Fishing in the Whitsundays

Inner Island Reefs

Without heading out to far, you are sure to find some nice reefs just off the islands including Daydream Island, South Molle and Long Island. Keep a look out for drop offs and big bommies which are usually home to all types of reef fish, including cod, sweetlip, trout and snapper.

When it comes to trawling, you can basically do it anywhere, particularly in the deep-water passages where you are likely to catch mackerel and tuna and the chance of nabbing a marlin or sailfish. This type of fishing is especially good during the cooler months of the year.

Outer reef

There are a number of different reefs which are popular, where you are likely to target big nannygai, coral trout, sweetlip, trevally, jewfish, emperor, mackerel and tuskfish. The outer reef is also home of a huge number of protected species including wrasse and barramundi cod.

Creek/ river fishing

The Whitsundays is home to plenty of estuaries is provide great fishing, particular under snags, gullies and creek corners.

These are often the home of bream, mangrove jack, king salmon, queenfish, grunter and flathead. If you are chasing the elusive saltwater barramundi, head to where the bait is feeding and flick lures (reminder: barramundi season closures are at certain times of the year).

Off the beach/ rockwalls, marinas

If you don’t have boat, you can still get to plenty of good fishing areas including off the beaches, rockwalls and jetties and Shute Harbour. This is a smorgasboard of fishing, depending on where you are, you will be chasing queenfish, mackerel and trevallies. It is important to follow all signage when fishing these areas.