1 Lake MacDonald, Tinbeerwah

How to get there: Join the Cooroy-Noosa Road (from Tewantin or from the Noosa exit off the Bruce Hwy), turn into Sivyers Rd or Elm St into Lake MacDonald Dr, and there are numerous signs and roads leading to the lake.

Why it's great: It's well stocked due to the re-stocking program at the lake, plus it's deep too, so there's plenty out there. It's very easy to get to, good boat ramps, no water-skiers to get in the way and the lake is smaller and easier to get around - and less windy - than Somerset Dam. 

Tips: Bass is the target fish here - thousands are released into the lake each year. Also expect yellowbelly, Mary River cod (remember to release them) and eel-tail catfish.

Watch out for: As with any dam, beware of tree stumps and fallen timber in the water.

2 Noosa River Mouth, Noosaville

How to get there: Launch your boat or other water craft from Gympie Terrace or Claude Batten Drive in Noosaville. 

Why it's great: It's well protected due to the headland and the national park at Noosa. 

There's a wide variety of species to target and you can take your choice of fishing the deep water, rock groyne or sand flats.

Tips: You'll catch bream, whiting, mulloway (jew), trevally, tailor, juvenile cobia and flathead. Come back in winter and you'll snare some black bream (luderick).

Watch out for: Heavy boat traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. The northerly winds can get powerful, and strong tides make kayak fishing difficult.

3 Mooloolah River, La Balsa Park, Buddina

How to get there: Join Nicklin Way off the Sunshine Motorway just south of Mooloolaba, head north along Point Cartwright Drive, turn into Parkana Cres and the river presents itself.

Why it's great: There's deep water in close casting distance and a nice sand basin, while good facilities, toilets, picnic areas and boat ramps make it one to take the family to.

Tips: There's a vast range of species here. Trevally, bream, flathead, tailor, and on the sand flats you'll find whiting. Come winter, you can enjoy masses of garfish. As a tip, if you're not having much luck, walk out to the rock groyne.

Watch out for: The rocky bottom between the sand basin and the park itself, and again, boat traffic can get heavy here.