Few fish capture the excitement of Queensland’s inshore fishing quite like the queenfish. With their streamlined bodies, forked tails and mirror-bright flanks, queenfish are built for speed – and they use it well. Found throughout coastal Queensland, they usually appear in Moreton Bay in numbers on the larger tides in summer and autumn.
Queenfish are aggressive predators, often hunting baitfish on the surface. When feeding, they announce their presence with explosive boils, nervous bait schools and spectacular aerial displays once hooked. It’s not uncommon to see a hooked queenfish launch itself clear of the water multiple times in a single run. They respond well to a wide range of hard-bodied lures, soft plastics, flies and live baits.
Eating Quality and Angling Appeal
I rate Queenfish around 3.5 stars for eating quality – best enjoyed when bled and iced immediately – and they really shine when prepared creatively, such as smoked, lightly fried with a tasty sauce, or used in curries and other spiced dishes.
Whether you’re casting from a boat or spinning from the shore, a Queensland queenfish encounter is fast, visual and unforgettable.
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