Rockhampton reels in keen fishermen with charter services

Published on 09 March 2018

The Rockhampton Region is set to reel in a greater share of the lucrative recreational fishing sector with Mayor Margaret Strelow and Councillor Tony Williams today joining the crew from Hooked Fishing Charters to discuss the growing services on offer on the Fitzroy.

The region’s charter fleet has now expanded to eight boats across three different charters and Mayor Margaret Strelow said it was fantastic to see such rapid growth in this sector.

“There’s no other place like Rockhampton where you can land at the airport, check in to your hotel and be on the water in less than an hour,” Mayor Strelow said.

“As the home of Barramundi, we have a truly unique fishing experience to offer and we welcome these growing number of charter services which will cater to visitors looking to land that perfect fish.

“It’s exciting  to see that across the different charters, some are relocating here from other areas while others have transitioned from commercial operations to the recreational side,” Mayor Strelow said.

Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Tony Williams said Council was the number one supporter of Rockhampton’s fishing tourism potential.

“We’ve invested in land based platforms and are working with TMR on the new northside boat ramp as well as recently implementing the voluntary code of practice for fishers,” Cr Williams  said. 

“Since the introduction of the net-free fishing zones, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Economic Development Team, Advance Rockhampton, has been driving the Recreational Fishing Strategy and it’s pleasing to see this work result in positive outcomes for the Region.

“These businesses will support local jobs both directly through people skippering the boats, administration staff and then also indirectly through promoting the Region’s accommodation providers to their clients.” 

“Each business will fill in a niche fishing business opportunity, Big Fella Sportsfishing has a large mothership and three adventure vessels, Hooked Fishing has two barra boats perfect for the Fitzroy Delta and Guided Fishing Down Under specialises in saltwater fly fishing for Barramundi and

King Threadfin and also freshwater fly fishing.,” Cr Williams said.

To find out more visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au/fishing