Half Day vs Full Day Fishing Charters on the Gold Coast – Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a half day and full day fishing charter on the Gold Coast can feel tricky — especially if it’s your first time offshore. Both options offer great fishing, but the right choice depends on time, budget, experience, and what you want from the day.

At True Blue Fishing Charters, we run both half and full day trips and tailor each one to conditions and guests on board. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which charter suits you best.

What Is a Half Day Fishing Charter?

A half day charter typically runs 4–5 hours, making it one of the most popular options for visitors and first-time anglers.

Why Choose a Half Day Charter?

Half day trips are ideal if you:

• Are short on time

• Want a relaxed introduction to offshore fishing

• Are fishing with kids or mixed-experience groups

• Prefer staying closer to shore

What You Can Catch

Depending on season and conditions, half day charters commonly target:

• Snapper

• Cobia

• Moses perch

• Teraglin

• Seasonal pelagics when conditions allow

These trips focus on productive inshore and mid-range reefs, maximising fishing time without long travel distances.

What Is a Full Day Fishing Charter?

A full day charter usually runs 8–9 hours, giving skippers more flexibility to reach deeper offshore grounds.

Why Choose a Full Day Charter?

Full day trips are best suited for anglers who:

• Want more time on the water

• Are chasing larger or more varied species

• Enjoy a more immersive fishing experience

• Want flexibility to adapt to changing conditions

What You Can Catch

Full day charters open up opportunities for:

• Larger snapper

• Pearl perch

• Kingfish

• Amberjack

• Cobia

• Pelagic species like mackerel or wahoo (seasonal)

With extra time, skippers can adjust locations and techniques throughout the day.

Key Differences at a Glance

Experience Level: What Matters Most

You don’t need experience for either option.

• Half day trips are great for learning the basics

• Full day trips suit those wanting more hands-on fishing time

Our crew adjusts techniques, gear, and pacing to match the group on board.

Comfort, Weather & Seasickness Considerations

If you’re concerned about comfort:

• Half day trips are shorter and closer to shore

• Full day trips benefit from stable weather and calm conditions

Our skippers monitor conditions carefully and always prioritise safety and comfort.

Budget & Value for Money

While full day charters cost more, they also offer:

• More fishing time

• Access to premium grounds

• Greater species variety

Half day trips offer excellent value for those wanting a taste of offshore fishing without committing to a full day.

So, Which Charter Is Right for You?

Choose a half day charter if you want:

• A fun, easy introduction

• Great fishing in a shorter time frame

• A family-friendly experience

Choose a full day charter if you want:

• Maximum fishing time

• Access to deeper reefs

• The chance at bigger and more varied fish

If you’re unsure, our team is always happy to help you choose based on conditions and goals.

Book the Right Gold Coast Fishing Charter with True Blue

Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, True Blue Fishing Charters offers tailored experiences that suit your schedule, experience, and expectations.

📍 Gold Coast, Queensland
🎣 Half day & full day fishing charters
🚤 Fully surveyed vessels with experienced skippers

Book your Gold Coast fishing charter today and choose the trip that’s right for you.