Frequently asked questions

Our most popular live aboard fishing charter trips  are 5 days/5 nights. We can shorten or extend this to suit you.

For extended field trips, Eclipse can comfortably go to sea for up to 14-21 days depending on the trip requirements.

Yes, we are able to accept Credit Card payments onboard. Please note that we do not accept Amex cards. We also accept Cash.

• A SOFT Bag.. Please try not to bring a huge hard case with you as storage onboard is limited
• Any personal medications and pain relief medication
• A good wide brimmed hat, Polaroid sunglasses, high protective sunscreen and Zinc
• Preferred insect repellent
• Protective Clothing – lightweight clothing including long sleeve collared shirt and long pants. Lightweight buffs are also highly recommended
• A pair of shoes for use in the tender – soft soled shoes such ass crocs, reef walkers are ideal
• Camera, Go Pro, spare camera batteries/ charging cords, spare memory cards
• Tackle and Fishing equipment (If not using ours entirely) get in contact with us for recommendations on suitable gear to bring
• Mobile Phone/IPAD and 240V charger cord (please note that only Telstra network works in this region)
•  YOUR APPETITE FOR EXCITEMENT AND FINE CUISINE AND A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR

We are set up for you to just bring your bag of clothes with you and use our gear entirely.

Lures and terminal tackle are an additional cost. Weipa Sportfishing guides carry a selection of lures and tackle available to purchase at very reasonable rates onboard. If using our gear entirely allow $75-150 per person for consumable tackle/lures, etc. This is payable to your guide onboard.

If you had to bring one rod to fish Weipa Bring a good quality 4000 size Shimano spin reel with 20lb yellow Finns braid this will be your number one outfit…. we use these reels on 6’2 -6’5 12-20lb rods our favourite is a Daiwa swamp Donkey rod. Any Slightly heavier outfits can be handy for offshore as well. A good Quality bait caster with a 6 foot rod 20b yellow Finns braid

Lures we use the most……..

• 7 inch gulp jerk shads with 5/0   1/2- 1 ounce jig heads     Will go through a few of these if they like offshore fishing.
• 3 inch gulp prawns with 2/0 1/4 nitro jig heads Can go through a few of theses as well
• 20 gram Samaki vibes
• Jackall squirrels dd 79sp
• Gold bombers
• 40 gram metal slugs
• Halco crazy deeps 150mm
• rapala x rap 20

Rods need to be protected in a cloth bag, then stored in a PVC tube to make sure they arrive in good condition. Jetstar has a limit of 2 metres on most internal flights, so only tubes less than this length will be carried. Qantas and Qantaslink flights do not have these length restrictions so longer tubes can be accommodated. If you are travelling with a party, try to store multiple rods in a single tube to minimize baggage costs. Bringing one large tackle box (as excess baggage) rather than several individuals is another option as far as tackle goes.

Reels should be stored in soft bags, then placed in the middle of clothing to further protect them from rough handling. Make sure they have been serviced, are running smoothly and the line is in good condition before you leave home. If there’s any doubt about your line, replace it immediately.

Yes – sorry.  We do have Starlink wifi available onboard as well as the Telstra network.

Whilst onboard you can eat as much fish and crabs as you like however, we do not encourage anglers come with a vision of stocking their home freezers with fish. We are primarily a catch and release fishing charter operation and share the view that our resource is too valuable to promote everyone taking their fish home.

Please note that all deposits are non-refundable and Travel Insurance is highly recommended.  In rare occasions, un-foreseen circumstances may cause events that are beyond our control. Eclipse FNQ Charters cannot be held responsible for lost holiday time, charter costs, airline costs, lost / damaged luggage / medical costs. Travel insurance is worth the minimal cost for the peace of mind it provides.

We recommend Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance with the Adventure Pack add on (total cost is under $100).http://www.allianz.com.au/travel-insurance/domestic-travel-insurance

A normal fishing day will usually start early in the morning between 7-8am and go through to before sunset but this will vary on clients requests or if the fish are on the bite. Of course, there will be meal times arranged to fit in with the fishing.

The good thing about mother ship fishing is that the main boat is never too far away from the fishing grounds, which gives the flexibility of you picking and choosing your fishing times.

Yes, the vessel has constant 240 volt power and ample outlets are in all the cabins and common areas.

No, not at all. You will have the opportunity to explore the coastline by boat and by foot with excellent fishing from the beaches and rocky headlands. It’s a fly fisherman’s paradise sight fishing miles of beaches and rocks. Make sure you bring some form of adequate footwear.

We are a fully  licensed venue and operate within aboriginal communities with alcohol restrictions in place.  You will be transferred through communities when joining the vessel so please ensure no one is carrying alcohol. BYO is strictly prohibited for this reason.  We will provide you with a list of Alcohol Beverage list available for preordering prior to your arrival.

All of our boats have VHF radios and are always in contact with each other, and the main boat for safety reasons . Onboard the Tropic Paradise mothership we have a fully stocked Royal Flying Doctors Medical First Aid kit, Defibrillator and reliable communication to make contact with relevant authorities to assist.

We have the ability to arrange evacuation at short notice if necessary and all our crew are trained in first aid procedures.