Gold Coast for Fishing

Fishing is a popular recreation on the Gold Coast with a vast array of options available.

Inland:
Hinze Dam is a popular spot for bank fishing and by boat. Fish to be caught include Mary River Cod, Bass, Perch, Catfish and Saratoga. There are a few rules that apply to fishing at Hinze Dam check out the Councils Site.

Other Popular bank fishing spots include under the Sundial Bridge, Chevron Island (Off Stanhill Drive - Western end of Chevron Isl), Coombabah Creek, Coomera River, Currumbin Creek, Broadwater at Marine Parade, The Spit, Nerang River and Dunlops Canal. Fish to be caught can include Whiting, Trevally, Mangrove Jack, Flathead, Herring and Queenfish. Use a 2-5kg line with a running ball sinker, swivel and around 80-90cm trace with a 1/0 hook or simalar depending what fish your'e after.

Offshore:
Fish include marlin, sailfish, snapper, cobia, black kingfish, yellowtail, king fish, amberjack, tuna, shark, dolphin fish, tusk fish, wahoo, jew, parrot fish and Sampson fish. Charter Boats are available from Hope Harbor, Marina Mirage and Tweed Harbor. The warmer months are typically suited to Wahoo, Marlin and Mackeral (Oct to May). The cooler months are the best for Snapper, Cobia and Shark.

AFL on the Gold Coast at Carrara Stadium

The Gold Coast will host its first official AFL match in 14 years later this month when the Brisbane Lions clash with Essendon in the 2006 NAB preseason cup on Friday - February 24th.

Carrara Stadium will also host two AFL premiership matches in 2006, with Melbourne facing Adelaide in round three (April 16th) and the Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn in a round seven encounter on May 13th.

Carrara Stadium is situated 8km west of Surfers Paradise. It was the home of the Brisbane Bears from 1987 when the club was admitted to the VFL competition through to 1993 when the club relocated to the Gabba. Carrara has an estimated capacity of around 22000 with seating under cover for 5300. The playing surface is similar in size to the MCG and the ground is well served by excellent floodlighting and facilities.

The Australian Football League (AFL) has made a $1 million commitment to the upgrade of Carrara with the Gold Coast City Council budgetting in $2 million as well.

There is also speculation that if succsesful that an ailing Melbourne based team could be relocated to the Coast. This would add to the recently appointed NRL team on the Coast, the Gold Coast Dolphins and see the Gold Coast become a destination for football fans of the nations two biggest codes.

See the AFL website for fixtures and round details.