Frequently Asked Fishing Questions
Hi everyone, it’s Marlene here from Topnotch Game Fishing. 👋🏻
I’m the first mate TGF, and usually, I’m your first port of call contact to make a booking. Our fishing charter business has merged with the times and is available to book online at your leisure. In the past, I have usually been the first person you would call to inquire about our fishing charters and I’d answered many questions directly via the phone or by email. We are all going online these days so I have created this informative blog about frequently asked fishing questions I get asked about our fishing charters. I’ll endeavour to keep adding questions with answers as I go but also feel free to contact me via phone at 1300 347 444 or email at tgfcharterinquiries@gmail.com for any information. I’m only too happy to answer any questions.
Frequently Asked Fishing Questions
Can you keep your catch?
- Absolutely! As long as it is of legal size and within bag limits.
Are there any fish closures & when are they?
- Yes, we have two types of fish closures every year in October and November. They are Coral Reef Fin (5 days x 2) & Spanish Mackerel Closures (3 weeks x 2). For detailed information about these closures, please head to this blog – Coral Reef Fin & Spanish Mackerel Closures
What is the difference between a shared charter & a private charter?
- Shared fishing charters are (AM/PM) 4-hour half-day fishing charters that are a shared fishing experience with other bookings. These are paid per ticket and are all bottom reef fishing charters. Everyone has their own rod and reel.
- Private charters are whole boat bookings customised to the client’s needs. It is very popular to target bottom reef fishing and troll for pelagic fish.
- For detailed information about shared and private fishing charters, please head to this blog – Which Charter To Choose – Shared Or Private Charters.
What happens if the weather is unfavourable & the charter is cancelled?
- All charters are subject to the weather on the day, and our captains reserve the right to cancel charters due to unsafe weather or unforeseen breakdowns. In this case, we will offer alternative dates (if available) to reschedule the booking or a full refund will be made. To view our terms & conditions – Topnotch Game Fishing Terms & Conditions.
More Popular Fishing Questions
Which species of fish can we catch with Topnotch game Fishing?
I’ll divide the types of fish you can catch with the Topnotch Team into two categories: reef fish (which live at the bottom of the water column around reef structures) and pelagic fish (which are in all water columns—they can be at the top or bottom and move around).
Some of the more common types of reef fish that can be caught around the Whitsunday Islands:
- Small/large mouth nannygai, coral trout, red emperor, fingermark, gold spot cod, Indonesian snapper, tusk fish, black jewfish & a variety of sweetlip fish.
Some of the more common types of pelagic fish that can be caught in the Whitsunday Waters:
- Black marlin, sailfish, longtail tuna, yellowfin tuna, giant trevally, cobia, barracuda, spotted mackerel, school mackerel & Spanish mackerel.
Which is the better time to go fishing – AM or PM?
- Generally, one will fish better than the other, but it does depend on the type of fish being targeted (reef fish or pelagic fish), the tides on the day (moon phase), and, of course, the weather! *** Note that the weather does have quite an impact on where we can fish on the day of the charter.
How deep is the water around the Whitsunday Islands?
- Around the islands and shipping channel, the water is generally 50 to 60 meters deep. A little closer to the islands, we may fish in 40 meters, and some places in the shipping channel go to a depth of 70 meters.
Is there a toilet board on the vessels?
- Yes, both of our game boats are fitted with toilets.
Questions About Topnotch Game Fishing
How far do we travel to the fishing grounds?
- It does depend on which charter is booked & also on the weather conditions on the day. Generally, with our half-day charters, we will travel 15 to 45 mins. Full-day charter travel can take from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Liveaboard charters generally take 2.5 hours to reach the Great Barrier Reef system, but travel is minimal as we fish from reef to nearby reef.
Do we have left-handed reels?
- Yes, we do. The bottom fishing reels (SHIMANO 14,000 Saragosa’s) can be easily changed from left-hand to right-hand. *** Note that the overhead trolling reels (Tiagra 30’s), unfortunately, don’t have this option, and all of them are right-handed.
What type of fishing charters do we do & what are their times/durations?
- Shared half-day charter – 4 hours (8 am to 12 pm & 1 pm to 5 pm)
- Private half-charter – 4 hours (8 am to 12 pm & 1 pm to 5 pm)
- Private full-day fishing – 8 hours (8 am – 4 pm)
- Private liveaboard fishing charters from overnight to 4 days (8 am first day & arrive back 4 pm last day)
Is seasickness a concern on the charter?
- These days a quick trip to your local chemist to discuss the best-suited seasick medication for you is a great idea if you are a bit worried. Topnotch Game Fishing is based on Hamilton Island, in the middle of 74 islands. The many islands provide great protection from winds in many directions, which allows charters to proceed. We do, though, have safe operating limitations & generally, when the winds blow up to 30 knots, this is when charters get cancelled by the windy weather.
Fishing Charter Questions
Are we going to be fishing at the outer Great Barrier Reef?
- TGF only fishes the GBR when a liveaboard fishing charter has been booked. The distance from Hamilton Island to the outer reef can easily be 2.5 hours on a good weather day and longer if the weather is windier. It’s impossible for half-day charters to fish it, and on a full-day charter, you would be lucky to get 3 hours of fishing because of the travel time. Hence, only our liveaboard charters are ideal for several days of fishing the outer reef.
Is Full Payment Required To Secure The Booking Or A Deposit?
- Full payment is required for all half-day shared fishing charters and private half-day fishing charters. If you want to book a private 3/4 day, full-day or liveaboard fishing charter, full payment is required less than four weeks out, but if booking is more than four weeks away, a 25% deposit is required.
What inclusions are in the charter?
Shared half-day & private half-day fishing charters:
- Quality Shimano rods, reels and tackle.
- Catch filleted or gilled, gutted and bagged.
- Ice-cold water. BYO alcohol.
- Professional crew dedicated to sports/reef fishing – skipper and crewman.
Full-day and liveaboard fishing charters:
- Catering
- Quality Shimano rods, reels and tackle.
- Catch filleted or gilled, gutted and bagged.
- Ice-cold bottled water. BYO alcohol.
- Professional crew dedicated to sports/reef fishing – skipper & crewman.
Also, we have been fishing in the Whitsunday region for over ten years now and have always had custom game boats with professional crewmen. If you have any frequently asked fishing questions, please contact me. I’m a country gal and love a good chat on the phone.
Tight lines,
Marlene Hicks
Owner/operator
