A Gold Coast Fishing Charter: What You Can Expect

Hey, whose been to the Gold Coast in Australia? It's an absolute mecca for any serious international travel ling tourist. It's a place where man and nature meet. One of the best ways to experience the Gold Coast is to go on a Gold Coast fishing charter. So what do you get when you go on a Gold Coast fishing charter? Read on.

Before saying anything I want to hasten to say that Gold Coast fishing charter operators cater for the absolute novice when it comes to fishing while at the same time, they welcome the expert. Don't be trapped into thinking that you have to fish anyway. Most do but some don't. Those that don't fish have a wow of a time going on the ride, taking in the sights and all while being in the company of family or friends.

When you choose to go on a Gold Coast fishing charter, you need to choose between fishing in calm water or going offshore. The latter is the excitement adrenalin pumping option. The former is for those that prefer to feel like they are still on land.

So what's the price of all the Gold Coast fishing charter deals? From $85-$140 you can take a 5 hour trip. If you pay between $140-$190 you can take a 9 hour trip. The other factors that separate the different operators include: boat size/comfort levels and the actual areas that are visited. Bear in mind that some operators will limit the areas accessed, to save on fuel.

A common question is, what do we need to bring? Gold Coast fishing charters supply all the essentials for a fun day out which includes all the fishing equipment, bait, food and drinks. The equipment supplied is suitable for the style of fishing employed by the particular charter company chosen. If you want to bring your own equipment just speak to the crew beforehand who will advise you accordingly. There is one thing not provided for legal reasons, that is, motion sickness tablets. It is advisable to bring your own since they are a great insurance policy against the risk of sea sickness.

Gold Coast fishing charters in the main, operate out of the Broadwater which is a sheltered area at the north end of the Gold Coast. Most of the fishing done is reef fishing at depths of 20-90 meters. Weather conditions, time of year, style of fishing and size of boats are all key factors that make for different kinds of experience.

What type of fish should one expect to bring in while on a Gold Coast fishing charter? snapper, pearl perch, teraglin, cobia, spotted mackerel, tailor, amberjack and kingfish. Having said that, you could very well catch a dozen or more different species on the same day including the fast swimming pelagic fish that occupy the surface areas of the ocean. These include: sharks, mahi mahi, marlin, etc.

Even though fishing is a seasonal activity, Gold Coast fishing charters operate all year round. Generally speaking, target species are classified as "warm water" and "cold water." During the warmer months of the year, it is a great opportunity to go after the fast swimming pelagic fish which occupy the upper reaches of the ocean. During the winter months, it is best to target bottom or reef fish.