Airlie Beach

[Mr__Bean]

Hello all,

We are heading up to Airlie Beach for an Easter break and are looking to tow the boat up.

A couple of questions if I may:

1. Are there any decent fishing areas left around the marine parks?

2. Are there areas within a safe distance to view and snorkel around the reef in a recreational boat (8 Metre platey)?

3. Is there anything we should be cautious or aware of up that way that we may not be considering?

Thanks,

- Darren

[Flex]

with an 8m platey you will have no probs getting into some awesome fish.

I strongly suggest pulling into the Fishing shop next to the BP on your way into Airlie. Those guys will give you and excellent run down on where to go.

Mackerel bay is a good spot for larger boats in okish weather. Jigging for mackerel or bottom bashing is great. Just sound around till you find some bait schools.

Heck in your boat I'd be looking at hitting the reefs. They are only 30km or so east of Hook Island.

2 things to be weary off. Passage between the Mole islands. Use the northern one. The small passage you see at low tide is actually a rubbly rock bar that sticks out at low tide.

For snorkling, I'd go to the Green zoned bay on the north edge of Hook island.

And south mole Island, dont drive to close to the south headland. Few rocks in the water that nearly ruined my prop once

The water is extremely deep around the Islands, so it can get a little dangerous in the passage in 20knot+ wind against the tide. but an 8m platey you should be fine unless its a cyclone

[madman1]

Where are you intending on staying Darren.

Whithaven Beach is a definate go to. There is a good drop off on the southeastern point of Hook Island which produces good nannies and trout. Fish either an hour either side of each tide as you wont get to the bottom in 15 metred without a pound of lead.

I dig up the point off Hook next time the boat is unwrapped.

Good Luck

Mark