Welcome to the Whitsundays. Home of beautiful islands, incomparable snorkelling, and world-class fishing. If you’re joining us in this amazing region on an upcoming yacht charter holiday, you may be considering dropping a line and seeing what bites. Before you depart, however, it is important to gather all the information you can on how, what, when, and where to fish in the Whitsunday Islands.

Fishing Regulations

First and foremost, you will need to know the legalities when it comes to Whitsunday fishing. While you don’t need a fishing licence in the waters of Queensland, you will need to check out these important zoning maps to make sure you’re abiding by all regulations. There are also certain fishing closures throughout the year. These are put in place to protect coral reef fish species found in the region. During such periods, it is prohibited to fish for certain species and heavy fines apply. To make sure you know what to catch and when, take a look at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries fishing website and this website for further details. Our Queensland Yacht Charters staff is also happy to advise and answer any questions prior to your departure.

What Can I Catch?

Spring and summer are prime time for game fishing here in the Whitsundays. Black marlin, swordfish, and sailfish can all be caught during this time. Giant trevally are also plentiful in these warmer months. In the cooler periods, you’ll have a great chance to grab Spanish Mackerel and Queenfish. Mackerel tuna are a top catch throughout most of the year. Other popular species include Coral Trout, Grassy Sweetlip, Cod, Grunter, and Barramundi.

Best Spots to Fish

If it’s sport fishing you’re after, then you’ll want to head to spots such as Nara Inlet, Hook Passage, and Shute Harbour, as well as the rocky sides of Daydream Island and Haselwood Island. On a Whitsunday yacht charter, reef fishing is often the approach of choice. Moor your vessel in an approved area close to the reefs and drop a line for some fantastic catches. (Be extra cautious when reef fishing to ensure you do not damage the fragile, protected reefs). Great spots for this type of fishing include the southern end of Whitsunday Island, the reef off the southwestern side of South Molle Island, Bird Island, Double Cone Islands, the northeastern edge of Hook Island and the fringing reefs of Apostle Bay. Estuaries such as Proserpine River are a third option for fishing spots in the Whitsundays and are a top choice for catching Barramundi, Flathead, and Threadfin Salmon. During your yacht charter holiday, you will have the freedom to explore the islands at your leisure. This will give you the opportunity to find the best fishing spots and enjoy some of the finest fishing in all of Australia.

Let’s Go!

When packing for your upcoming Whitsunday yacht charter, you can choose to bring your own fishing gear, or hire it out from one of our providers. It’s a great time of year right now for catching fish in the Whitsundays. Get in touch with us today to plan your upcoming adventure. Image Source: http://www.touristmaker.com/australia/queensland/great-barrier-reef/