Whitsunday Fishing Charter
Is it the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays? or the amazing fish that makes Whitsundays one of the most beautiful places to go fishing? We thought we would find out with a 2 night, 3-day Whitsunday fishing charter with the amazing team at Topnotch Game Fishing.
We headed out from the Port of Airlie Beach on the luxurious Riviera 51, a 17.73m, 3700L fishing boat. The boat called “Topless” is striking. It’s black marlin tower, strikes a great contrast to it’s silver hull. “Topless” is powered by twin 970hp engines. That allows a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 33 knots, allowing us to quickly get out to our destination the Outer Reef.
We departed early on the first day 6:30am as the sun was coming up. We had great opportunities to take some great photos of the sun reflecting on Pacific Ocean. As we headed out on our Private Charter. However, our reflexes weren’t quick enough to catch a picture of the whales that we passed as they leapt out of the water, a majestic sight to behold.
The “Topless” has a fully air-conditioned enclosed fly bridge, as well as air conditioning throughout the accommodation perfect to offer shade and relief when the Queensland sun is at it’s hottest.
As we headed off we also had time to settle into our cabins, there were three cabins for guests, one with a double bed, one with bunks, one with triple bunks, whilst the crew stay up stairs. There were also two bathrooms, complete with showers and toilets.
Once we had cleared the main channels and had headed out to the appropriate areas we set our lines to troll out, it was great to catch some fish so early on our first day of fishing. The day continued with many more fish caught and ended with some of our fish filleted, cooked and served for dinner. There is nothing more rewarding that knowing you caught your dinner.
Topnotch are an all inclusive fishing charter. All we needed to bring were our clothes and toiletries in a soft bag, alcohol, and a camera. They supplied everything else from baits, tackles, snorkeling gear, stinger suits, bed linen, meals, soft drink and water.
What we found was that our Whitsunday fishing charter was so much more than just fishing. They adapt to your needs and requirements. We really enjoyed fishing. But we also wanted to do some sightseeing, so after two days of fishing our last day involved exploring a bit more of the beauty that is Queensland.
Sightseeing on the Whitsundays
We donned their snorkels, masks and stinger suits and snorkelled amongst the reef, the amazing fish. There is nothing more rewarding than jumping straight off the back of a boat into the clear blue water. We took a visit to Whitsunday Island, home of Whitehaven beach. We were dropped over the hill, a short but very rewarding walk over hill inlet lookout and onto Whitehaven beach.
We had such a great time with the team at Topnotch game fishing, Russell and Tom. Was the perfect way to experience the Whitsundays, the perfect way to catch some fish.
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I loved my time in the Whitsundays and wish I had done a fishing charter. The snorkeling here is wonderful and Whitehaven beach was incredible. You can definitely see why it is one of the top beaches in the world. Thanks for more inspiration to go back!
I agree we love the Whitsundays I would say it is our families favourite holiday destination. We have been back multiple times and it never gets boring.
How fun! I’ve never done a fishing charter before. I think there’s something kinda cool about catching your dinner. Your photos are amazing!
Thanks, yes it great fun catching your own food, it seems to taste even better when you do.
The whitsundays look pretty and can see great barrier reef, pretty awesome!
The great barrier reef is awesome, we keep going back, we love it
Never been fishing, but looks like an awesome destination to try it out!
Was definitely a relaxing way to go fishing.
That was indeed more than fishing. Great that you were also able to do some snorkelling and walk around the island. Pity that you weren’t able to take pictures of the whales but that experience will nevertheless remain a great memory.
I agree, I think sometimes its important to really enjoy the moment, instead of rushing around to take that photo, where you miss the experience
This would be so cool. I got to stay in the Whitsundays when I was in middle school, and it was one of my favorite spots. We didn’t get to do any fishing, though we did see lots when we went snorkeling. I’d love to try this if I ever make it back.
What a great experience for you. If you ever do make it back it’s well worth a try.
This looks so cool! I would love to go snorkeling!
Whitsundays is an amazing place to go snorkeling
What a fantastic way to explore the reef. Did you enjoy snorkelling with the fish or eating them more? I can never decided 🙂 Do you think you would have enjoyed it if the lines had stayed empty? I am always worried that I would be super bored fishing.
I think the advantage of being able to move around until you can find some fish biting makes it easier. Also when the fish weren’t biting we were able to sit back, look over the water with a drink in our hand.
Taking a fishing charter looks like a great time! I have never fished but out on the ocean sure looks fun as does having some time for sightseeing!
Best way to go fishing, as if you aren’t catching fish you can relax and enjoy the sights.
This looks so fun! I love to fish and being out on the water in early morning…I’m also from the Gulf Coast so I’m biased lol
That would be a beautiful place to live.
What an incredible place! I love being at sea, and the flexibility of the charter sounds wonderful. So glad you got to snorkel too; there must have been some amazing sights.
The Whitsundays are a beautiful place to snorkel
wow, what a catch. beautiful sunrise too.
There is nothing like a whitsunday sunrise.
Wow those fish! I’ve been hankering to go fishing recently… Maybe this is mu chance! I can’t even begin to image how fresh and delicious they were!!
They were definitely fresh and delicious
There is really no better feeling than working for that food! Super impressed with your catch and glad you had fun!
It makes it taste nicer I am sure
Ive never been on a real fishing trip, how amazing!I Love the idea of sleeping on a boat. I bet by the end you were ready to hit the beach (or snorkel) So this is in Austrailia? Not familiar with this area.
Yes it’s up in Queensland the North Eastern part of Queensland, the home of the Great Barrier Reef,
I havenet got chance for fishing, but I love fishing.