You know those days when everything just feels right?
You open the weather app - clear skies, calm seas, light winds. It’s basically screaming, “GO FISHING!” So, like half of Queensland, you grab your gear, round up the crew, and roll into the boat ramp at 3 a.m., buzzing with excitement.
Only problem?
Everyone else saw the same forecast.
We rocked up early at the Mackay Marina, just in time to witness a full-blown traffic jam of boats. You’d swear it was the Boxing Day sales - except instead of snagging TVs, everyone was chasing coral trout and Spanish mackerel.
But hey, we got on the water just as the sun cracked the horizon. Still. Glassy. Perfect. Expectations were sky high.
Little did we know…
We were in for sea sickness, wind, splash after splash of freezing cold water - and a wild ride home that made us question every decision we’d made before dawn.
A Few Fish, Some Dolphins, and Plenty of Spray
The day kicked off alright. We headed for the outer reefs - past the Shipping Channel - with high hopes and heavy gear. A couple of nice reefies came aboard early on, and we even got a dolphin and whale show along the way.
Then the weather turned. The breeze picked up, the swell followed suit, and next thing you know, we're soaked head to toe. If the saltwater wasn’t slapping you in the face, the cold was. And let’s not even talk about the motion sickness setting in for one poor soul.
Still - the fish were biting, and that’s what keeps us coming back.
Hot Tip: Mackay Fishing is Legit (Even on Wild Days)
Despite the chaos, Mackay delivers some of Queensland’s best deep sea fishing. With easy access to Keswick, St. Bees, Brampton, and further-out gems like Scawfell, Credlin, and Stevens Reef, you’re spoiled for choice.
Here’s what you need to know:
🎯 Top Targets:
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Coral trout, red emperor, and Spanish mackerel near the reef edges and bommies
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Tuna and trevally around drop-offs and current lines
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Nannygai and jewfish along the shipping channel and bottom structures
🧭 Charter Options to Check Out:
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Reefari – Great for game fishing and reef trips
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Mackay Fishing Charters – Bottom bashing, live baiting, all covered
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Cast & Catch – Based in Alligator Creek, barra and estuary options too
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Elizabeth E II – Full-on custom adventures, perfect for group trips
What We Learned (So You Don’t Have To):
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Weather apps lie. Always be prepared for changing conditions.
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Sea sickness is real. Pack ginger tablets, snacks, and don’t skip breakfast.
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The right gear matters. Heavy rods, strong braid (50lb+), good leaders, and versatile lures like vibes and slow-pitch jigs are must-haves.
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Tides rule the bite. Plan around them. And use Google Earth to scout reef structure and drop-offs before you go.
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And always bring your Escaping The Coastline fishing shirt. Trust us - sun protection, comfort, and that perfect fishy look when you finally get the hero shot (which we almost didn’t, thanks to the splashdown).
Final Thoughts
Would we do it again?
Absolutely.
Even with the cold, the chaos, and the sea spray, there’s something magic about chasing big fish off the coast of Mackay. The islands, the reefs, the rush of it all. Whether you’re trolling for macks or bottom bashing for reds, it’s an adventure worth every drop of saltwater in your boots.
Just maybe… leave a little room for reality between what the app says and what the sea delivers.
