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Welcome to Sweers Island

Boats & Fishing

Sweers Island is approx 8 kms long and is virtually surrounded by rock reef. Some of these reefs become partially exposed at low tide. This, combined with the many rocky headlands on Sweers make it a lure and fly fishing paradise. Whether fishing for the first time or seasoned fisherperson the surrounding waters cater for all.
The most common Fish Species caught is sweetlip which is delicious table fish. Most species of reef fish including coral trout, red emperor, sweetlip, golden snapper (fingermark), nannegai and parrot fish are caught here. In winter the pelagic fishing is superb with species such as spanish mackerel, grey mackerel, giant trevally, giant leatherskin, queenfish, northern blue fin tuna, and cobia being caught.

boats on beach         guest holding spanish mackerel

On arrival you will be given a comprehensive briefing on the boats, safety and the best fishing spots. If you have a few minutes to spare, we urge you to have a read of the SAFETY NOTES now or print them out to read later, so you can be familiar with your vessel and equipment when you get here.

The tariff includes the use of a self-drive dinghy while you are here. The boats provided are 4.7metre catamarans built by Borger Alloy NQ Cats in Ingham, powered by four-stroke 40 hp Yamaha outboards and conform to the M.S.Q. survey standards. They are equipped with sounders, rod holders, gaff, & bait-board. Eskies and water bottles are also provided. Hand lines and basic tackle (hooks & sinkers) are included in the tariff. (Day visitors can hire boats on an hourly rate if available.) You are welcome to bring your own rods.
You may also charter our 6m skippered vessel SALOMON for an additional fee. This vessels is in survey for Charter only, and may not be hired for private use by guests, but is driven by our resident skipper. You can read more about hiring SALOMON here.
There is a selection of lures available for purchase. There is a filleting station on the beach, with stainless steel benches and sinks where you can clean and fillet your catch. Knives and sharpening stones are provided and there are also plastic bags and ID tags supplied so you can mark your catch then snap-freeze it in our special aluminium trays into blocks ready to pack in your esky for the trip home. Your catch can be cooked in the resort kitchen or frozen to transport home.
Check current regulations for In Possession Limits.

For tidal information click on our TIDES page.

Gulf waters are dangerous as conditions can change rapidly. Glass calm at 5pm can turn to 25 knot gale conditions by 10pm. If you are planning to travel to Sweers Island in a private boat please ensure that the skipper is experienced in open waters, and that all regulation radios, safety gear and navigation equipment are carried. Please check BOM website for weather conditions and please phone us before departure to establish a SARtime. FATALITIES HAVE OCCURED IN THIS AREA.

NOTE: Check the luggage restrictions of your chosen carrier, particularly in relation to fishing rod length. Jetstar's limit is 1.9m for fishing rod holders etc. Virgin's limit is 3m. REX limit is 2m.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!