Ron with a massive 1.51m king threadfin landed in 2024. This is the longest king threadfin caught to date at Guided Fishing DownUnder.
Specialising in King Threadfin – Saltwater Barramundi – Southern Saratoga – & More
Noel helping Robyn with her 1.34m wild saltwater barra. This is the longest barra caught to date at Guided Fishing DownUnder and was landed in 2024.
Our Location: Rockhampton – Your gateway to the Fitzroy River
The Fitzroy River in Queensland, is the second largest seaward draining catchment in Australia and as such is an extensive system with hundreds of kilometres of waterways. It is also a big fish system thanks to its size and the fact that it has been a gill net free zone since 2016. This is currently the best place in the world to catch metre plus king threadfin with consistency as well as one of the best places in Australia to catch a wild saltwater metre plus barramundi.
Guided Fishing Downunder is currently the only local charter operator based in Rockhampton. Rockhampton is located right next to the magnificent Fitzroy River. Rockhampton provides central access to all ramps in the upper reaches of the Fitzroy and is the closest city to the boat ramps located at Port Alma, which we use to access the Fitzroy delta.
Fish with the locals! Guided Fishing DownUnder is currently the only operating fishing charter based in Rockhampton
Rockhampton is also the gateway to western rivers of the Fitzroy Basin, that are teeming with Southern Saratoga. Southern Saratoga (Australian Arowana) are native only to catchments draining into the Fitzroy River west of Rockhampton including the Dawson, Mackenzie and Isaacs rivers. Why not add a couple of days to you trip to tick one of these fish off your bucket list using topwater lure or fly?
Trips
Guided Fishing DownUnder offers an exclusive and personalised charters where it is only your party on the boat, we do not take split bookings or add other people to make up numbers. If you book as a single angler, it will be one on one with one of our guides.
You can book up to 3 boats – just multiply the prices provided by the number of boats booked for each day to determine the total charter cost. Two of our boats can carry up to 3 guests and one of our boats can carry up to 2 guests. We can cater for a maximum of 8 guests in one day across the three boats, subject to availability. Learn more about our boats below.
FULL DAY & MULTI-DAY CHARTERS
Full day and multi-day charters include:
- Expert guide
- Courtesy pick up from Rockhampton accommodation
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- All fishing equipment
- Eight hour charter
- Fishing for best results anywhere through the Fitzroy and delta area
- Livebait, lures or a mix of techniques – your choice!
- Take a fish home for a feed if you like
Full Day Prices Per Boat
1 Angler: $980 (Peak) or $950 (Shoulder) – 2026
1 Angler: $1,015 (Peak) – $985 (Shoulder) – 2027
2 Anglers: $577.50 each (Peak) or $517.50 each (Shoulder) – 2026
2 Anglers: – $597.50 each (Peak) – $537.50 each (Shoulder) – 2027
3 Anglers: $423.33 each (Peak) or $405 each (Shoulder) – 2026
3 Anglers: – $440 each (Peak) – $421.60 each (Shoulder) – 2027
After the price for a multiday charter? Simply multiply the day rate above by the number of days you want to fish to calculate your multiday charter price!
After a charter for more than 3 people? We have three boats available that carry up to 3 anglers each and can easily cater for up to 8 anglers when you book more than one boat! To calculate the price, simply multiply the prices above by the number of boats required!
Peak Season: includes the warmer months before and after the Queensland barramundi closed season (February, March, April, May, August, September and October).
Species that can be targeted during the peak season include all of the fish available during the shoulder season along with the iconic barramundi.
Due to their popularity a minimum 2-day booking is generally required to secure charters in the peak season, particularly if you are seeking Nathan as your guide.
Shoulder Season: includes June and July where barramundi are more difficult to catch and the Queensland barramundi closed season (November, December and January) where barramundi can’t be targeted. Species targeted in the Fitzroy and delta during the shoulder season include King Threadfin, Blue Threadfin, Fingermark, Grunter and Flathead. Coastal pelagic and western saratoga fishing is also an option (conditions permitting)
Booking Fee: For all full day and multiday bookings, a non-refundable $30 booking fee is required to secure your charter. This fee will be deducted off the total charter cost, which is payable a few days before your trip.
Other Costs and conditions:
– Lost Lure: $25 per lure paid to the guide at the end of your trip.
– Filleting Fee (if required): $25 per fish depending on guide availability.
– One invoice per trip.
– For your enjoyment we don’t offer split groups – its either you or you and your mates.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to extreme events a temporary fuel surcharge may be payable in addition to the day rates provided below. You can learn more by reading https://guidedfishingdownunder.com/temporary-fuel-surcharge/
HALF DAY CHARTERS
Last minute half day charters are perfect for those passing through or who have limited time and are not as worried about getting results. If you are time poor and want to enjoy a nice morning or afternoon on the water close to Rockhampton then this option is perfect for you.
Half day charters focus on the city and upper reaches of the Fitzroy river using lures with a maximum of two people per boat.
- Expert guide
- Courtesy pick up from Rockhampton accommodation
- Fishing the city reaches of the Fitzroy launching from southside ramp
- Snack and water
- All fishing equipment
- Four and a half hour charter
- Up to 2 people
- Lure fishing only
- Catch and release only
Half Day Charter Prices per boat
1 Angler: $650 – 2026
1 Angler: $675 – 2027
2 Anglers: $350 each – 2026
2 Anglers: – $365 each – 2027
Other Half Day Charter Costs and conditions:
– Bookings only taken a fortnight out – subject to our availability.
– Lost Lure: $25 per lure paid to the guide at the end of your trip.
– One invoice per trip paid in full at time of booking.
– No split groups. Just you or you and your mate.
Our Guides
Nathan Johnston
Nathan Johnston is a Rockhampton local and aquatic resource scientist who has been fishing the area since childhood and began guiding in 2019. Nathan offers exclusive fishing experiences for up to three people focusing on the Fitzroy River and its expansive delta. You will target the iconic wild saltwater Barramundi and King Threadfin using lure and livebait techniques.
Nathan also offers charters targeting Southern Saratoga (Australian Arowana), which are native to the freshwaters of the Fitzroy where you will sightcast for these ancient species using fly or topwater lure.
The crystal clear waters of Keppel Bay are dotted with tropical islands and waters full of coastal and pelagic species. Many of these islands also have sandy beaches that make for excellent sightcasting for lure and fly enthusiasts.
Nathan has been guiding for some time now and unless you are one of his regular clients it can take up to two years to get on board with him chasing barra and king. Why not get out sooner with one of our other excellent guides who know the river well or try out the saratoga fishing with Nathan during the dry season when tides are too big for barra and king.
PLEASE NOTE: A two day minimum charter is now required to secure Nathan as your guide and he is often booked 12-18 months in advance. If you can’t wait or only want to do a single day charter, that’s ok, because Louis and Tom are ready and keen to put you onto the fish!
Louis Moore
Enjoying the time spent on the water and sharing memorable moments with other people is where Louis has found the most joy in fishing. The local waterways are a unique location packed with lots of quality fish and is a great place to experience a whole range of first class fishing options that are too good not to share.
Louis originally hails from South east Queensland where everyone cuts their teeth on dusky flathead and all the bread and butter species. Twenty years ago the call of Barra was too great and the fitzroy river was far too appealing which resulted in a move to the area. Since then, Louis has spent a lot of time focusing on barramundi and threadfin salmon and as personal goals were achieved has started to switch his focus to offshore fishing and remote trips.
Though having a young family has brought Louis back the full circle to hopefully develop the next generations love for fishing! If Louis is out on the water helping clients catch fish and having a laugh, that’s a great day.
Thomas Hooper
Born and bred in Rockhampton, Thomas has spent his life exploring the Fitzroy River and its estuaries. From the moment his dad took him out on the boat before he could even walk, he was hooked—on both boating and fishing. Over the years, Thomas has built a wealth of local knowledge, particularly when it comes to targeting iconic species like Barramundi and King Threadfin. Whether it’s a still morning on the estuaries or an offshore mission chasing reef fish, Thomas is completely at home on the water.
Now proudly guiding with Guided Fishing DownUnder, Thomas brings his deep local knowledge and passion for fishing to every trip. His goal? To make sure every guest has a fun, rewarding, and memorable day on the water.
With a relaxed and friendly approach, Thomas tailors each trip to suit all skill levels—from first-timers to experienced anglers. His understanding of local tides, fish behaviour, and proven techniques ensures every outing is an opportunity to learn, connect with the environment, and hopefully land the fish of a lifetime!
Our Boats
Delta Scout
Delta Scout is our 2024 custom 6.2m plate boat designed by marine architect Andrew McDonald Smith and fabricated by Rockhampton local Paul Tucker of TMC Plate Boats. It is powered by an ever reliable Yamaha 200hp supplied and fitted by Bluefin Sports Rockhampton. It seats up to 3 guests and has been built to the strictest safety requirements.
Watch a video of the vessel on the Guided Fishing DownUnder Facebook page
Infocus II
Infocus II is a 5.56m plate TABS Wildfisher also powered by a Yamaha 130hp supplied and fitted by Bluefin Sports Rockhampton. This is the guiding vessel where it all started for John Haenke, the bloke who established Guided Fishing Downunder before Nathan took over the helm in 2019. If you did a charter with Guided Fishing DownUnder before mid 2024, then chances are this was your charter boat! Infocus II also seats up to 3 guests and is a great all round vessel that is well suited for lure-casting and fly fishing as well as live-baiting..
Watch a video of Infocus II out with Hayden Quinn catching king threadfin
Coxswain 3
Coxswain 3 is a 4.5m plate V-Nosed Punt designed by marine architect Andrew McDonald Smith and fabricated in Bundaberg. It is powered by a Yamaha 70hp supplied fitted by Bluefin Sports Rockhampton. This vessel carries carry up to 2 guests and is our dedicated southern saratoga (Australian Arowana) and river livescope lure-casting platform.
Our Fish
Barramundi
Of all the exciting sportfish we are fortunate to have barramundi, one of Australia’s premier estuary species. The Fitzroy River is Queensland’s premiere net free destination and one of the best wild saltwater barramundi fisheries in Australia
The Fitzroy River, its tributaries, delta and adjacent coastline offer anglers the full experience of barra fishing. There is no other system on the east coast that compares with, or has the diversity of habitat for barramundi that the Fitzroy has… a place where you can actually say the barramundi fishing is better now than it was 50 years ago. The kicker is that you can be fishing for barra in the middle of Rockhampton, in sight of your accommodation, less than an hour after landing at the airport!
If you prefer getting away from it all and experiencing some of the more remote sections of the Fitzroy, there are plenty of options including the massive Fitzroy River and its extensive delta. There is plenty here to explore.
Best time to visit for barramundi: The warmer months. From February to May then August, September and October. Barramundi Closed Season includes November, December & January.
King Threadfin
If you want to maximise your chances of tangling with a trophy king threadfin, then you have come to the right place! The Fitzroy is currently the best fishing destination on the planet to catch one of these iconic estuary speedsters. They are highly prized for their sportfishing ability with Sportfishing Magazine placing them at number 18 of their ‘World’s Top 100 Game Fish’ as well as their eating quality.
At Guided Fishing DownUnder we have a real soft spot for these iconic fish, and who wouldn’t given they are reported to grow more than 1.6m and are the second largest threadfin in the world. No matter what time of year there are always options for king threadfin, including in winter and during barra closed season.
Best time to visit for king threadfin: All year round.
Southern Saratoga – Australian Arowana
Target ancient wild native southern saratoga and other freshwater species while experiencing the Australian Outback! The arowana are internationally renowned as premier sportfish that inhabit freshwaters across Asia and Northern Australia. The Southern Saratoga (Scleropages Leichartdi) are one of seven known species of arowana. The Fitzroy Basin, in Central Queensland, Australia holds the only native wild population of Southern Saratoga found on the planet. Southern Saratoga are one of the largest of the arowana and grow to 1m (3 ft) in length, though more commonly caught in the 60-75cm (2-2 1/2ft) range. The primitive fish are olive green along the back and lighter along the sides and belly. There are one or two striking pink to orange spots for each scale.
Saratoga are slender fish with flat backs and a dorsal fin aligned towards the tail. The fish hunt and feed along the surface, making for fantastic sight fishing on lure or fly even in the turbid waters they inhabit. The lower jaw slopes steeply upwards and carries two fleshy barbels on the chin. The arowana are known for their bony mouths and the southern saratoga are no different. This can be the cause of frustration for anglers because, though they readily take presentations, it can be hard at times to get the hooks to set! Saratoga are very poor eating due to the presence of numerous fine bones, but the aerobatic displays make them a sportfishing spectacle.
Saratoga fishing requires a dedicated trip to the rivers west of Rockhampton and generally require at least two days, but preferably more. We can work out a multiday package that includes accommodation and courtesy transport from Rockhamton if required
Best time to visit for saratoga: When the western rivers cease flooding and waters clear! Generally from May to December, depending on extent of monsoonal flooding.
Other pelagic and coastal species
While some of these species will be caught when fishing for king threadfin and barramundi, the best chances for pelagic and coastal fishing action when the weather is calm. These charters are sometimes available for last minute bookings with a few days notice around the full and new moons. Those who book multiday charters suitable for estuary fishing may also choose to do a day or two of pelagic and coastal fishing if the weather permits and anglers are interested.
Winds generally need to be in the 5-10 knot range for these charters to be successful and enjoyable. There are too many species to list that you may bump into, but some of the more common are black jew, fingermark, queenfish, grey mackerel and blue threadfin
Best time to visit for Pelagic & Coastal fishing: All year, weather dependant. Capricorn Coast experiences more stable weather and calmer seas during the dry season from May to early September but good weather can turn up at any time!
Tripletail
This iconic coastal oddity is an excellent extra option to target for those looking for something different. They are often sightcasted, run hard and even jump, which is where they earned the local name of jumping cod.
Best time to visit for tripletail: The summer, months including the barra closed season, February and March.
Put your trust in a professional
Guided Fishing DownUnder prides itself in running a professional operation. This extends beyond our reputation of putting clients onto fish!! Vessels are maintained to commercial survey and marine licences are up-to-date. Insurances are up-to-date providing all with peace of mind. A safety Management Plan is in place and clients are provided with pre-start safety briefs for extra security. Commercial Fishing Charter Licences are maintained and kept up to date.
Need more info? Dive into the detail
Want to learn more or still have a question before making an enquiry or booking? There is plenty of detail in the trip notes. Follow the link below to get the full story on charters. If this doesn’t answer your question, then fill out the online form below.
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