AIRLIE BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours with Skipper Ty: Bottom‑Bashing the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
A 6‑hour fishing charter from Port of Airlie that targets Coral Trout, Red Emperor and other reef species — this guide explains what to expect, what’s included and who the trip suits.
Six Hours with Skipper Ty: Bottom‑Bashing the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
Set out from the Port of Airlie for a concentrated six‑hour assault on reef fish in the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Under the direction of Skipper Ty, the charter mixes bottom bashing with jigging to chase species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip and Nannygai aboard a purpose‑built 10m Kevlacat express, with high‑end sounders and twin 300HP engines.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Local knowledge that puts you on the fish
Ty has fished the east coast of Queensland since childhood, turned commercial at 15 and earned his skipper’s ticket by 19. His experience — from the Fraser Coast to the Torres Strait — is central to finding trophy fish on the reef and in sheltered island spots when conditions demand.
Purpose‑built boat and professional equipment
The charter runs on a 10m Kevlacat Express with 2024 model twin 300HP engines and both Lowrance and Furuno sounders. High‑quality rods, bait, lures and filleting services are provided so anglers can focus on finding and landing fish.
Reef species on the menu
Fishing techniques on the trip include bottom bashing with bait and jigging, targeting species commonly encountered in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip, Nannygai and others.
What the day feels like
What the six hours feel like
The day is focused and practical: depart from the port, transit to productive reef or island shelter in roughly an hour where possible, then spend concentrated time switching between baited bottom rigs and jigs to entice reef species. The vessel’s layout and electronics aim to get you onto fish quickly, while crew handle bait, tackle and filleting so you can concentrate on the strike.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter is best for — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Though bottled water, sunscreen and lunch are provided, bring sun protection, a light jacket for spray and sea conditions, personal medications and any preferred fishing gloves or sunglasses.
The charter supplies bottled water, sunscreen, lunch (see booking menu), high‑quality fishing equipment, bait and lures; your catch will be cleaned, filleted and iced for you to take home.
The vessel offers spacious seating, a full canopy, a fusion sound system and an enclosed flushing toilet; it is equipped for charter fishing and rapid passage to productive grounds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
The trip is a six‑hour fishing charter.
Where does the trip depart from?
The charter operates from the Port of Airlie.
What is the minimum age to join?
Children are accepted from age 5 and up.
What species might we catch?
Typical targets include Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip, Nannygai and other reef species.
Is fishing gear provided?
Yes — high‑quality rods, bait, lures and sounder assistance are provided onboard; the crew also clean and fillet your catch and put it on ice.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions prevent reaching the reef, the skipper will fish sheltered island spots instead; the operator makes decisions on route for safety and best fishing options.