Moffat Headland
Summary for 1 Nov 2026
Bite Compass is showing a high fish activity bite score on 1 Nov 2026. Wind is around NE at 12 km/h. Solunar feeding windows are listed below.
Moffat Headland fishing times this week Moffat Headland tide times
Feeding Windows
Local Knowledge
Moffat Headland is the point between Moffat Beach and the run of rock and sand south toward Kings Beach, and it faces more open ocean than any rocks in Caloundra. The ledges drop into deeper water with reef in casting range, so bream, tarwhine and luderick feed in the washes and tailor patrol the point. It is a good dawn spot in winter, when the surfers are still deciding and the tailor are not. It suits anglers who have fished rock before.
Float a pilchard or a strip of mullet unweighted into the white water around the point for bream and tailor. On calm mornings, cast metal slugs or small stickbaits out wide for tailor and the odd pelagic. Luderick come to cabbage weed or green weed under a float along the ledges. A running-sinker rig with prawn or squid fished into the sand patches finds tarwhine and the occasional snapper.
Tailor (35 cm, possession 20) and bream (25 cm) are the mainstays, with tarwhine counted in the bream combined possession limit of 30. Luderick must be 30 cm (10). Snapper are 35 cm, 4 per person with no more than one over 70 cm, and are closed from 15 July to 15 August. Dart are 30 cm with a possession limit of 30.
A lifejacket is strongly recommended on exposed rock — an inflatable or foam vest rated AS 4758 level 50S or higher for adults. Fish a falling tide and a falling swell for the safest ledges. Leave the surfers their peak — cast to the side of the point rather than into the line-up.
Access & Conditions
Park in the streets around Moffat Beach and walk the coastal path out to the headland. There are toilets and cafés at Moffat Beach. Getting down to the rock means scrambling over uneven boulders, so it is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or small children.
The headland is exposed to south-east and east swells and is dangerous in anything over about a metre. Light westerly winds and a small swell are ideal, and a northerly blows across the point but leaves the southern side fishable. A little wash brings on the bream and tailor. Calm, clear days suit floating baits and luderick.
This is exposed rock that can be swept by waves without warning, especially on a rising tide or a building swell. Watch the sea for at least ten minutes before you go down, fish with a partner, and pick a safe escape route. If someone is washed in, don't jump in; throw them something that floats and call 000. The rock is slippery where it is wet or covered in weed. Shark control nets or drumlines operate off Moffat Beach — stay more than 20 m from them; it is an offence to be inside the 20 m zone.
Gear & Rigs
A 9–11 ft rock rod rated 4–8 kg with a 4000–5000 reel and 15–20 lb line. Use ganged 3/0 hooks for pilchards, size 1–2/0 suicide hooks for bream, and 30–40 g metals for spinning. A small float rig with size 8–6 hooks suits luderick. Carry a long-handled net or gaff and wear cleats or shoes with good grip.
Seasons
Winter is peak time for tailor and snapper, apart from the 15 July–15 August snapper closure. Bream and luderick are best through the cooler months. In summer the headland is quieter, with dart and the occasional pelagic. Early mornings on a falling tide are best year-round.
If This Spot's Blown Out
Frequently Asked
Yes, for experienced rock anglers in small swell. The washes hold bream, tarwhine and luderick, and the point sees tailor in winter and snapper outside the 15 July–15 August closure.
Tailor must be at least 35 cm, and the possession limit is 20. Queensland possession limits include fish you already have at home.
Only in a small swell. Watch the sets before you go down, fish with a partner, and wear a lifejacket; one rated AS 4758 level 50S or higher is strongly recommended for adults on exposed rock.