02/09/2026
Just back from an epic week long trip to the Whitsundays island group.
The wind was up so we couldn’t get out wide to the reef but sure did make the most of it.
I’ve got a mate heading up shortly and he asked for some info so decided to do a break down of our trip
THE RODS & REELS
1. All-Rounder Setup - for 80% of the fishing
• Rod: 20-30lb Elevate - fast taper, soft enough for bait, good length for flicking plastics/lures
• Reel: 5000 spin
• Line: 35lb braid
• Best for: Slow pitch jigging, bait fishing, casting plastics/lures
2. Deep / Heavy Setup
• Rod: 30-60lb Osprey (spin version)
• Reel: 8000 spin
• Line: 60lb braid
• Best for: Deep bottom bouncing and trolling
TACKLE BOX
Terminal:
• Hooks: Gamakatsu 9/0 big baits
• Leaders: 35lb, 50lb, 70lb
• Sinkers: Size 1 & 2 ball sinkers + 8oz & 12oz snapper leads
• Jig Heads: Atomic Seekerz 1/2oz, 3/4oz, 1oz in 5/0 X-Heavy
Tools: Pliers, fish grips
Lures / Jigs:
• majorcraft jigpara Slow pitch jigs 60,80,100grams (for 35-50m)
• Atomic Slim Twitcher 120
• Atomic Jerk Minnow 6 inch
• Atomic Prong 4 inch
• Z-Bait Skinny Pop 130
• Couple of Atomic dragsters for trolling
Baits: Stripies, hussar, strips of fresh reef fish. Avoid trevally strips - just brings sharks.
WHERE & HOW TO FISH IT
1. Flats Fishing - Top of the tide is best
• Depth: 1.5-3m, casting close to coral edges in gutters
• Leader: 35lb
• Technique: Cast the Atomic Slim Twitchers 125mm, Atomic Realbaitz 100mm, 6”Jerk Minnows, 4”Prongs and Zip bait Skinny Pops 130 tight to structure
2. Evenings - Edge Fishing
• Depth: 4-8m on gutters or points with current
• Leader: 50lb with ball sinkers
• Technique: Single big bait + strips of fresh fish on 9/0. Super fun when you get a school of red throat and spangled emperor around.
3. Deeper Reefs
• Depth: 35-50m
• Technique A - Slow Pitch: Slow lift off bottom, let it fall with NO line tension, only work it 2m off bottom max then drop again.
• Technique B - Bait: Single paternoster, 50lb leader, 9/0 big baits + reef fish strips.
4. Trolling
• Where: Points in 25-30m
• What for: Mackerel
• With: dragsters
5. On the Moorings at Night
• Expect sharks and the odd GT circling the boat - good for a tug of war.
• Hot tip I suggest Take a dip net for gars - they are everywhere at night and perfect for trolling for macks and small black marlin.
RULES & TIPS
Size Limits:
• All reef fish 38cm min
• If you want to freeze fillets to bring home, fillet has to exceed 40cm AND skin stays on. Easiest way is run the knife down the tail and fillet the skin off - that skin length counts. Or just keep them whole.
Fight Tips:
• Set drag HEAVY. Everything runs straight for cover.
• Go hard and get them up fast or sharks will eat every good fish.
Majorcraft Australia
Atomic
Samurai Rods
Frogleys Offshore
Desolve
Mackenzie Luck
Micks Fishing Madness
