Reef fishing is often considered the pinnacle of all fishing and with such a large variety of edible and sporting species growing to immense and admirable proportions it’s difficult to argue.

Coral trout are a magnificent fish when photographed
like this one straight from the water.

Cameras on reef trips are now considered as important as the bait and sunscreen and with the digital age there is no better way to capture that fish of a life time. You can take that special shot over and over until you are happy that you have something suitable for the scrap book.

Getting to these fish rich waters off Mackay can be achieved in either one of three ways. You can take your boat, you can go in your mate’s boat, or you can book a charter boat.

A big GT. Synonymous with never give up attitude,
awesome pulling power and strained forearms.

Charter boats offer those who only fish the reef several times a year the opportunity to tangle with species far beyond proportions available in the local creek or estuary. The fish are bigger, they taste better and a good charter skipper will do everything he can to ensure his clients get the best out of their day on the water.

Clients need not worry about navigation, weather, tides and generally not food, bait or tackle because most charters are fully inclusive. You even have the opportunity to sit back at the end of the day and enjoy a few cold drinks with the rest of the crew while reflecting on the days events. All this while someone else powers the rig back to the marina!

Red Emperor are among the top prized fish on the reef.

Group bookings are the most popular and you can get together a heap of mates, work colleagues or family for a great, stress free day out. Single bookings are also catered for by most operators as they often need to fill the seats on each trip.