Fishing
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An angler’s dream
The Whitsundays and the Queensland coast is a mecca for fishing. Coral trout, sweetlips, red emperor, Spanish mackerel, giant trevally and cod are just some of the prize catches on offer.
With a bit of local knowledge, you can enjoy fishing as one of your bareboating activities and catch fresh fish to add to your menu. There are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re fishing in the Whitsundays and we also give some local knowledge on where to fish in this post.
Fish in the zone
To plan your trip, see the Whitsunday Zoning Map (MPZ10), which we provide onboard our vessels. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a protected area and protected zones change from year to year to allow fish stocks to replenish. The zoning map outlines where you can fish within our charter area.
Fish guide
On board all vessels is a guide to local fish, “Marine Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and South East Asia”, which will become your fishing bible. It has information about species, size and bag limits. For information on rules and regulations for the Whitsunday waters, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.
Closed seasons
If you intend to fish while chartering, ensure you check the closed seasons for our region before booking. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implements closed seasons (regulated waters) where you cannot fish for certain species at particular times of the year to protect them at vulnerable points of their life cycle. Of most relevance to our area is the closed season information for coral reef fin fish.
Keen to fish while chartering with us? Let us know and we can arrange gear for you.
Alternatively, you can contact our local bait and tackle shops who have a range of fishing equipment for purchase or hire. They’ll deliver tackle to our base in time for your charter. Tell them your arrival and departure dates and that you’re chartering with Whitsunday Rent A Yacht.
- Airlie Bait & Tackle
Phone: 07 49 466 632
Email: geoffip@outlook.com