots: Hervey Bay and Fraser Island
For those of you wishing to tackle a queenfish in and around Hervey Bay or Fraser Island. We find queenfish in our waters all year round. However, they seem to move in closer and become more commonly caught around rocky head lands and close in shallow reefs during the May – July period.
Hervey Bay: The Fishing Mecca
Hervey Bay, with its clear waters, diverse underwater structures, and plentiful baitfish, is a prominent sports fishing destination. The shallow flats and areas around the Urangan Pier are particularly popular and sightings of large schools of queenfish are not uncommon. Remember to consider the tidal movement, as queenfish are known to follow the tides. High tide often pushes baitfish towards the shore and or structure with queenfish in hot pursuit. Casting surface lures during the incoming tide near structures or drop-offs can significantly improve your catch rate.
Fraser Island: A Dream Destination for Anglers
Across the Great Sandy Strait from Hervey Bay lies Fraser Island. The world’s largest sand island and a dream destination for anglers. The western side of the island features sandy straits, deep channels, and various ledges, forming an ideal queenfish habitat.
Large tidal movements around the island stir up nutrients, attracting baitfish and consequently predatory fish such as queenfish. Areas like Sandy Cape and the flats surrounding Wathumba Creek are particularly noted for queenfish encounters. A trip to Fraser Island also offers a unique opportunity to camp along the shoreline, presenting the chance to experience the thrill of a sunrise queenfish bite.
Local Tips and Tricks
Incorporating local knowledge into your angling strategy can be a game-changer. Here are a few tips to boost your queenfish fishing success around Hervey Bay and Fraser Island:
Watch for Bird Activity: Diving birds often indicate baitfish presence, and where there are baitfish, there are likely to be queenfish.
Follow the Current: Queenfish instinctively congregate in currents where baitfish often amass. Casting your lure into the current and retrieving it across pressure points of intersecting currents, with the flow can trigger a strike.
Conclusion
Fishing for queenfish using surface lures around Hervey Bay and Fraser Island is a thrilling pursuit filled with anticipation, excitement, and the potential for some unforgettable catches. However, remember that successful queenfish angling is not only about landing a trophy fish. It’s about understanding your target, respecting the ecosystem, and appreciating the journey.
So gear up, pick your spot, and get ready for an exhilarating battle with one of Australia’s most spectacular sportfish. Tight lines, and stay safe out there!