Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River

By
Claire
Published: July 11, 2010Posted in: Archive, Articles, Australia, Featured Articles, Queensland
mackay queensland22 600x399 Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River review

Yellowfin Bream is found predominantly from south-east Queensland to north Queensland. They are caught in estuaries, along surf beaches and off open headlands.

Fishing is quite an obsession in Mackay. It seems to be a paradise for those who love fishing. Its unique location where the northern and southern fish species meet makes it a great place for salt and freshwater fishing. It amazes me how easy it is to find a good fishing destination around the area. For my first ever “fishing expedition”, we didn’t have to go far from our village to fish in Pioneer River. There is also deep sea fishing along the coastline and on the reef proper and freshwater fishing on various rivers, creeks, and inland dams. You can also take a fishing charter tour to the open water reefs.

mackay queensland17 600x399 Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River review

All set and ready.

George Daniel Park is conveniently located along Pioner Riverbanks.

I got to give fishing a go on my 5th day in Mackay. It’s a blessing that Charles’s father John is into this fishing craze too so we had all the gear we need and the knowhow of a fisherman of note. We packed 3 fishing rods, an esky for the bait, and a bucket just in case we caught some fish, and then made the short drive to George Daniel Park. I thought we were going to have a long journey to a remote place, ride a boat and then have a tough test of patience but I was wrong. A short drive, a few minutes waiting and voila we caught four bream and a flathead fishing on the banks of Pioneer River. We had to let go of the flathead though because it didn’t reach the legal size required by the law and you can be fined for keeping fish that are too small. This rule is followed all around Australia, and helps ensure that the fish populations are maintained at sustainable levels.

mackay queensland20 600x399 Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River review

This part of the river is a mix of salt and freshwater.

mackay queensland19 600x399 Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River review

My first fishing trip turned out to be a success, and I hope my future trips are just as good. It didn’t hurt that we had a good fisherman to guide us and a spot teeming with fish – you can’t really go wrong. I thought fishing was a boring pastime because of the amount of lull time in between catching fish. But it is relative I guess to the fishing spot. Now, snorkeling with colorful fishes is an amazing experience but catching them and putting them on the table for dinner is even better. :)

mackay queensland23 399x600 Mackay:Fishing at Pioneer River review

Yellowfin bream vary in coulour from bright silver to greyish green, but usually have yellow perlvic and nal fins (along the belly of the fish). They may grow to 45cm (4kg). A black spot at the base of their pectoral fins distinguishes them from the pikey bream and tarwhine.

  • Share/Bookmark

Related Articles