Whitsunday

8 Fishing Charters

Whitsunday Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Whitsunday
Whitsunday: 8 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Airlie Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $108
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(13 reviews)
Airlie Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $131
Airlie Beach
trips from $585
Hideaway Bay
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $105
Excellent
4.5 / 5
(2 reviews)
Hideaway Bay
Booked out!
Your dates are popular โ€“ we've run out of trips with this charter! Check out more below.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(224 reviews)
Airlie Beach
trips from $147
Excellent
4.4 / 5
(130 reviews)
Airlie Beach
trips from $1,503
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(7 reviews)
Airlie Beach

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Whitsunday

According to customer reviews, Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures, Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours, and Catch My Drift Charters are some of the most popular fishing charters in Whitsunday. Full list of top fishing charters in Whitsunday.

The average price for a private 4 hour Whitsunday fishing trip is $414, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $850 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures, Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours, and Catch My Drift Charters all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Whitsunday.

The most popular fish species you can target are Coral Trout, Nannygai, and Golden Trevally. Top fishing techniques include Bottom Fishing, Trolling, and Deep Sea Fishing. Offshore fishing, reef fishing, and wreck fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

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
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Based on 26563 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

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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Donโ€™t visit Airlie without going fishing - experience or not. Itโ€™s an all round unforgettable experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t visit Airlie without going fishing - experience or not. Itโ€™s an all round unforgettable experience.
Sue  B.
Sue B.
Yes definitely a great first timing fishing location, with the Whitsundays as the backdrop
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes definitely a great first timing fishing location, with the Whitsundays as the backdrop
Jason  M.
Jason M. Brisbane, Queensland
Don't expect to drop the line and be on the fish straight away! If it happens count yourself lucky!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Don't expect to drop the line and be on the fish straight away! If it happens count yourself lucky!
Craig  Y.
Craig Y. Granville Harbour, TAS
Donโ€™t waste your time fishing off the bank go with A one if really want to catch a feed you wonโ€™t be disappointed
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t waste your time fishing off the bank go with A one if really want to catch a feed you wonโ€™t be disappointed
Tracy  V.  E.
Tracy V. E. Sunnybank, Queensland
Book a trip with Stryker Sportfishing Formerly Coral sea fishing Charters they are amazing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a trip with Stryker Sportfishing Formerly Coral sea fishing Charters they are amazing
Stephen  P.
Stephen P. Australia

Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Andrew supplied us with an amazing time. Very helpful and all round great bloke. Landed a variety of great fish including a couple of really nice trout. Great day out. Cheers
Kieran  S.
Kieran S. Newington, CT
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(13 reviews)
A bit windy but still caught some fish, no real big ones but just a nice half day out
Garry  J.
Garry J. Brisbane, Queensland
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Great fishing trip even if a little rough weather. Very safe in hands of captain Andrew. Definitely recommend get out and about charter in Airlie beach.
Andrea  V.  R.
Andrea V. R. Brisbane, QLD
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Such a great day! Andrew was awesome, no effort to take us to places to fish, bait our lines, pass his knowledge, played great tunes. He has lots of patience and a good sense of humour. Lots of laughs, fun and fish!
Sue  B.
Sue B.
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Great day out, full moon didnโ€™t help, but we caught plenty for dinner, also had a good fight with a (probably) reef shark. Boat is beautiful and well equipped, and the skipper Andrew is very friendly. Would go again.
Ervin  V.
Ervin V. Sydney, New South Wales
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Huge thanks to Jim and co for the great morning out. My husband describes it as the best charter he's ever been on! It was a super personalised trip and Jim supported us all to catch something we were pleased with, despite our very varied fishing experience. He was wonderful company, and the boat was comfortable and had everything we needed. We highly recommend the experience!
Jessica  Y.
Jessica Y. Lovell, ME
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Andrew was an absolute ripper guy and knowledgeable to the area and fishing. Was a great time! Wish it went for longer!
Matt  V.
Matt V. Australia
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Andrew was informative and fantastic company. It's easy to see that he genuinely loves what he does and takes pride in his work. Caught lots of different fish and despite bad weather had a wonderful day on the water. Will definitely be back to do it again soon. ???
Kathryn  C.
Kathryn C.
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
We had a great morning fishing. we had hits about every 15 minutes, so there was lots of action. the boat was a great size for the 3 kids and I have to a fun morning. Jim was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Gregory  B.
Gregory B. Central Coast, New South Wales
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Travelled from Alberta Canada and had a great morning out with Cap'n Jim. He got me on to some nice schools of feeding Queenfish and Tuna with my fly rod. Highly recommend!
Glen  D.
Glen D. Townsville, Queensland
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Best fishing trip we've done. Great skipper and gear. So many fish to see. Jim is an absolute pleasure to spend the day with. Small group and great value
Greg  W.
Greg W. Brisbane, Queensland
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Great trip, great fishing. Snagged a really good catch. Cpt Jim was very friendly and helpful. Definitely go again if I was staying ln the area.
Paul  O.  O.
Paul O. O. Australia
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
We had a fantastic morning out with Jim , my 2 boys caught many different types of fish and Jim accommodated us to the changing winds and tides . Book a trip with Jim you won't be disappointed .
Nicole  H.
Nicole H. Brisbane, Queensland
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Jimโ€™s an excellent host and most accomodating. Had a great time on the boat and caught some good fish. Highly recommend!
Jesse  A.
Jesse A. Sydney, New South Wales
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Travelled up from Hobart to visit family and the south easterly weather followed me here. Not exactly ideal conditions but Jim took us to various honey holes and had us hooking up to all sorts of tropical species. Went home happy and with a solid feed for the family. Definitely recommended.
Matthew  W.
Matthew W. Cairns, QLD
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
The weather was against us but Jim worked hard to find fish for us in sheltered areas. We ended up with two solid trevalley, a 57cm coral trout and one a bit smaller and numerous other smaller fish. Also dropped a good Spanish. Also sighted a whale and itโ€™s calf and a number of turtles. My friend who is a twitcher loved it when Jim enticed a sea eagle to the boat with a small pike which it took off the water metres from the boat.
Steven  T.
Steven T. Brisbane, Queensland
A-One Fishing Charters
A-One Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(130 reviews)
Had an awesome morning out on the water with Jarrad & Johno! Even in the windy conditions they both made our experience one we wonโ€™t forget! Very knowledgeable on all the fish we caught & very helpful when needed. Thanks for an awesome trip Jarrad & Johno - weโ€™ll definitely be back! ๐Ÿ˜Š
Angela  H.
Angela H. Easton, ME
A-One Fishing Charters
A-One Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(130 reviews)
Awesome afternoon out, would highly recommend you give these guys a call and book. We will definitely will book again
Tracey  J.
Tracey J. Australia
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
From the first communication to packing the fish at the end of the trip, Captain Jim was an amazing host! We had a fabulous day, caught a wide variety of fish, learnt a lot and would thoroughly recommend Captain Jim & his boat to anyone wanting a private, well managed fishing expedition. #goatbeer
Alana  R.
Alana R. Townsville, Queensland
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(30 reviews)
Highly recommended the personal trip with Max 4 people in the boat. Friendly nice guy.
Jeremy  S.
Jeremy S. Brisbane, Queensland