1. Book a fishing trip

Fortunately anytime of the year is great for deep sea fishing in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast. Discover a wide variety of fish species by booking a half-day deep sea fishing trip which takes you up to six nautical miles off the coast. A full day deep sea fishing trip or night fishing trip is also available for the more adventurous fisherman looking to explore the deep sea reefs or target light game. The advantages of booking a fishing trip are:

• Fishing with fellow fishermen (groups are limited to a maximum of seven).
• Fishing with a skipper who owns the boat and knows where the fish are.
• All fishermen are provided with high quality spinning reels and rods spooled with 50lb braid.

2. Preparing for a deep sea fishing trip

Most charters will be equipped with licenses, rods and bait and life jackets. All you need to do is show up on time ready to fish and (make the necessary payment). When booking your tour, enquire if there is anything else that you should bring along. Remember to dress appropriately as it can get quite chilly out at sea. Wear good quality Polaroid glasses as it cuts the reflection of sunlight off the water and makes it easier to clearly identify any changes in water colour. It also assist in better identification of schooling fish such as salmon or bait-fish, gutters, reef or, weedy outcrops.

3. Choose your fishing spots

Changing sea conditions and weather patterns means that fishermen can expect (pleasant) surprises during every fishing trip. Some species tend to dominate certain areas of the Australian coast. Fish tend to populate certain areas quite close to the shoreline. Sometimes they can be right out the back of the location you are fishing or closer than anticipated. Knowing your fishing spot can help you determine how far from the coast or how close to the shoreline you should remain.

5. Choose a fishing method

Your method will depend on the area you’re fishing and the type of the fish you hope to catch usually under the guidance of an experienced captain. The following are the most popular methods:

• Trolling: Your line is dragged deep, along the ocean floor using a weighted line and is used for fishing shallower waters to attract grouper and smaller fish.
• Chumming: Is used to attract larger fish. Chumming involves leaving baited lines in the water, then throwing chunks of bait into the area to attract numerous fish and attempt to create a frenzy.
• Cast a line up current: When signs suggest there will be large fish in an area cast a line slightly up current, let it come back to the area and let the fish take the bait. Reel in and recast as necessary.
• Keep your lines as straight as possible, as the boat turns: DO NOT cross lines with anyone. If they get crossed and someone gets a fish on the hook, you will both start reeling your lines and cause a tangle, which will be very difficult to get loose without losing the fish.

5. Finally let the crew help you bring in your catch.

Large game fish can be difficult to reel in, so it’s important to listen to specific instructions and do as you’re told. Assistants may help to set the lure and let you do the hard muscle work, or they may have other ways of working. Just listen closely and stay out of the way, if you can’t help. Also remember that when keeping fish, ensure you are within your legal rights and be aware of conservation and not keeping any endangered fish.