Full-day reef fishing charters from Airlie Beach run out to the reef edges around Bait Reef, Hook Reef and the outer Whitsunday islands. You'll bottom-fish for coral trout, red throat emperor, sweetlip, and trolled for Spanish mackerel and tuna along the way. Gear, bait, tackle and a cooked lunch are included. Some operators clean and fillet your catch to take home (you'll need an esky). No fishing licence required on a commercial charter. Bag limits and protected species rules apply and the skipper enforces them. Family-friendly charters are available if kids want to come along.
Highlights
- ✓All gear, bait, and tackle included
- ✓Lunch onboard
- ✓Catch cleaned and filleted to take home
- ✓No fishing licence required on charter
- ✓Reef and pelagic species
What to expect
Before
Bring an esky to take fillets home. Seasickness tablets recommended.
During
Cruise out, fish multiple spots, lunch, return.
After
Cook your catch on the marina BBQs or have it grilled at Fish D'Vine.
Practical info
- Best time to go
- April to November. Avoid windy SE swells if you're prone to seasickness.
- What to bring
- Hat, sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, esky, water bottle.
- Booking tips
- Private charters give you more flexibility. Shared charters are cheaper per person.
- Accessibility
- Stable vessels but bottom-fishing requires upper-body strength. Discuss with operator.