Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach: Tips
The Marlin is a monster fish that’s so sought-after. It’s one of the most demanding and challenging ones to catch, and this Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach post will help you understand it a little better.
Marlins are fast and powerful jumpers—and can weigh hundreds of pounds. They look great as decorations, too, and can be placed in a game room or mounted over a fireplace.
But, you’ll need a lot of patience just to get one. Did you know that in one Marlin fishing contest, the winning team had to wait at least 5 hours just to catch their winning fish?
So, how do you get started? Keep on reading this Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach post for some insider’s scoop on Marlin fishing!
Or get the help from Skipper Will and Book your Airlie Beach Fishing Charter: Click here
Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach: Trolling
Trolling is perhaps the most effective way to catch a Marlin. It’s done by trailing the line behind the boat you’re in at a consistent depth.
Since Marlins live at or below 250 ft. the surface, your line should be long and strong enough to put up with the depth and their weight.
Marlins can weigh up to 500 lbs, so see that your line can handle that weight or you’ll have your own “the one that got away” moment. Lines in the 50-80 pound class are a good start.
You may use a downrigger to keep your line at a consistent depth, too!
This device attaches to the rod and reel and your boat. It then pulls the line down and locks it in place once it has reached the desired depth.
Moreover, you’ll also want to release two lines with bait at different lengths to attract a Marlin.
Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach: Lures and Bait
Baits are a crucial factor when catching the perfect Marlin.
When trolling, live bait fish or lures can be used. For lures, be as realistic as possible—lures that look like fish Marlins would eat like ballyhoo, mackerel, or mullet are a perfect choice.
Meanwhile, live bait can be classified into two: large and natural rigged. Larger bait fish include bonito and dolphin, while examples of natural rigged bait fish are barracuda and mullet.
Live baits are normally used in the grassy or weedy parts of the water. But of course, the type of lures and bait is still your choice depending on what works the best for you.
Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach: Patience is Key
Simply watching the Marlin jump off the water is a lot of fun. Its marvelous features combined with being powerful jumpers make Marlins create the ultimate aerial show!
Marlins are famous for doing something that’s called “greyhounding.” It means they repeatedly jump horizontally out the water to make an amazing sight you’ll never forget.
When trolling, having a lot of patience is important since it can take some time to get a bite. And, when you do have a bite, it’ll still take hours to tire these fish down and finally reel them in.
It’s important to both be patient and vigilant when Marlin fishing. Taking note of where the Marlin hides and patiently reeling it in once it has bitten is a long process but definitely worth it!
Marlin Fishing Whitsundays/Airlie Beach: The Best Time to Fish
The best way to know when to hunt for Marlins is to check the temperatures at that specific time of the year. Remember that warm waters are preferred by all types of this fish.
Australia’s east coast is a popular spot for fishing Blue and Black Marlins.
Sydney, Cairns, and Port Stephens are great destinations when Marlin fishing. But, in terms of quantity, the Gold Coast near the Main Beach proves to be the perfect location!
Meanwhile, the Great Reef is known as the breeding region for Black Marlins. So if you’re after the said variety, head over to eastern Australia for famous fishing stops.
Cairns actually prides itself as the Marlin fishing capital of the world and anglers visit from September to December to catch this unique fish.
Additionally, Black Marlins swim south toward Port Stephens to extend the season until March. You may also find Blue Marlins around the country from January to May (sometimes June,) making Marlin fishing available almost the whole year!
Ready to go? Book you Marlin fishing charter- Click here
