Sport & Game Fishing
Cairns, The Great Barrier Reef
Light to Medium Tackle Game Fishing – Year Round
Juvenile Black Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Yellowfin Tunas, Spanish Mackerel, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia
The bluewater sportfishing and deep sea gamefishing off Cairns is generally excellent year round, providing great action and good eating!!
Before Cairns was recognised as the "Home to the Giant Black Marlin" more than 4 decades ago, it was an established fishing mecca for a huge variety of pelagic sportfish found in the surrounding cobalt waters.
The winter months (May to September) are best for targeting Spanish mackerel (king mackerel), sailfish and juvenile black marlin (up to 100lbs). The warmer months (October to March) provide good fishing for wahoo, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, big Spanish mackerel (up to 100lbs), sailfish and black marlin (100 to 250lbs).
We use lures, live baits and natural dead baits. Preferred lures range from bibless minnows to minnow style bibbed lures for mack tuna, Spanish mackerel and other species.
For marlin and sailfish, preferred lures are of the pusher style, such as Moldcraft and Pakula. Live baits used are yakkas, trevally, pilchards, pinkies and gobbers. The most prominent dead baits used are mullet and gar fish (ballyhoo). These are extremely effective on all species.
Tackle consists of trolling rigs with line classes varying between 6 to 24 kg depending on the size of the species sought. Four to five rigs are trolled with 1 or multiple teasers.
Light tackle equipment consists of the highest quality Penn Reels with matching custom Jack Erskine light tackle rods in all line classes.
Our fishing grounds throughout our winter months are approximately 15 to 25 miles from Cairns and in our summer months between 15 & 35 miles. (Approximately 45 to 90 mins travelling each way).
Charter Options:
I offer full day private charters for groups of 1 to 8 anglers directly from Cairns. This option is definitely the most effective way to fish and enables you to maximize your fishing time and provides flexibility with your day. Occasionally we put together shared full day charters (max 6 / min 5 anglers where you are married up with other anglers) which require minimum anglers in order to guarantee departures. These are always confirmed the day prior.
Overnight and extended liveaboard charters are also available and are a great way to maximize your fishing on great locations from Cairns, with meals and accommodation provided.
Details follow …...
FULL DAY (Exclusive Private Charter for groups up to 6/8) : The Top Shot is an ideal game boat for day trips out of Cairns throughout the year – at 43ft she is roomy, fast and comfortable and is in survey for up to 8 passengers plus crew.
Your day charter includes exclusive charter of world class 43ft game boat, highly professional captain (20 years exp) and crewman, all quality fishing tackle & equipment, airconditioned comfort, morning & afternoon tea, lunch and refreshments.
Departure 7.30 am from Cairns Marlin Marina, Returning 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm.
>Please email for pricing & availability
LIVEABOARD (Exclusive Private Charter): The Top Shot is perfectly set up for accommodating in airconditioned comfort maximum 4-5 anglers and 2 crew on an extended liveaboard charter light to medium tackle gamefishing. 2-5 day liveaboard charters are a great way to experience the variety of fishing opportunities on offer close to Cairns.
All meals, beverages, and linens are provided on a liveaboard charter. Anglers need only bring soft overnight bags with personal belongings.
Departure 7.30 am from Cairns Marlin Marina, Returning 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm on final fishing day.
>Please email for pricing & availability
What to Bring
Anglers need only bring their personal belongings, we supply all fishing tackle & equipment, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, softdrinks, bottled water. On extended overnight charters we supply all meals and beverages including Australian beer and wines.
Recommend the following: Sun protection including long sleeve fishing shirt, deck shoes, polarized sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunscreen, swimwear. On extended, overnight charters include light spray jacket, light jumper (in winter)and favourtie music.
Career Highlights
- 2009: Caught 70 marlin for the season and let go 1 fish est 1000lbs & numerous fish 700-900lb
- 2008: Caught 61 marlin for the season with 2 estimated 1000lbs +
- 2007 : Caught Black Marlin (1102lbs), with 2 others estimated 1000lbs +
- 2006 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (103) / Several est 1000lbs Plus
- 2005 : 2nd Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (98) / Several est 1000lbs Plus
- 2004 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (105) / Several est 1000lbs Plus
- 2002 : Only Grander Weighed for the Season (1177lbs)
- 2001 : Largest Black Marlin in World caught on Lure (1257lbs)
- 2000 : Winner Innisfail Light Tackle Tournament
- 1999 : Champion Angler: Lizard Island Tournament
Many thanks to Craig Smith for his selection of great shots throughout the site
Email Ross
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