Winter is simply a magical time to visit K’gari – Fraser Island, Australia. Generally speaking, the weather is calmer and much cooler than in Summer. The sand flies (midges) are far less of a problem and the cooler weather seems to scare people away. So, the beaches and accommodation options are less crowded!
But, it’s not just because of the cooler, calmer weather and stunning scenery. This time of year is also the ideal time for fishing. With Tailor and Jewfish (Mulloway) being two of the most popular game fish to catch.
Tailor Fishing
Tailor are a highly sought-after species for anglers due to their aggressive feeding behavior and hard-fighting nature. These fish can grow well over 60cm in length and weigh over 3kg, making them a challenging catch while beach fishing. Tailor typically migrate from cooler southern waters to the warmer waters on the eastern side of K’gari – Fraser Island during winter to feed on baitfish like mullet and herring.
One of the best techniques to catch Tailor is surfcasting while beach fishing. This involves casting a baited hook into the surf from the beach and waiting for the Tailor to take the bait. Sounds simple !! However, there is a bit more to it. You need to ensure you target the correct areas, namely beach gutters. Below is a fishing video we made last season showing techniques and detailed explanations of areas to target.
Metal Jigs
Spinning with lures and beach jigging are other popular techniques for catching Tailor. Lures that mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish are the most effective. As mentioned in the above and again the below video, we have found the Major Craft Jig Para range of lures highly effective.
The Mighty Mulloway
Mulloway, also known as Jewfish or Soapies, are another prized game fish that migrate to Fraser Island during winter. These fish can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh over 50kg, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. Mulloway are known to feed at night and are often found in deeper waters.
Live bait is the preferred choice for catching Mulloway, with mullet, herring, and squid being popular options. A running sinker rig is often used when fishing for Mulloway. This consists of a hook tied to a leader that is attached to a swivel. A sinker is then threaded onto the main line above the swivel. The weight of the sinker should be adjusted based on the depth of the water and the strength of the current.
Lure fishing for Mulloway can also be effective. Large soft plastics and hard-bodied lures that mimic the appearance of baitfish are the most popular choices. Lures should be cast and retrieved slowly to imitate the natural movement of the Mulloway’s prey.
Other Species
While Tailor and Mulloway are the two most popular game fish to catch on Fraser Island during winter, there are many other species of fish that can be caught. Bream, Whiting, and Flathead are all commonly caught throughout the year. In the below video you can watch how we go about catching some fat, healthy K’gari – Fraser Island whiting from the beach.
Understand The Rules
When planning a fishing trip to Fraser Island, it’s important to be aware of local fishing regulations and restrictions. Some areas may be closed to fishing or have specific bag limits and size restrictions for certain species of fish.
Taking fin fish is prohibited in the following area from 1 August to 29 September: Fraser Island: eastern foreshore waters and waters within 400 m out to sea from the eastern shore at low water, between 400 m north of Waddy Point and 400 m south of Indian Head.
Please note: This closure applies to the taking of fin fish only. Fishers can collect worms and pipis by hand in this area during the closure.
Accommodation on Fraser Island
We recommend staying at either Sailfish on Fraser, The Happy Valley Retreat or K’gari Beach Resort while on Fraser Island. But of course the choice is yours – here is a helpful link to search for available accommodation on K’gari – Fraser Island.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, winter is a fantastic time to visit K’gari – Fraser Island, with calm weather and prime fishing opportunities for Tailor and Mulloway. Surf fishing and spinning with metal lures are effective techniques for catching Tailor. While live bait and lures are popular choices for Mulloway. Remember to be mindful of local regulations and to practice sustainable fishing practices to ensure that the fishing opportunities on Fraser Island remain abundant for future generations.