Hook, line and sinker

Seaforth

Grab a tinnie and go on a fishing safari. Start in Victor Creek and reel in some barramundi and salmon. Drop a line at Cluny Creek then head out to sea, stopping offshore at Newry Island where your line will get smashed by coral trout, trevally and the barracuda speed-machines.

Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella Dams

These three dams are all within 90 minutes of Mackay. Expansive open waters make Kinchant Dam one of Australia’s most reliable sources for barramundi that are bigger than a metre in length. Teemburra Dam can be a challenging location but it’s brimming with barramundi, so well worth the trip. If it’s feisty sooty grunter that you’re after, then Eungella Dam has them in spades.

Mackay Marina and Northern Beaches

Target whiting and flathead off Mackay’s picturesque northern beaches. Stand tall on the break wall off Mackay’s Marina and don’t forget your heavy gear. You’ll need it to handle the pull of these tuna.

Pioneer River

With 120km of river and plenty of access points, this river runs wild with fish. Forgan Bridge or Hospital Bridge are very popular bridge fishing spots with dedicated platforms to make access easy. Or get even closer on a kayak. You’ll find a huge variety of species in the upper reaches of the river below the Dumbleton Weir, including barramundi, mangrove jack and salmon.

Offshore Islands and Reefs

If you fancy chasing line-smashing pelagics or the thrill of sports fish, you’ll find islands and reefs full of fighting fish all within minutes of the mainland. Part of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, the waters off Mackay are teeming with reefs, bombies and bait balls that all attract plate-worthy catches. Drift through the channel using squid for bait to attract red emperor, nannygai and sweetlip.