Additional Information
Fishing at the Mackerel Islands is something special. With so many different varieties of fish, the line action both onshore and offshore is what fishermen dream about. People come from all around Australia to experience the action and they rarely leave disappointed. Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Red and Spangled Emperor, Queenfish, Coral Trout, Yellowfin Tuna, Cod, Sailfish and Marlin are just some of the quality fish you are likely to catch. Whether you’re after the feed or the sport, there’s something for all. Many visitors bring their own boat but for those who don’t, fishing charters are available from Thevenard Island.
West Coast Marine Fishing Charters:
West Coast Marine Fishing, together with the Mackerel Islands, offers memorable day fishing tours. Aboard White Lightening you will enjoy reef and pelagic fishing for species such as Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Rankin Cod, NW Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Sailfish, Tuna plus many more. Cruise in safety and comfort with your qualified skipper, who will put you in the spots and make sure you have a fishing experience that is truly unforgettable. Lunch, refreshments, a shaded deck area and quality bait and tackle are included and the charters depart daily. We also have half day whale watching tours and night fishing available on request. Fishing Charters are seasonal, running from April to October. A minimum of 4 people and a maxiumum of 6 is required for departure. Fishing Charters are available at $250 per person per day. A days fishing charter schedule will go something like this:
* 1 hour travel time to get to the good spots
* 4-5 hours of fishing until you have reached your possesion limits.
* 1 hour travel return to the island
The charter includes all fishing gear, bait and fish bags.
Fly Fishing the Mackerel Islands
Mackerel Islands, World Class Saltwater Fly-fishing
Very few places in Australia or in the world for that matter can produce the amount of saltwater action that can be enjoyed in and around the Mackerel Islands. A group of Islands off the Pilbara Coast out from Onslow some 1400kms north of Perth.
Fly Fishers have been known to catch as many as 20 species of fish or more during fly fishing trips to islands, including mega class fish, those any fly fisherman dreams of catching. Meter long Queenies are beaten to the fly by even bigger models, 25lb Golden Trevelly, and the ever-present, unstoppable Golden Trevallys’s have the ability to transform your 10wt or even 12wt rod from a four piece to a six piece in a second, it’s that sort of place. All the Islands and sand cays in the group produce quality fish, both from the shore and from a boat. Both options can produce sessions which would be hard to beat anywhere in the world.
Well-known fly fishing expert David Bell, a visitor to the islands, tells the following tale: I planned to walk around a small Island one afternoon. I allowed three hours to cover all the likely looking spots before the boat was due to pick me up. I managed to cover less than 500 meters. I was hooked up solid from the first cast, a hard fighting Trevor and from then on a smorgasbord of quality fish followed, mostly sight casting in crystal clear water. There was everything from Queenies, Blue fin, Golden, Brassy,& Gold Spot Trevor’s, Dart, Bream, Blue Nose Salmon, the list went on and on. The Mackerel Islands is truly is a special place, one I will gladly return to in the near future. Next time I may strike gold and hook up to Permit or even a Bonefish which are caught not too far away in Exmouth and Onslow. You never know your luck in a place like the Mackerels.
What Fly gear to take:
Shore based either 8 or 9wt rod with intermediate line should cover all the bases, from a boat 10-12wt rods with fast sinking line are the go you will encounter larger fish hanging on the drop offs so a fast sinking line will get you in the zone for the trophy fish which are there waiting for your fly.
Staying on Thevenard Island which is some 20 kilometres out from Onslow makes life very easy, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, which can cater for small to large groups. The general store provides all your daily needs with, fuel supplies available for your boat; they also have a restaurant and a pub, great food and great entertainment. The boat anchorage is suitable for all sizes of boats which are moored only meters from your bungalows. But the best thing about the Island is the Island crew who are all committed to providing a very high standard of service. Nothing is too much trouble.
