Spoilt for choice in Moreton Bay

Well, 2024 seemed a bit shy. Moreton Bay

It stuck its head in the door and before we knew it, boom, it was gone!

So, the kids have been home for a few weeks now, they have done everything, been everywhere and they are looking for more ways to get under your feet.

So, take them fishing and give yourself a break.

You deserve it, and they need a bit of vitamin sea.

The upside is that most of the best places to venture to are only a maximum 30-minute drive away, and you should be wetting a line.

For those in the Moreton Bay region, your escape destination is literally at your back door.

This area has so many destinations that you are literally spoilt for choice.

 

From Toorbul, Bribie Island, Sandstone Point, Beachmere, Redcliffe, Brighton and Shorncliffe down to Nudgee, Moreton Bay is literally your personal childcare facility.

At this time of year, cash flow is under close scrutiny for most families, so pack the kids, the dog and the fishing gear up, grab some bait and let them loose on one of the local piers, riverbanks or even the beach.

Don’t go wasting your hard-earned savings on theme parks and attractions where you’ll blow your budget only to get sunburnt kids and the latest cold, flu or stomach bug that makes you realise you should have gone with the second toilet option.

If you’re relying on public transport, both Shorncliffe and Sandgate have stations, so you can come visit us.

From where we are in Sandgate, it is a 10-minute walk to the ocean and it’s the same for Shorncliffe.

Every year at this time, I go through the following information – I know that families are well organised when it comes to outings, but a time-saving idea is to have a stow bag packed with the essentials waiting for you in the car.

Bottled water, sunscreen, spare hats, a basic first aid kit, another bag with a change of clothes, a couple of towels and, of course, an emergency toilet roll.

Kids will always find some water to fall in or need to find a loo 10 minutes after you’ve left home.

If you leave these small bags in the car over the holidays, it may save having to make for home early or get you out of an embarrassing situation.

 

If you are new to fishing and aren’t sure where to start, go to tackleland.com.au – we’ve put together a website with fishing locations and techniques aimed at new fishos, or those who would like a refresher.

If you need some more ideas on taking the kids fishing, jump onto our website and have a read of the articles written by our customers, this could save you a little of the headache.

Almost every year, I rehash some old but still relevant advice.

Before you hit the water, double check your safety gear for serviceability and check the dates on your flares because, if your gear is not up to speed, it will not save you or your family when it needs too.

We get asked a lot: “Should I have an emergency position-indicating radio beacon?”

Well, the default answer for this EPIRB query is: “If you need immediate help and your phone is not working or you’re out of range, then flick the switch.”

They are not cheap, and they are not required in all waterways.

Though ask yourself, could it save a life if someone was having a heart attack, an allergic reaction or an emergency medical episode?

Food for thought!

 

No, we don’t sell them but if you decided to get one, do a bit of research on a reputable supplier.

Also, there are new laws regarding life vests, which effect so many boating applications, so take five minutes to read up.

If followed, it could save you a fine.

Ivy is back on the fish.

Well actually, she’s been catching cracker fish all year round.

I thought I’d share this one with you… Ivy nailed a great little fringefin trevally off the wall near Shorncliffe.

We don’t see this species very often, and there is no one better to show off her catch using plastics than Ivy.

Well done Ivy, another one off the bucket list.

We have some new juniors to introduce this month.

 

Ashton took a moment to show off his first ever fish, a cracking little whiting.

In the photo with him is big brother Hugh, who was guiding Ashton through it all.

It was an awesome experience for Ashton, and a proud moment for their dad too.

Thank you so much for sharing this great catch and memory with us, I know there will be more to come!

Now to one of my regular fishos, Ken.

He is always out wetting a line and whenever I come across him, we take the mickey and stir each other.

I caught up with Ken at Baxters Jetty recently and, while giving him a hard time, Ken landed a cracker blue swimmer.

Being a nice buck and a good size, it went home for a feed of crab sandwiches.

 

Well done Ken, thanks for being a good sport and friend.

When you decide to head out for a fish, if you want to give a new bait a try, drop in and grab a bag of our ‘Bream Bites’.

They are like candy to the local bream and other species too.

We will even share the goods on how to use them to maximise your experience.

We have started to supply bulk ice at great prices.

From one standard 5kg bag to 40 bags.

We are also doing 10kg bags for boaties, campers and party animals.

Stay safe and enjoy the time spent together, maintain the passion.