Cabbage Tree Point is located at the very southern edge of Southern Moreton Bay, the northeastern corner of the Gold Coast. The name refers to the cabbage tree palms that grew in the area.
If you have travelled that way, you will notice that local residents are fishing fanatics. With an increasingly popular boat ramp, the small town is a great launching point for those in search of a good day’s catch. A short drive from the heart of the Gold Coast, Cabbage Tree Point provides easy launching and a short boat journey to where all the fish are.
Luke Rafton sees all that goes on in town. He was born to be a fisher. He started fishing at the age of two among his kinfolk, and now still spends his days reeling in fish with family and close friends. “Fishing keeps our family together,” explains Luke. “I currently fish with my father in the Flathead Classic each year as a father-son team. It’s a great bonding session. I even had a stint as a commercial fisher for several years – on and off – chasing species such as Spanish mackerel, reef fish and mud crabs.”
Fishing is what Luke does to get away, relax and just unwind. He shares, “Even though I work in the fishing industry all day, getting out on the boat for an hour or two is a great way to de-stress.” As a local safety advocate, Luke recommends that boaties should always carry plenty of drinking water, snacks, a torch, a phone and a change of wet weather clothing. It is also important to inform another party who is not onboard, of your plans, destinations if fishing particular spots, and estimated return time, to aid a search if you do get in trouble.
ON NOW: SNAPPER AND TAILOR
Being an avid fisher, Luke is always eager to share his local knowledge, and tips and tricks in catching fish.
Coming through Winter and into Spring, Luke is targeting Jewfish inside the Jumpinpin Bar (the pin bar), using a variety of techniques and equipment, including vibe lures, such as the Ima Koume along with the Ima Schneider blades, which are deadly with Jewfish. It is worth remembering that caution should be exercised when crossing any coastal bar.
Offshore though, the hunt for the snapper runs thick, taking advantage of shallow breeding areas while locking into the schools in the depths, predominantly reeled in on light-weighted pilchards, which are floated down gently to allow the bigger snapper to rise up for a feed.
BAIT TIP
If you are planning on venturing to Cabbage Tree Point, here is the best local tip: “Soft plastics will work really well in the upcoming months for flathead and jewies. If you find the bait, you will find the fish. The cold still mornings are a great time to find fish attacking bait balls on the surface, so try unweighted plastics or small poppers for best results.”
LOCATION, LOCATION
Luke knows he is fortunate to be so accessible to a renowned fishing location. “Cabbage Tree Point area is a treasure, as species can be caught within two kilometres off the ramp. Whiting and jewies, even threadfin, salmon, and snapper are caught here.”
Locals will also confirm that the area is one of the best spots on the coast to catch mud crabs especially as the weather is starting to warm up.
By Andy Kancachian
