With the Christmas holidays approaching my thoughts start to drift to lazy days on the beach fishing rod in hand and son in tow. Fishing getaways are a bit of a family tradition in our family, more of an excuse for a boy’s get-together, a case of beer, plenty of bait and laughs are sure to ensue.

Of course the greatest effort always seems to be in the planning and the talking of our trip. Where should we go, what dates are available, who’s bringing what and the talks go on and on of course, right down to a proposed menu.

Focusing our attention on the Sunshine Coast, it’s no wonder we’re visited by so many anglers and the thousands of tourists every year. The boundless estuary of Caloundra offers excellent year-round fishing. Mooloolaba Harbour has the sa

fest port for vessels fishing along the coast, whilst Noosa is likewise known for a variety of fishing and international and the odd tourist facility.

So here are some of the Sunshine Coasts most talked about fishing spots.

1. Caloundra Estuary

A very popular stretch for those anglers lucky enough to have access to a boat, blessed with a bit of luck, a session wetting a line around here can yield plenty of large bream during the winter months. The best catches for the approaching summer would of course have to be sand whiting just make sure you go out at night on an ebb tide. Not as plentiful during the Christmas holidays, but a good spot to keep in mind earlier on. Nearby lies the sandy spit area of Bulcock Beach, where the river meets the sea, this area is abundant of bream, whiting and tailor fish, while the sandbanks off Golden Beach, a little further on are popular for having good quality of whiting.

2. Great Sandy National Park

Two of my favourite beaches in Australia lay within the borders of the Great Sandy National Park, Rainbow beach and Teewah, or otherwise known as forty-mile beach. Here you will find some of Australia’s most photographed stretches of coastline. Not only for its colored sand cliffs but also for its seemingly perfect natural coastal environment. Until you’ve seen it you cannot imagine just how breath taking this stretch of sand and ocean can be. It’s also a big favourite with surfers, especially closer to the headland. The swimming is good but in my mind best of all is the fishing when its on. I’ve spent a lot of time camped out at these awe inspiring places and whole-heartily recommend them to you if you haven’t already been there.

3. Noosa National Park

There are literally hundreds of great fishing spots out and around the many headlands along the eastern side of the Noosa National Park. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the stunning beaches that likewise border the Noosa National Park. These beaches are the envy of the world when it comes to natural beauty. However when it comes to fishing all you need do is decide what kind of experience you’re after. From tranquil stretches of golden beaches to craggy rocky outcrops, from Devil’s Kitchen and the Fairy Pools to the splendour of Alexandra Bay it’s all there for the picking. These spots mark part of the headland of the Noosa National park. Popular for rock anglers who search for tailor, tarwhine, jewfish, drummer, tuna, trevally, snapper, mackerel and yellowtail kingfish it has some extreme rock outcrops and the waves can be dangerous for the uninitiated, but one heck of a spot never the less.

Whether you’re an old hand or green horn, there are some breathtaking places to drop a line here on the Sunshine Coast. We’re incredibly lucky to have such natural gifts and to not make use of them would be criminal, right? This summer me and my boys will definitely be heading out, and I hope to see some competition out there chasing the perfect catch these Christmas holidays.