Fishing the Whitsundays.

[davez104]

I'm looking at taking a trip up to the Whitsundays this week if the weather holds a bit longer, but I've never fished the area. I'm hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers on where to start looking for a feed of reefies. Are the smaller islands outside of Whitsunday worth a look, like Harold or Edward or would you do just as well along the bigger islands?

The reason I was looking at some of the smaller islands is that theyare not in yellow zones and maybe don't see as much fishing pressure being that little bit further. I have a decent sounder so don't mind looking around a bit, would just like some direction on where to start.

Thanks in advance,
Dave.

[davez104]

Another thought, would the fishing be just as good or better if I launch from Dingo Beach and fish around Rattray or Eshelby Islands?

Cheers,
Dave.

[after7]

dingo beach ramp is not suitable in all tides and is open to the swell if the wind direction is wrong but the areas around the islands hold alot of variety in reef , headlands and deep areas around there.

[davez104]

Thanks mate. Might head out of Airlie then.

Looks like I've scored a couple of annual leaves, so will be heading off in the morning. Probably be late in the day before I get on the water though. I'll head out around Hook Island for a start and see where we go from there.

Cheers,
Dave.

[Horse]

Many moons ago I had a week in the Whitsundays nwith Skipjack on his fathers cruiser. I had probably the most intense session ever trolling lures in the Solway Pass. I lost fish after fish to sharks and structure. I skull dragged a 20lb Mac to the boat but the other fish were much bigger and beat me hands down. I would love to hit the spot again

[davez104]

Cheers mate, I'll let you know how I go.

Just checked the zoning maps again, I won't be going anywhere near Eshelby, it's a pink zone, I'll get shot for fishing in there. I'll stick with Hook I think.

Cheers,
Dave.

[Flex]

what size boat do you have?

[davez104]

She's an old 17' Haines.

Went and fished the Eastern side of Whitsunday. Didn't catch a lot, but had a good look around. Got a couple of nice Redthroat Emperor and a feed of Hussar and Stripeys, so not too bad. I got a 1 metre Queenfish on a popper inside the channel between Hook and Whitsunday, that was fun.

I think I would have done alright if I had have stayed out and fished last night, but I had some electrical dramas with the engine not charging the battery properly. I figured the best place to be with no electrics was back on dry land. Got back to the ramp about 9:30 PM last night, home at about 1:30.

Cheers,
Dave.

[davez104]