Nestled along the stunning coastline of Queensland, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays are renowned for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While the destination is often associated with sailing and island hopping, the Whitsundays offers fantastic fishing opportunities for both seasoned anglers and casual enthusiasts.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best fishing spots on the mainland that are easily accessible, and suitable for all ages.
- Shingley Beach
A short stroll from Airlie Beach’s main street, Shingley Beach is a hidden gem for anglers seeking tranquillity and a variety of fish species. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for families and beginners. Expect to catch whiting, flathead, and mangrove jack as you enjoy the picturesque views of the Coral Sea Marina. - Cannonvale Beach
Cannonvale Beach is another easily accessible fishing spot near Airlie Beach. With its long stretch of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, this area is perfect for casting a line and relaxing by the water. Keep an eye out for schools of baitfish, as they often attract larger predators like queenfish and mackerel. For the more adventurous to the far left of the beach there is a rocky outcrop, accessible on foot, which at the right tide can be a good spot to get the fish biting. - Shute Harbour
Don’t miss the fishing opportunities at Shute Harbour, located just a short drive from Airlie Beach. The public bus service also runs to Shute Harbour regularly from Airlie Beach. The best fishing opportunities are from a tinny, with its deep-water access, this area is known for attracting larger fish such as mackerel and trevally. For those without a boat, there is a purpose-built public fishing pontoon to the left of the marine terminal which is a great spot for an early morning or late afternoon fish. This is an excellent spot to drop a line and try your luck at catching some of the famed tropical Whitsunday fish and squid species. - Rock Walls
A favourite with locals, the rock walls surrounding the Whitsunday Marine Club on Altman Avenue are a great spot to fish from. Visit on a late rising tide in the afternoon and you may expect to catch fingermark, bream, mangrove jack using squid or prawns as bait. This area has its share of trevally and barramundi as well usually feeding around the rocks along the shoreline. - Dingo Beach
Venture a bit farther north to Dingo Beach, a charming coastal village with a laid-back atmosphere. The beach provides great fishing opportunities, and the area is known for its diverse marine life. Cast your line for the chance to hook into bream, flathead, and the occasional coral trout.
Fish Friendly Marina
Coral Sea Marina is a proud Clean Marina Level III/ Fish Friendly marina accredited through the Marina Industries Association. As such, fishing is prohibited throughout the entire marina precinct. The marina provides a thriving fish habitat for many tropical fish species resulting in a diverse array of fish and marine life being spotted regularly in the marina’s waters.
Fish Responsibly
Wherever you fish on the mainland, don’t forget to fish responsibly. Recover lost line and tackle, reused tackle you find and remove discarded line and dispose of it correctly. Follow the recreational fishing rules for Queensland – https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/rules/limits-tidal
The marina has partnered with ReefClean on a Rig Recycle project which allows recreational and commercial fishers to dispose of their unwanted tackle and line in one of their dedicated disposal bins. The Rig Recycle project then repurposes this tackle to be used again or into other products. For more information on this project, visit – https://www.tangaroablue.org/amdi-network/reefclean/rig-recycle/
Fishing Charters
If you are feeling a little more adventurous book a spot on one of the many top notch fishing charters that leave daily from Coral Sea Marina. Exploring the best fishing spots around the islands with experienced professional crew you are guaranteed to not return home empty handed – https://www.coralseamarina.com/experiences/fishing/
Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, and the Whitsundays are not just about sailing and island hopping; they also offer fantastic fishing experiences for all levels of anglers. Whether you prefer the convenience of rock walls or the tranquillity of secluded beaches, these easily accessible spots provide a gateway to the diverse marine life that inhabits the pristine waters of this tropical paradise.
So, pack your fishing gear, and get ready to reel in the memories of a lifetime in Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, and the Whitsundays.