With 74 islands, some of the most clear waters in Australia and the nearby World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience. The waters are teeming with all kinds of reef fish and pelagics including marlin, bass, bream, sailfish, mackerel, coral trout, wahoo, trevally, emperor, queenfish, tuna, barramundi, mangrove jack, cod, kingfish, snapper and much more.
With most of the Whitsunday islands accessible by boat and many of the home to National Parks, a visit will put you right in the heart of the action and offer some of the most spectacular sports fishing in the tropics. Whitsunday fishing offers you a wide range of options, with accommodation available on the mainland as well as the islands. Most resorts offer a fantastic range of onsite activities and facilities ensuring there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
Most daytrips depart from the mainland of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands fishing charters take you everywhere from the islands to the Great Barrier Reef where hundreds if not millions of fish await. Whether you're a seasoned professional or are new to Whitsundays fishing, these charters and their knowledgeable guides know all the hottest local fishing spots and can help you with everything from bait and tackle to technique.
There's also plenty of shore-based Whitsunday fishing to be had from the many rockwalls and marinas located around town, particularly at Shute Harbour's purpose-built pontoon. Estuary fishing is also available from the new Proserpine River ramp however saltwater crocodiles are also known to frequent the area so visitors should exercise caution.
Airlie Beach itself has four public boat ramps which offer free parking with the latest and greatest located at the Port of Airlie marina. Launching ramps are also located at Cannonvale and the Coral Sea Marina complex and all these offer easy access to the warm, protected waters that surround the Whitsundays and offer excellent fishing opportunities.
