12-Hour Great Barrier Reef Fishing with Phoenix Charters
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in reasonable physical shape to handle standing and moving about on the boat for the full day, including managing fishing gear.
Overview
Take on the outer limits of the Great Barrier Reef with Phoenix Fishing Charters’ longest day trip, combining day and night fishing to target prized reef species like Spanish Mackerel and Coral Trout. This epic 12-hour adventure from Airlie Beach offers top gear and expert guidance for all anglers.
12 hour Extreme outer Great Barrier Reef
Ages 12+ • 12 Hours
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour fishing adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, the farthest day charter in the Whitsundays. Experience both day and night fishing while targeting impressive species like Spanish Mackerel and Coral Trout. With expert guidance and top-notch equipment, this trip promises excitement for anglers of all skill levels.
Great Barrier Reef Fishing at its best!
Duration
9 Hours
About
During this trip you will be fishing using bait (bottom bashing) and jigs (jigging) targeting some of the many different fish around the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweet Lip, Nannygai and many more species.
About the Skipper
Ty, our experienced Skipper and Business Owner, has been fishing the East Coast of Queensland since he was a young boy. Growing up in the Great Sandy Strait on the Fraser Coast, he went on to become a Commercial Fisherman at 15yrs of age and got his Skippers ticket aged 19. Since then, he has chartered fishing boats all the way from the Gold Coast up to the Whitsundays, and through to the Torres Strait, the Gulf of Carpentaria & the Arefura Sea.
Ty enjoys getting his customers on to the fish and is renowned for putting people on to their trophy catch of Nannygai, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Tusk Fish, Tuna, Giant Trevally, Spanish Mackerel and many other species on the Great Barrier Reef.
About the Company
Phoenix Fishing Charters cater for all levels of fishing, from experienced anglers to beginners, children over the age of 5 and Seniors. Private Group bookings can be customised towards corporate teams, bucks and hens parties, family adventures, or groups of mates who want a unique fishing experience. We operate from the Port of Airlie and the crew fish all year round (depending on the weather and sea conditions). They are dedicated to customer service, taking pride in ensuring that you and/or your group will have the best possible fishing experience onboard. Our boat is a 10m Kevlacat Express with 2024 model twin 300HP engines and both Lowrance & Furuno Sounders. The boat has been designed and built for charter fishing to get you on to the fish faster and to get the adrenalin pumping. The boat accommodates up to 8 guests alongside 2 crew and has all the comforts of spacious seating, a fusion sound system and an enclosed flushing toilet.
Trip Inclusions:
- Bottled Water
- Sunscreen
- Lunch – See menu options on booking
- Updated High Quality Fishing Equipment
- Your catch cleaned, filleted and bagged to take with you
Adventure Tips
Pack weather-appropriate clothing
Bring layers and sun protection as conditions can shift dramatically over 12 hours on the reef.
Use provided fishing gear
Phoenix Fishing Charters supplies updated fishing tackle optimized for reef species, ensuring you fish with the best equipment.
Bring a small cooler
Pack a cold bag or small esky to transport your filleted catch safely home.
BYO alcohol cans only
You can bring canned drinks but glass bottles are not permitted onboard; always stay hydrated.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles often surface near the boat during calmer parts of the trip
- Dugongs can occasionally be spotted grazing seagrass beds en route
History
The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef have been central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years, with sustainable fishing practices passed down through generations.
Conservation
Phoenix Fishing Charters practices catch-and-release where appropriate and follows strict guidelines to protect reef habitats and endangered species.
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Adventure Hotspots in Airlie Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wide-brim hat
Protects from intense sun exposure during extended daylight on the reef.
summer specific
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water and helps in spotting fish beneath the surface.
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable during unpredictable showers.
spring specific
Non-slip boat shoes
Ensures safety and traction on wet boat decks.