Whitsunday Fishing
All You Need To Know About Fishing In The Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are one of the most favored fishing spots in Australia, not only for the huge variety of fish, but also for the beauty of the islands, the sublime weather and the chance to go snorkeling and swimming in warm, clear waters. There are dozens of islands in the national marine park that lie between the mainland at Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef. Many good Whitsunday fishing tour companies have set up shop in Airlie Beach, as well as in nearby Shute Harbor, and they can take you out on an all-inclusive fishing trip or rent you out a vessel.
There are over 70 islands in all in the Whitsundays, most of which are uninhabited and surrounded by pretty beaches and lush fringe reefs. You can fish virtually anywhere although there are one or two favored spots for the best catches. They are mainly at the outer edge of the islands, past Hook and Hayman islands, which are some of the most northerly of the park. There are also some great spots not far from the touristy Hamilton Island, while Whitsunday Island (the largest in the archipelago) also has options at the mouth of Hill inlet.
You will find a great deal of mackerel, tuna, snapper, and trout as well as the odd marlin. In addition, giant trevally can be snagged when it’s warmer and queenfish in the cooler months. As well as Whitsunday fishing among the islands is also good choice around Shute Jetty and to the south along the Proserpine River estuary. The latter has salmon and mud crabs galore.
Most people base themselves at Airlie Beach when on a fishing trip to the Whitsundays as it is the main center and has the bulk of the hotels and facilities. You can hire boats from here and there is a launch at Able Point Marina. Nearby Shute Harbor has better launch facilities and more boat companies although less in the way of tourist outlets. Those who plan on bare-boating, however, will simply use these spots as launch points and sail the islands for the duration. Prices can work out very reasonable for an extended trip as the competition is fierce, although you can also go upmarket and base yourself on one of the outlying islands, such as Hayman Island where there is a fancy resort and moorings.
