The picturesque Shoal Point beach looking out to Green Island provides a great introduction to beach fishing in the Mackay region.
This safe and protected beach is home to a number of marine baits including worms, yabbies and soldier crabs that are irresistible to a wide variety of fish. Species such as whiting, trevally, queenfish and flathead patrol the shallow gutters in search of an easy feed. Using these baits will effectively increase your catches in comparison to baits such as frozen prawn or strips of squid.
Green Island is part Green Zone so check zoning maps
before dropping a line.
The mouth of Reliance Creek is well known for producing salmon during the cooler months and early evening with baits of pilchard will soon bring a few of these popular table fish undone.
It is possible to catch fish from the beach once you endure the walk to the mouth. Launching a boat off the beach at Shoal Point is best attempted with a 4WD as the entrance can be quite soft and chopped up. Once on the beach it is reasonably firm and you’ll have no problems.
Night fishing can always turn up a few surprises...
Crabbing is popular and there are a number of good gullies in Reliance where you can stash a pot. Crocs are also common in the area and have been known to playfully or territorially attack pot floats. Whatever the case, care should be taken when retrieving pots. There is a good gutter just inside the mouth of Reliance that produces barra, fingermark and jack during the warmer months. Prawn that is cast netted in the creek and used live is deadly on these fish. Alternatives can include live or cut mullet.
TIP > Avoid the long way round Green Island by keeping your fishing or crabbing outing either side of high tide. That way you’ll get back to the ramp via the beach.
Get There > Follow the Northern Beaches road until it ends at Shoal Point
The Gear
Type of Fishing > Live and dead bait. Lure casting and trolling.
Bait Types > Yabbies and mullet. Live prawn under a float about 1 metre.
Peak Periods > Good for barra when the weather warms up.
Best Tides > Look for plenty of water to get in and out of the system by boat.
Tackle > Sturdy baitcasters 6 -10 kilo. Medium threadlines.
