Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
Fishing the Whitsunday Islands
Getting hooked on the Whitsundays can mean more than just enjoying a tropical sunset. For the avid fishfolk, it means a choice of mangrove, reef and gamefishing unequalled anywhere else in Australia. Where else could you fish for barramundi in the untouched rivers and mangroves one day, drop a hand-line on a reef for giant coral trout the next, and cruise the Coral Sea for sailfish the day after. It's all here in the Whitsundays. For those without their own boat, there are regularly scheduled day fishing trips complete with bait, lines and an experienced guide.
Boats leave from both Abel Point Marina and Shute Harbour. Even for the non-fisho or the first time visitor, these trps are a good way to check out the less visited islands and reefs and gain some first hand knowledge on where and where not to fish (especially with regard to the Marine National Park zonings). Mangrove trips are available through Laguna Quays Resort at Midge Point, about 40 minutes drive from Airlie Beach.
If its the bigger fish you're after, then there are several professional gamefishing boats operating both from Airlie Beach and a number of the island resorts (ie: Hamilton and Hayman). Sailfish, bluefin tuna and black marlin are the prize catches in the summer months, while in winter, giant Spanish mackerel and trevalley abound. Finally, its possible to hire small tinnies and half cabin cruisers to do your own fishing or relaxing in close to the coast. These are available for full and half day rental. Fishing gear and bait can be purchased at Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach.
