Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic

13/09/2026

Another of our admin team was out checking some spots around the coast today. The tilapia are certainly waking up. It was a solo trip today so not too many photos taken, but plenty of fish & video footage, keep an eye out for some new videos on our YouTube channel coming soon.
Now is the time to get out & start making a plan for this years Classic. Competition day will be here before you know it.🎣🎣
Another 9.6 kg of tilapia taken out of the system.

https://www.youtube.com/

13/09/2026

On Saturday, two members of the admin team managed a quick trip out to Wyaralong Dam for some pest fishing.

Although it’s early for Tilly fishing and the weather conditions were not particularly favourable, some good-sized fish were removed from the dam. The biggest of the day was a very fat 49cm fish, with all fish caught on worms.

Plenty of good-sized fish were sighted on nests, and once the water temperatures rise, there should be plenty of fish being caught at the upcoming LAFMA Pest Fishing Competition to kick off the Pest Fishing Competition season in SEQ.

Keep an eye on all our socials for upcoming competition details, giveaways and tips for catching as many pest fish as you can.

28/08/2026

The second most important thing to take with you on a fishing trip — aside from your gear — is a first aid kit. This year, we’re thrilled to say that Survival are on board again. Chasing fish can lead you into some fairly rough country, so having the right equipment matters.

One lucky angler will be taking home a Survival Snake Bite Kit, and if you’re looking for more, Survival have first aid kits to suit every situation and budget. You can even customise and build your own Survival bundle.

Stay safe out there on the water — choose Survival. 🎣🎣
https://survivalfirstaidkits.net.au/

24/08/2026

Great catching up with the legends from InSalt at the recent AFTA event in Brisbane. We're excited to have them on board once again as a sponsor of this year's Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic!

Thanks to their generous support, four lucky anglers will be taking home an awesome pair of InSalt sunglasses. 😎🎣

They are Australia’s first safety eyewear made from recycled plastic bottles, but great eyewear is just the start.
InSalt also has an amazing range of quality rods, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one from the InSalt Finesse Explorer range. 🎣

Want to see what all the hype is about? Head over to the InSalt website and check out their full range of eyewear, rods, apparel and accessories. You might just find your next favourite piece of fishing gear!

InSalt Eyewear https://insalteyewear.com.au/
Use the code "discount20" at checkout to receive a 20% all InSalt recycled eyewear products.

InSalt rods & tackle https://insaltlures.com.au/

07/08/2026

🎣 A Huge Thank You to Daiwa Australia 🎣

We'd like to give a massive shoutout to Daiwa Australia for supporting this year's Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic.

Your generosity and support help make events like this possible, bringing together a great community of anglers who are passionate about fishing and caring for our local waterways.

We're incredibly grateful to have Daiwa Australia on board and appreciate everything you do for recreational fishing across the country. 🎣🎣
https://daiwafishing.com.au/

27/07/2026

18/07/2026

Too windy to be out on the water?
I had to take the opportunity to visit Anaconda Stores Ashmore and get a head start on securing some fantastic prizes for this year's competition.
Anaconda Ashmore has been a valued supporter of the Classic for many years, and we are grateful to once again have them as a major partner for this year's event. Their ongoing commitment helps make the competition possible and contributes greatly to its continued success.
Drop in to see Grant & the team & explore their extensive range of fishing and outdoor gear and support a business that consistently supports our fishing community.
This shopping trip made possible by Marrison Hydraulics & Anaconda Stores🎣🎣

10/07/2026

It might be winter, but you can still find a few pest fish around the coast. The weather was a bit warmer last weekend & I decided to try my luck at Russel Hinze Park in Oxenford. Famous on the coast for its large population of geese & ducks, you will also see white herons & even the occasional pelican.
It is so important when fishing here that you take all of your rubbish with you, there is a bin at the car park to dispose of any fishing tackle or pest fish.
I have caught fish on worms here, but I have to say that the majority of my fish have been caught on bread, the cheapest supermarket white loaf is perfect.... just don't feed it to the birds.
I was fishing from the council boat ramp & you don't need to cast out very far, a few fish being hooked just a few metres from the bank. I had rod holders set up & just kept a close eye on the rod tips for any runs, the carp today tended to swim off fairly quickly & hooked themselves in the process. The tilapia were taking a much softer approach, just sitting on the bait & not giving much of a sign they were actually on the line.
I have uploaded a couple of videos to YouTube from the day, the links are below & along with catching a few fish, there is a quick run-down on the rigs I was using.
I was using 2lb, 4lb & 8lb rigs.
Video 1 https://youtu.be/cuRxTDvaxhw?si=gscXnK6qiThuBoTm
Video 2 https://youtu.be/p6LfOFb0SgA?si=SqcC0P4NmlBqANX0

The link below is to a location feature posted just before last years Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGPDFuyce/