Fancy landing a big barramundi, a tasty trevally or the elusive black marlin? Then Far North Queensland is the ideal destination for you. Some of the best sport fishing in the world is found in the waters off the far north coast of Queensland. This fishing mecca provides the opportunity for novice and expert alike to pit their skill against river and estuary species such as mangrove jack, big game species such as dolphin fish and blue marlin, or relax with a spot of fly fishing.
The Cairns/Port Douglas area has long been recognised as the Black Marlin capital of the world. The Black Marlin of the Pacific Ocean migrate annually to the stretch of the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns and Lizard Island, to spawn. The Marlin season extends from September until late December.
The most successful methods of fishing for the legendary Marlin are a live aboard game boat or game boat plus mothership which provides the flexbility to move where the fish are.
To overnight on the Great Barrier Reef has many advantages, primarily being able to fish at the best time of day, and there are heaps of opportunities for the light tackle enthusiast or sportfisherman to battle with some of the speedsters that the reef is teeming with such as Wahoo, Mackerel, Sailfish and Tunas.
Live aboard game boats range in size from 12 metres to 20 metres and are fully equipped with every conceivable comfort that one may require. Standard packages include fishing equipment (international standard), all meals on board and experienced crew. Deluxe packages also provide staterooms with ensuite, TV, stereo, video etc. Optional extras include dive equipment compressor, dive master-instructor and foreign language guide.
The Mothership option provides the angler with luxurious accommodation and cuisine to five star standard. Anglers live aboard the mothership and fish from highly specialised game boats. Motherships usually include all meals, open bar, scuba and snokelling equipment/dive compressor, laundry facilities, windsurfers, up to 6 crew, seaplane transfers and modern communication facilities.
Day boats depart from Cairns, Port Douglas and Lizard Island, for those who prefer to spend the night on terra firma. Fast day boats from 10 to 14 metres are capable of getting anglers out to the marlin grounds in the shortest possible time.
There are also big numbers of blue marlin in the waters off Cairns and anglers can fish for them until Easter.
There is an excellent choice of reputable companies who operate trips out to the reef departing Cairns and Port Douglas, for full days, mornings or afternoons. Night trips, weekends and extended charters are available by arrangement.
Price usually includes all fishing equipment (hand lines or rods), bait and lunch and of course, an experienced fisherman to help you catch the big one! Fish species most commonly caught on the reef include coral trout (excellent eating), red emperor, sweet lip and Trevally.
The spectacular fighting barramundi make visitors to this region appreciate why this is the most sought after light tackle sportfish in Australia. Other species frequently caught in estuaries include Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Queenfish, Estuary Cod and Trevally. These types of fish are also ideal candidates for fly fishing There are several operators who run low cost fishing trips through some of the finest mangrove and rainforest areas that Far North Queensland has to offer. The prolific mangrove areas are teeming with life from the majestic sea eagles and other bird life to crocodiles. So, even if you don’t catch anything on your rod, you’ll catch something on film!
If price is not a problem, heli-fishing is an exciting option. Flying by helicopter with experienced pilots and guides, anglers visit incredibly remote places such as Cape York for an experience of a lifetime. Soaring over rainforest-clad mountains, you will visit isolated lagoons and cystal clear mountain rivers that abound with fish and wildlife. In these waters you will be likely to hook Sooty Grunter, Jungle Perch, Mountain Trout and Tarpon. Helicopter fishing adventures depart from Cairns and packages include day or extended trips, all fishing tackle, meals and drinks.
Lizard Island (240 kms north of Cairns, on one of the most stunning sections of the Great Barrier Reef), is one of the best areas in the world for light and medium tackle, game and sport fishing, offering potential records for species such as Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo, Giant Trevally, Rainbow Runner and Dolphin Fish. Lizard also has an outstanding international reputation for marlin fishing. The Island itself contains an exclusive, luxury resort. Packages are available.
There are two fishing lodges situated at the northernmost tip of Australia. With the blue waters of the Torres Strait Islands at your doorstep and hundreds of miles of meandering jungle waterways, you’d expect great fishing and you will get it. Every form of fishing including blue water trolling, rock fishing, beach, estuary and fresh water fishing. Fish the Jardine River and Jacky Jacky Creek for tackle-busting Barramundi and the prehistoric Saratoga. Travel and accommodation packages are available.
Cardwell-Hinchinbrook Channel Area
A natually beautiful wilderness area, the Hinchinbrook Channel is a brilliant place to fish for barramundi. The pristine estuaries are ideally suited to lure casting, fly fishing or live bait fishing for Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon, Fingermark and Tarpon. Serious estuary anglers will think they’re in paradise and they are!
With thanks to Cairns Reef Charter Services