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Learn to catch King George Whiting at Phillip Island

Which King George Whiting Fishing Charter near Phillip Island?

Our group consisted of two families with boys aged eight to 14. The boys were very keen to learn how to target King George Whiting. As we live interstate we had never caught King George Whiting. We were in Phillip Island on holidays during Easter and it was finally a chance to target King George Whiting. After ringing around we decided on T-Cat Charters, as they offered a two hour learn to fish trip, which suited our group perfectly as it was a very well priced and we stayed in the calmer and more protected areas of Western Port bay.

Phillip Island Fishing Charter

We departed Rhyll on the north eastern corner of Phillip Island. Rhyll was yet another very pleasant town on Phillip Island - and ideal departure point for our fishing charter. Parking was super easy even during holidays. We met Dave the skipper and Dave the deck hand - both very friendly. They gave us a couple of options and we decided to go a little further afield to banks that were more likely to land King George Whiting.

King George Whiting Season in Western Port

While caught all year round, the best time for King George Whiting in Western Port bay is October to September, but can be caught in great numbers up until April or May. We were fishing in April.

Catching King George Whiting

Dave the skipper explained we were to use pippies and squid for bait in between three and eight metres of water. After finding a weedy bank with sand patches we dropped anchor and dropped our rigs. Our rigs were standard King George Whiting rigs. We were aiming for a "belly" shape in the line. That is, drop the sinker quickly and let the current run the line into a belly shape.

Within a couple of drops my son caught his first King George Whiting. He was stoked. Soon after we had a flathead and more King George Whiting in the boat. The flathead was a welcome by-catch. Not so welcome were a couple of puffer fish. Things got quiet on that bank.

It was nearly a glass out after light winds dropped. We tried a couple of other banks. Despite the beautiful conditions on Western Port things were unusually quiet (according to the skipper). But it was mission accomplished, my son added King George Whiting to his list of landed fish.

T-Cat Fishing Charter Review

We rated this trip highly for convenience and value. It was so easy. We walked on, walked off. And it was great value. Not for avid fisho (by design), but great for families with kids who want to learn. When we are next in Phillip Island we will be sure to book with T-Cat Fishing Charters again. Thanks to Dave and Dave :)

Flathead Fishing Charter - Tweed near Gold Coast

Which Flathead Fishing Charter near the Tweed?

We spoke to Brad from Brad Smith Fishing Charters, keen to learn on the best angling techniques to target Flathead. I pointed out my son is eight years old and and begging to learn more about Flathead fishing. I told Brad I've nabbed flathead here and there, using mainly baits but also some soft plastics, and have always wanted to learn to better target the species. In our house Flathead are regarded as one of the better eating fish, and I've always liked how easy they are to clean and cook. But of course we get as much enjoyment releasing Flathead back into the estuaries.

Tweed Fishing Charter

We live on the Gold Coast, around 20 minutes drive from the Tweed area. Brad is a local fishing legend for many species - not just flathead. When Brad said he had two or three new techniques to teach us, I knew he was the right choice to take us out. During the charter he shared how he grew up in the area and spent much of this youth on the water, and a lot of time since.

Flathead Season in the Tweed Region

While caught all year round, the best time for flathead in the Tweed area is July to September. Great numbers will be caught June through October. I was surprised how the best time can vary in near by estuary systems. I though September and October where the best times throughout south-east Queensland and Northern Rivers New South Wales, but that is not always the case.

We were fishing in October and the numbers probably had thinned as the water warmed. My concerns of having left the trip too late in the year quickly subsided.

Catching Flathead

Brad explained how he has experimented with many lures, blades etc and many techniques over the years. We ended up concentrating on trolling with lures, drifting with blades and drifting with soft plastics.

Trolling Lures Targeting Flathead

We had some luck trolling with the current toward the end of high tide. It didn't take long for me to realise much of what I thought about trolling for flathead was off the money. Brad gave us an improved understanding of the finer points of trolling for flathead including lure colour, lure depth, working the tides, equipment, how to fight flathead once hooked, and how to land and release correctly. We landed flathead ranging from undersize to 58 centimetres. My son was very happy with that! We dropped a couple of large fish, going by how much drag was taken. It was exciting knowing we were fishing a spot where large flathead were present.

Targeting Flathead with Blades

I couldn't believe that I'd never targeted flathead using blades. Within minutes of casting blades while drifting, I realised what I had been missing out on. We landed fish on most drifts. It was definitely worth mixing it up and trying the blades even with the success we'd had on the lures. We also caught some smaller flathead while drifting with soft plastics.

Targeting Flathead with Soft Plastics

Again it was definitely worth experimenting with the different angling techniques. We also caught some smaller flathead while drifting with soft plastics. This form of fishing is excellent for the younger anglers not ready to land larger fish.

A Great Days Flathead Fishing

We had a great day out. Brad did everything to seek out the fish and make us feel comfortable. We'd like to thank Brad for a great days fishing!

August 2018 Gold Coast fishing charter review

The Snapper are back. August 2018 saw some impressive catches of one of our favourite offshore reef species. Gold Coast Fishing Charters documented some very nice knobbies landed from early August, as pictured in the Facebook page:

Reports of flathead on the Gold Coast broadwater are trickling in, firstly from Brad Smith Fishing Charters. See the 50cm+ flathead landed late August:

Would you like more information about Gold Coast fishing charters? Find fishing charter reviews, recent catch, trip reports and more in our Gold Coast fishing charter directory.

Brad Smith fishing charter review - Gold Coast - Oct 2016

Another happy customer rating and review on Brad Smith fishing charters - Gold Coast. 4 out of 5 overall rating by Michael for 3 Oct 2016. See the review below:

We had a great day out .. our guide did everything to search out the fish - he worked hard on a day when a storm was rolling in. My nephew (and his father for that matter) came away raving about their first fishing trip. My nephew was able to reel in a selection of species, and they both want to return very soon. Thanks for your hard work and your willingness to share your knowledge and techniques

Details ratings are:

5 out of 5 rating for service

4 out of 5 rating for value

4 out of 5 rating for fishing

5 out of 5 overall rating

Smarter Fishing Charters looks forward to booking more anglers with Brad Smith fishing charters. Remember "no fish no pay" on this charter - you will not be disappointed.

July-August 2016 Gold Coast fishing charter review

July through August saw Gold Coast impressive catches reported by many Gold Coast fishing charter operators. More details below.

Avenger Fishing Charters Gold Coast reported landing species such as cobia, teraglin, tailor, tuna, snapper, pearl perch, yellow tail kingfish. Cobia were great size and ensured plenty of anglers of a good feed.

Fish The Deep Charters Gold Coast have reported gold spot cod, jewfish, dolphin fish, snapper and more. The jewfish were of notable quality.

Anglers on fishing charters in the Broadwater and Gold Coast canals are also enjoying nice catches. Brad Smith Fishing Charters reported large tailor, flathead, bream luderick, and school mackerel. With Fathers Day approaching it's worth noting the two seat trips Brad offers - both half and full day. A perfect gift for dad who can take a partner, son or daughter. Or you can take the whole family on a 4 seater trip.

Would you like more information about Gold Coast fishing charters? Find fishing charter reviews, recent catch, trip reports and more in our Gold Coast fishing charter directory.

Shared Townsville Fishing Charters in June July

Looking to join another group on a quality Townsville fishing charter? Look no further. Smarter Fishing Charters are partnering with our friends at Ultimate Sportsfishing Townsville. Ultimate are long established and focus on rewarding anglers with quality fish via reef, sportsfishing and trolling.

The following trips are available to individuals and smaller groups that may not have the numbers to form a private fishing charter. Please don't hesitate to get in touch. These trips and dates are available in June/July 2016:

24 hour shared fishing charter out of Townsville. Departs Friday evening, targeting big reds, trout, red throat, mixed reef and mackerel. 6 seats available on June 24, 10 seats available on July 22, 2016. Only $AUD495.

12 hour shared fishing charter out of Townsville. Available Sat 9 July, targeting big reds, trout, red throat, mixed reef, mackerel. Only $AUD300.

May 2016 Gold Coast fishing charter review

Gold Coast reef fishing during May featured quality reef fish including some early Snapper. Some more than happy anglers managed to land a good range of species in fantastic Autumn conditions. More details below.

Avenger Fishing Charters Gold Coast managed to bring Mulloway, Wahoo, Cobia onboard. All excellent size again making the most of the favourable conditions this time of year, as pictured below.

Fish The Deep Charters Gold Coast have reported a great range of species caught offshore including snapper, good size tush fish, pearl perch, moses perch, reef sharks, trag jew, gold spot wrasse and samson fish. The cold water and wind has seen some early snapper landed. Fingers crossed that continues!

Anglers on fishing charters in the estuaries are also enjoying success. Brad Smith Fishing Charters reported Trevally, flathead, bream, whiting and other species in the Nerang River/Broadwater fisheries.

Would you like more information about Gold Coast fishing charters? Find fishing charter reviews, recent catch, trip reports and more in our Gold Coast fishing charter directory.

Fish the famous Swains Reef ex Yeppoon

The time is right to plan your trip to the famous Swains Reef. Best fishing is May through to November.

Carlo Fishing Charters has been running quality fishing charters from Yeppoon to the Swains Reefs for
more than 30 years. With "cheap as" return flights from Brisbane <-> Rocky from only $190 - you'll get a
7 day trip to fishing paradise - and change from $2500.

Carlo Fishing Charters run fishing trips to the Swains for between 6 and 10 days. The 7 and 10 day
liveaboard fishing charters are the most popular. Trips can be tailored to suit your preferences. The "Carlo"
takes up to 14 guests. Target species include Coral Trout, Sweet Lip, Red Emperor, Jew, Spanish Mackeral
and Yellow-fin Tuna. All bait, food and use of five dories are included. Three meals are provided per day
including seafood, steaks, BBQ meals etc. BYO alcohol.

Upcoming availability for smaller groups:
5 seats available on June 11, 2016 - room for 5 anglers, 11 to 18th June 2016. $2200 per person.
5 seats available on June 25, 2016 - room for 5 anglers, 25 June to 2 July 2016. $2200 per person.

Make your Swains fishing trip a reality. Talk to Carlo Fishing Charters now at about your Swains Reef fishing trip.

Reds, trout, barra, big pelagics

Red Emperor, coral trout, barramundi, ... we know Townsville is the perfect base to target these species!

One of Queenslands most experienced fishing charter operators thinks the same, and has recently
moved to Townsville. And we are keen to impress new customers. Recent trips include bag outs on Red Emporer
and stacks of Coral Trout. Individuals and groups of up to 10 anglers are welcome to join in on the action.

We are taking bookings now. Here are the trips and pricing:
- 12 hour day trip to shoals, inner reefs and islands trip, runs weekends: $300 per person
- 24 hour overnight trip to outer reef trip, departs 4pm Saturdays: $475 per person
- 3 day 2 night river and outer reef trip: $1200 per person
- 4 day 3 night river and outer reef trip: $1600 per person
- up to 10 day liveaboard trips targeting big fish on outer reefs, sportsfishing shoals, etc: price on enquiry

All trips include bait, tackle, meals, snacks, tea, coffee, water, ice. Liveaboard trips also include bedding,
linen, catch cleaned, chilled or frozen. BYO soft drinks and alcohol. Hotel accom and flights excluded.

We can hook you up with great accommodation deal only 3 minutes walk from the marina. And there is no
need to worry about cancellations, flights and accommodation, when you can be covered by travel
insurance for as little as $75pp.

For more info or to book, simply contact Smarter Fishing Charters

6-8 anglers - Port Phillip Bay or Westernport VIC

Have you got a group of 6-8 anglers ready to fish Port Phillip Bay or Westernport VIC?

Keen on catching Yellowtail Kingfish, King George Whiting or Gummy sharks?

We can get you on the water in either Port Phillip Bay (departing Carrum) or
Westernport (departing Hastings), for 5 hours for as little as $125 per person.

Pricing includes all tackle and bait. BYO food and fishing license.

Like to know more or book? Simply contact Smarter Fishing Charters