FISHING IN THE WHITSUNDAYS
- Recreational Fishing is permitted in most of the Whitsunday islands and no permit is required for fishing in the marine waters of Queensland.
- Whitsunday Escape does not supply fishing gear; however you are welcome to bring your own gear.
- Most fisherman find that lures towed behind the boat or dinghies are easy to manage and the most successful.
- Zoning regulations have been introduced to the Great Barrier Reef, with some impact on the Whitsundays. Click for the great barrier reef marine park web site Zoning map pdf. Further information can be accessed on the Great barrier reef marine park web site
- Recent changes have also seen the introduction of a closed season for all coral reef fin fish on the barrier reef due to spawning aggregation. Fishing for game fish is still permitted during these periods. Before fishing for any coral reef fin fish species during these months, visit the Queensland department of primary industries fishing website to find out more information.
Closed seasons for Queensland waters:
- 5 October to 9 October 2010, and 3 November to 7 November 2010
- 24 October to 28 October 2011, and 22 November to 26 November 2011
- 12 October to 16 October 2012, and 11 November to 15 November 2012
- 2 October to 6 October 2013, and 31 October to 4 November 2013.
- Regulations can be viewed on the DPI web site
- Spear- fishing is now only permitted in a very small part of the Whitsundays (outside the public appreciation boundary) details are on the Zoning map pdf. It would not be worth bringing spear guns as the visibility in the small permitted area is usually poor.
Some basic fishing gear and bait can be bought from the chandler below our office.
The following tackle shops will both sell and Rent fishing gear:
Whitsunday Fishing World (Shute Harbour Road next to the BP service station 0749 480 311)
Airlie Bait and Tackle (Shute Harbour Road, the east end of Airlie Beach town centre 0749 466 632 or geoffphilp@westnet.com.au)