Where to find the best sustainable fishing operators on the Great Barrier Reef

List

By Jess Pridmore

Fishing. The iconic pastime of dropping a line and a yarn with a mate is ingrained in the psyche of Australians. It’s no secret that some of the best fishing in Australia can be found right here in Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef — a watery Mecca for fishing enthusiasts.

Charter fishing in particular, be it a deep-sea odyssey or a gentle meander up a remote riverway, can offer some of the most thrilling days out on the water and offer unparalleled access to some of the best fishing spots.

Choosing a sustainable fishing operator minimises the impact on marine life and supports the important conservation efforts in the region. By choosing sustainable operators, you're directly minimising your visit’s impact by contributing to the protection of one of the world's most precious natural wonders.

What is sustainable fishing?

Fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is more than just a bucket-list kick, it also offers social, economic, and cultural stability to the region. Choosing sustainable operators is a win-win for everyone: the Reef can be enjoyed by all while ensuring minimal impact on endangered and protected species. It means helping preserve this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site for future generations.

Can you spot the difference between a Coral Trout and a Trevally? Fishers and citizen scientists can now use the Qld Fishing 2.0 app. to see what they’ve caught in the past, record and submit catch data and shark depredation data in real-time, and share catch photos on social media.

Make your next fishing trip both enjoyable and sustainable; here are the best sustainable fishing operators on the Great Barrier Reef.

Sustainable fishing operators on the Great Barrier Reef

Guests enjoying themselves on a fishing charter — East Coast Angling, Port Douglas, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

East Coast Angling, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

As Australia's first Eco-Certified fishing charter and recognised as a ‘Great Barrier Reef Guardian Fisher’ for their sustainability practices, East Coast Angling lives by an ethos of preservation and conservation. Offering both day trips and liveaboard expeditions from their Port Douglas base, every amateur angler needs to experience the thrill of ‘catch and release’ at some of the most remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Try your luck catching giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, nannygai, or even the infamous black marlin, and learn the correct handling procedures for sustainable sportfishing.

East Coast Angling tours are completely personalised to your day at sea. Fancy finishing the day near a sandy cay enjoying a snorkel? The team have you covered.

Tropical Sportfisher, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Operating from multiple locations in the Cairns area, Tropical Sportfisher has a two-person limit on all of their exhibitions—making for a tranquil experience on board. Specialising in lure and fly fishing, this sustainable fishing at its best; teaching low-impact practices and catching techniques while cruising the pristine river systems between Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach.

Opt-in for guided fishing in the gorgeous Lake Tinaroo for barramundi or, if you fancy a trip down the river without having to keep an eye on your lure, Tropical Sportfisher also offers nature and wildlife cruises.

Far North Sports Fishing + Nomad, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Two of the best sustainable fisheries in the game, Far North Sports Fishing and Nomad, have come together to offer maybe the best recreational ocean fishing tours on the north Queensland coast. Operating along the coastline between Lizard Island past the Lockhart River, FNSF-Nomad has access to some of the most remote fishing locations in the world.

Whether you want to charter a tour just for the day or fully immerse yourself in the thrill of the chase on an epic seven-night reef stay, join an expert crew to sustainably fish in the far-flung reef systems of Bligh, Log and Ferguson, Claremont Isles, Princess Charlotte Bay, and the spectacular Margaret Bay and Forbes Island.

Man reeling in his rod, while on a fishing charter — East Coast Angling, Port Douglas, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Northern Conquest Charters, Townsville

The team at Northern Conquest Charters knows that variety is the key to great fishing—both in technique and location. Hop on a day charter and try your hand at trolling for dogtooth tuna on the outer reef or cast the perfect popper to try and catch giant trevally; the expert crew are on hand to upskill passionate fishers or help land a catch for first-timers.

Those with a taste for the open ocean should try NCC’s overnight options. Offering a range of liveaboard excursions in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, excursions stretch to the Palm Island group and Hinchinbrook channel, the Iconic Ribbons and Princess Charlotte Bay, for when just one day of fishing isn’t enough.

Top Notch Game Fishing, The Whitsundays

Based on the gorgeous Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Top Notch Game Fishing is who to hire when you’re after a touch of high-octane game fishing in paradise. Jump aboard one of their two outstanding charter vessels—The Pirate or Moonshine—at Hamilton Island Marina where you’ll be taken to some of the most exciting fishing spots around the 74 Whitsunday islands, courtesy of husband-and-wife duo, Russell and Marlene.

Offering half-day, full-day and liveaboard charters at some of the most incredible Great Barrier Reef locations, Top Notch is a fantastic, sustainable fishing option suitable for all budgets and group sizes.

Stay a little longer in paradise. Check out these 11 beautiful Great Barrier Reef islands you need to experience.