Topnotch Fishing Charters are the experts when it comes to fishing the Whitsundays. Photos: Topnotch Fishing Charters
The Whitsundays’ most popular pelagic catch is undoubtedly spanish mackerel.
Hook, line and sunshine with Topnotch Whitsundays fishing trips
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HE Whitsundays are synonymous with great fishing, famous beaches and sunshine, and while Mother Nature takes care of the latter two, the dynamic team at Topnotch Fishing Charters are the experts on fishing in the Whitsundays. Fishing isn’t a hobby here, it’s a way of life, and the Topnotch team deliver a fishing trip like no other. In the Whitsundays, two primary categories of fishing reign supreme – reef and pelagic. And if you’re won-
dering what these areas hold, the answer is simple… a smorgasbord of incredible fish that will make your angler’s heart sing. Reef fishing Many keen anglers have booked a trip to the Whitsundays for the sole purpose of a reef fishing expedition, which is no surprise to anyone who has fished the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays are home to a dazzling array of reef species, from delicious coral trout to prized red emperor. Alongside these, you’ll find grass emper-
or, cobia, Indonesian snapper, fingermark, black jewfish, moses perch, grass sweetlip, a variety of different cod and many more. But if there’s one that wears the crown in this category it’s the largemouth nannygai, the true hero of the Whitsundays’ reef-fishing experience. Pelagic fishing Get the adrenaline pumping and challenge your fellow fishos on a pelagic fishing trip. Targeting fast-moving open ocean species, this method will separate the well-fished from the novices, as
For a fishing adventure like no other, try the Whitsundays. Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, December 2023
the fight exhausts the latter. Pelagic fishing in the Whitsundays can reel in black marlin, sailfish, spanish mackerel, spotted mackerel, giant trevally, cobia, longtail tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and barracuda. But the Whitsundays’ most popular pelagic catch is undoubtedly spanish mackerel. It’s an experience that puts your angling skills to the test – when you feel that tug on your line, you know you’re in for a thrilling fight. Seasonal highlights While the Whitsundays are a year-round fishing paradise, there are some seasonal highlights to look forward to also. From August to December, it’s billfish season – perfect for those wanting to try their hand at the ultimate in big-game fishing. Tuna season runs from May to August, a great time for targeting these fast and powerful fish. And during the cooler months, you can expect bigger spanish macker-
el weighing 30kg and more. Memorable days on the water The Topnotch team has had its share of unforgettable days on the water and one charter in particular stands out. With Sydney guests aboard The Pirate, a full-day sports and reef-fishing charter turned into an angler’s dream. From the first drift, quality big reds – including red emperor and nannygai – graced their lines. It was one of those days when everything seemed to align perfectly. Double hook-ups on spanish mackerel, a four-way hookup on longtail tuna and more quality reef fish, including a dinosaur-sized coral trout and a magnificent giant trevally. So, if you’re ready for a fishing adventure like no other, the Whitsundays are waiting. Hook, line and sunshine – that’s the promise these waters hold, and they deliver it in abundance.
www.bnbfishing.com. au
