Profile
7 and 9 day liveaboard fishing trips in the stunning Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea to suit every budget and experience level
Reality Fishing Charters is a family owned and operated business that has been operating in Queensland, Australia since 2001. It owns and operates the 25m liveaboard vessel, “Big Cat Reality”.
This unique vessel allows Reality Fishing Charters to offer a number of amazing experiences that take you to destinations that you can usually only dream about. “Big Cat Reality” offers “fishing trips of a lifetime!” out of Bundaberg Port Marina in Burnett Heads, Queensland.
We are now taking bookings for our 7 day Swains Fishing trips and 9 day Coral Sea trips (Cato, Wreck & Kenn Reefs).
Our experience in the marine industry includes running 10-70m vessels in the local area as well as up and down the Queensland coast for over 30 years.
In these roles we have gained extensive knowledge of operating large and complex vessels in many fields including:
- recreational fishing charters
- recreational dive charters
- commercial diving operations
- hydrographic surveying
- large passenger operations
This knowledge is vital in running a commercial operation in the industry today and ensures you get the best and safest experience.
The Crew
The crew on-board “Big Cat Reality” and their Masters have over 30 years experience in the fish, dive and marine industry. They have a full knowledge and skill level of all fishing, dive sites and local areas.
All the staff and crew communicate and work well with regular crew training sessions to ensure smooth operation of the vessel. This ensures all guests have a more enjoyable and relaxing time onboard.
Our 2021 crew include: James, Scotty, Mick, Kenny, Brad, Frankie, Jimbo and Hamish who all pride themselves on real customer service to maximise the guest’s experience.
Reality Fishing Charters offers 4 products:
- 7 Day Swains Reef Line Fishing Trips
- 9 Day Coral Sea Sports Fishing Trips (Cato, Wreck, Fredricks & Kenn Reefs)
- 3 Day Bunker Group Line Fishing Trips
- Weekend Reef Stay to Lady Musgrave Island Lagoon
1.) 7 Days Swains Fishing Adventure
This 7 Day line fishing trip is ideal for all levels of fisherman and a perfect trip to enjoy with all your mates. Reality Fishing Charters will take you to the beautiful reefs and coral cays of the Swains. This remote reef system is full of life with nice sized Coral Trout, Red Throat Emperor, Spanish Mackerel and Red Emperor just waiting for you.
This amazing experience is all made possible due to our 25m Mother Ship “Big Cat Reality” and her professional and dedicated crew. Big Cat is well set up for this remote expedition with spacious dining and living areas, large fishing decks, 7 x 4.3m fishing tenders and a designated rescue vessel. You have full access to the latest Garmin electronics on the back deck and in your tender, to assist you with your planning and to maximise your experience.
Departure Day: All guests are to arrive at Bundaberg Port Marina between 3.00pm to 3.30pm and board the vessel at 4.00pm. The crew will show you where to stow your gear and give you a tour of the vessel before you meet the other guests on the back deck for some afternoon refreshments. Once all guests have arrived the Master will conduct a safety brief before you sit down to a freshly cooked meal from our onboard Chef. After dessert we will depart Bundaberg Port Marina at about 7 pm and steam north overnight to Fitzroy Reef.
Day 1: At first light we arrive at Fitzroy Reef (or nearby reefs) where we anchor up and you enjoy a hot breakfast. After you are comfortable with the tender and you have all your gear together you will have the opportunity to explore the reef yourself for the first morning session. First tender is normally in the water by 7am. All tenders return back to Big Cat by 11:30am where the diligent crew clean and fillet your catch, cryovac seal it before freezing in the freshness while you sit down to a hearty lunch.
After lunch you will again have the opportunity to fish the reef from the tenders until around 4:30pm. After all the tenders are back on-board the crew again look after your catch while you have the chance to freshen up before dinner. The evening meal is served by 6pm followed by dessert every night. After dessert, Big Cat continues north while you settle in for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: We will be in the protected waters of the Swain Reefs for breakfast and have you out on the tenders by 7:30am at one of the many amazing reefs this area has to offer.
Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 will be spent working the Swain Reefs, fishing some of the most remote fishing destinations this area has to offer.
Day 5: After dinner, the vessel steams south back to the Bunker Group ready for another full day of fishing.
Day 6: Today is spent at Sykes Reef (or nearby reefs) where you have the opportunity to fish the reef edges or troll the deeper water. After lunch the day is yours to make the most of the final session. Around 4:30pm tenders are recovered back onboard while the guest enjoy sunset drinks and snacks on the back deck chatting to their new mates. Big Cat will then head south steaming overnight, back to Bundaberg.
Day 7: We will arrive at Bundaberg Port Marina around 6am where a hot breakfast will be served. The diligent crew will assist you with your gear and catch before we farewell all guests around 730am. If you don’t have an esky, ice and foam boxes are available for purchase to transport your fish home.
