Slade Island is a small boaties paradise with a large number of resident and pelagic species hanging around this prominent slab of rock just off the Mackay Harbour.
The island creates some protection during Sou’ Easterly trade winds and similarly if the blow comes from the North then there are sheltered waters on the Southern side. Anyone using a small boat such as a car topper or even a barra type punt can still enjoy some inshore blue water action providing conditions from the harbour mouth aren’t too treacherous.
Spinning into schools of tuna and mackerel just off Slade Island.
Around the Island the water isn’t particularly deep and is well suited to trolling. Lures than run around four to five metres can be effective in catching species such as cod that will rise from the protection of their rocky lair to attack offerings that pass within reach.
Off the Eastern end you find some fishy looking grounds in about 15 metres of water. This is a good zone to establish a burley trail and species such as snapper and black king during the cooler months are a viable target. Warmer months will see golden trevally, queenfish and the mackerel family become available.
These fish commonly feed throughout the water column so lightly weighted or floating baits often provide the best outcome. Fleshy baits held to the bottom with a bit of lead will entice cod, sweetlip, blueys and trout.
Batfish are not the most welcome catch and are best
released but provide a bit of fun especially for young anglers.
Sport fishing for pelagics is extremely popular around Slade Island and many boats can be seen pursuing the schools of tuna and mackerel that harass the bait balls. This usually occurs during the later part of the year and coincides with Northerly winds and tides around the full and new moon.
TIP > Tuna provide great sport and make excellent bait. If casting metal slices use a reel with a high retrieve ratio to mimic the speed of their bait. There are times you will not be able to wind fast enough to induce a strike.
Get There > Boat launch at Mackay Harbour and two minute boat ride.
