Whitsunday Fishing Charters

The best out of 9 charter fishing deals in Whitsunday - enter dates to check availability

Whitsunday Fishing Charters

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Top Fishing Charters in Whitsunday

Whitsunday: 9 fishing charters available

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Angler's Choice
Listing image
20 ft
Up to 4 people
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
5.0
/5
(68 reviews)
Airlie Beach
We've changed our business name to reflect our new playground Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures and we think sums it up pretty darn well. Join Jim for a fishing adventure, available year-round.

"We had an amazing family day out fishing. Jim was fantastic to deal with from the start communicating clearly throughout the whole way through." —⁠ Troy,
trips from
US $678
Angler's Choice
Listing image
26 ft
Up to 4 people
Catch My Drift Charters
5.0
/5
(28 reviews)
Airlie Beach
Make an adventure out of your next trip in Airlie Beach and go fishing in comfort with "Catch My Drift" Charters. These waters are known for Nannygai, Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Longtail Tuna, Sweetlip Emperor, and more.

"We had an amazing day out with Captain Murray. He was very knowledgeable and gave great advice." —⁠ Mel,
trips from
US $853
Listing image
20 ft
Up to 5 people
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
4.8
/5
(206 reviews)
Airlie Beach
Make an adventure out of your next trip to Airlie Beach and go fishing with Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours! Depending on conditions, you might hook into Cero Mackerel, Coral Trout, Flathead, African Pompano Jack, Black Marlin, Nannyga

"Had a great day out with Andrew today! He asked me about my goals for the day: 1." —⁠ Jeffrey,
trips from
US $307
Angler's Choice
Listing image
30 ft
Up to 8 people
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
4.8
/5
(44 reviews)
Airlie Beach
If you're ready to go fishing in Airlie Beach, we've got you covered with Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures. With Captain Jim at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

"My husband, son and his mate had a great fishing trip with Jim and crew." —⁠ Nicole,
trips from
US $328
Listing image
30 ft
Up to 10 people
Airlie Beach Fishing Charters Pty Ltd
4.8
/5
(25 reviews)
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach Fishing Charters is an award winning business as voted by our happy Trip Advisor customers 2024 Travellers Choice placing our business in the top 10% in the world.

"The crew Tristan and Yoko were fantastic, we caught great fish from coral trout , sweet lip emperor and others." —⁠ Cathy,
trips from
US $357
Listing image
31 ft
Up to 8 people
Phoenix Fishing Charters
Airlie Beach
Spend the day with Phoenix Fishing Charters and see what's biting in Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef! Your Captain Ty will be your guide, allowing you to benefit from years of knowledge and experience.
trips from
US $1,256
Listing image
19 ft
Up to 5 people
Whitsundays Sports 'n' Spear
5.0
/5
(2 reviews)
Airlie Beach
If you're ready to love fishing in Airlie Beach, look no further than Whitsundays Sports 'n' Spear. Captain Kristin will be your guide, which allows you to benefit from years of angling experience.

"Kristin was a great guide. My friend and i came from America to arlie beach and were verrry motivated to get out fishing." —⁠ Kevin,
trips from
US $606
Listing image
29 ft
Up to 7 people
4 Hour & 8 Hour Fishing Trips & Family Fun!
4.4
/5
(138 reviews)
Airlie Beach
A1 Fishing Charters welcomes you to the sparkling azure waters of Airlie Beach, Queensland! With more than 70 islands scattered throughout the Whitsundays, anglers can choose from a variety of fish and fishing techniques.
trips from
US $328
Listing image
39 ft
Up to 10 people
Whitsunday Fishing Charters
4.5
/5
(21 reviews)
Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Fishing Charters takes you fishing around the majestic waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

"We had a fantastic day! The fellas took us to THE spots, and whole family caught fish after fish." —⁠ Pete,
trips from
US $361

Top Whitsunday Destinations

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Top-rated family fishing trips in Whitsunday

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Top Targeted Species in Whitsunday

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Whitsunday

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Fishing in Whitsunday

Writing about fishing Whitsundays is an arduous task. Why? Indigo waters, scores of fish, pristine beaches, Black Marlin, Great Barrier Reef—it seems like one could go on for days and essays. But, that's exactly why. There's so much you can fish for, or generally enjoy there, that it makes it really hard to pick one thing to start with. Luckily, this collection of 74 little islands boasts a variety of goods. World records rise and fall on a daily basis, and the books just keep adding names of anglers landing 'granders'. The question is—are you fit to land the next one?

Known For

Whitsunday fishing spots have big and colorful fish. The islands boast awe-striking landscape, snorkeling, sailing, and other water activities. It's like the ultimate angling emporium working 24/7. Whitsunday fishing charters are blessed with an easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. This means numerous fishing spots teeming with fish. Anglers follow fish, which means that there are many charters that can take you out to the reef.
Even if you're staying on the mainland, hire a charter and go fishing around these waterways. Then head to the GBR.

Is it possible to overstress just how awesome reef fishing can be? We dare say 'no'. Especially not with the biggest natural structure of the kind at your doorstep. You don't need to fare far to make a decent catch - there are Coral Trout, Trevally, and Sweetlip hiding around the rocky bottoms of the reefs. The islands are rimmed with reef edges and bommies, and that's where the fish hide. Do have in mind that the line can easily break, especially if the fish go hiding below the boulders once they take the bait.

Once you're done fishing (as if that's ever possible), you should definitely visit the Whitehaven Beach. Some claim it's the most beautiful beach in the world, locals take pride that the beach is part of Australia. Either way, the water is beautiful. You should also pay a visit to the Hill Inlet. Lying in the northern part of the Whitsunday Island (the biggest of them all), this inlet produces stunning imagery. The tide will shift, and so the blue and white colors will create patterns. Worth taking your camera! As you go fishing around these waterways, you will stumble upon secluded beaches, estuaries, bommies, and crevices. The fish will be swimming nearby. Other hot spots are the Hook Passage, Daydream Island, Long Island, and Hayman Island.

Rules & Regulations

It's really important to pay attention to the zones where fishing is prohibited.  Otherwise, you risk being fined, but even worse, you risk damaging the natural habitat of lush marine life. If you're a recreational angler, you don't need a fishing license. Still, be nice and follow the local guidelines. It's best to check them out before the trip to stay up to date. There are some fish that have been reported to cause tropical fish poisoning. You want to stay away from Chinaman fish, Paddle tail, Red bream, Barracouta, and Moray eel.

Types of Fishing

Around the reefs, you can get Giant Trevally, Sweetlip, Coral Trout, Spangled Emperor, or Nannygai. Basically, you have two options. One, you go trolling around the reef edges, and try getting GTs, Spanish Mackerel, or Tuna.

Or, moor your vessel nearby and sink your bait. This bottom bashing is another great strategy, and you can catch solid table fare. Use a rod, or hand reel, apply live bait, and soon you should have Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, GT, and Red Emperor. Mind the tide for optimum results - an hour before or after the high tide should suffice. Just be careful not to damage the reefs. After all, they make fishing so superb. As for the bait, you can use prawns, squids, pilchards.

Surely, you're wondering where game fish is. Well, here. Record Black Marlins have been caught, and each year records are broken. These famed fishing grounds are where billfish come. Some charters head out from the mainland. Book a full or an extended full day trip for best chances. Black Marlin, Sailfish, and Swordfish are readily caught during the summer, and peak in November and December. Find a charter that goes around the islands or out to the Barrier Reef. There you can also find Spanish Mackerel. They bite well year round. As for Tuna, they come in large numbers from October to April. Look out for the birds diving, as they signal the predators nearby. You definitely want to try out the 'Paddock', the waters northeast of Hayman and Hook islands.

Whitsunday

4.7
/5
Based on 30,509 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Whitsunday Fishing Seasons

  • January

    What a better way to kickstart another angling year than by claim a big game prize. Black Marlin are ripe for fishing. You can also get other Billfish, and the Tuna offer might surprise you. Find a charter to help you get to the hall of fame.

  • February

    Fine game fishing. If you're here to set a record, you still have solid chances. Black Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna are swimming around. Sharpen your gear, and go get them.

  • March

    Big game fishing is on, and you can land Marlin, Sailfish, or Tuna. If this is not enough, you can head out to the reefs and taste your luck there. You might get Coral Trout, Red Emperor, or Nannygai.

  • April

    Fishing can get a bit slow in April, but you might get some Trevally. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin can also be caught, but not in large numbers we all are looking for.

  • May

    You can get yourself some Coral Trout, Tuskfish and Sweetlip. Do expect Mackerel to rise in numbers. Some anglers manage to get fingermark or Jewfish. Further out, you can get Red Emperor and Nannygai.

  • June

    Mackerel are biting, and the bottom around reefs rewards with Sweetlip, and Coral Trout. Further out, you can get Red Emperor and Nannygai. There are sightings of Tuna.

  • July

    Spanish Mackerel, Red Emperor and Jewfish are on the chew. Sweetlip fishing can be really productive, so head out to the reefs. Mackerel can be a bit timid.

  • August

    Reef fish are out there, and you can find schools of Red Throat Emperor, Sweetlip, and Tuskfish. Find fringing reefs and their drop-offs. you can also get Queenfish, Trevally, and Mackerel, Coral Trout, and Black Jew.

  • September

    Around the reefs, go for Sweetlip, Giant Trevally, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, or head further out to get a Black Marlin, Yellowfin or Dogtooth Tuna.

  • October

    Tuna time! Go trolling for Yellowfin. They can be found around the islands. Some anglers recommend spinning. You can also catch Spanish Mackerel, as well as Black Marlin.

  • November

    Prepare your gear for big game. Sailfish, Swordfish, Black Marlin are big and hungry. Go trolling for them. Or go around the reefs, and you may catch Coral Trout, Red Emperor, or Giant Trevally.

  • December

    The to-do lists are wrapping up before the year ends, but not game fishing. It's hot and everywhere. Find a charter to take you and yours for an early Christmas gift.

Whitsunday Fishing Calendar

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Recent Catches in Whitsunday

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What anglers said about fishing in Whitsunday

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How did anglers rate fishing charters in Whitsunday?

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