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.