light tackle sportsfishing in cairns and the tropical north queensland region

Because Cairns charter boats have such a fabulous reputation for big fish, light tackle fishing of the area is sometimes overlooked. This is a big mistake! The facts are that the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond is incredibly rich in plankton and baitfish, in turn attracting virtually every species of Pacific gamefish imaginable.

As you troll over the coastal reefs, shoals and islands you will find these areas provide an excellent environment to catch fast-moving Pelagic fish such as Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin Fish, Barracuda, Scaly Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Trevally, Queenfish and many more. Using 12lb to 20lb test line, custom made Light Tackle Sportsfishing Rods and only the best in reels such as Penn, Shimano and Abu, you're just not sure what fish will strike next.

A variety of techniques are used to catch these gamefish, the most common technique is to troll rigged baits or deep diving lures, or a combination of both. As you troll along the edge of the reef or rocky outcrop or over the deeper shoals. Light Tackle Tournaments take place each year with some of them attracting excellent cash prizes. The best time of the year for Light Tackle inside the reef is February to July, and outside is July through to January.

Top Shot

Enquire about Top Shot

Top Shot is a 43 foot O’Brien fly bridge cruiser, powered by twin 450hp C series Cummins diesel engines.

With a top speed of 30 knots and cruise speed of 22 knots, she is well known for excellent sea handling capabilities and with a dry and stable ride, she sets a benchmark for craft in her class. She is a fine fishing platform, with a wide, spacious and uncluttered Cockpit area allowing ample swing room for anglers, game chair and deckhand’s access to tag pole and wire.

The Top Shot is very responsive to throttle and rudder adjustments, she is superior in her ability to maneuver on fish big and small continue...

Paradise Sportfishing Adventures

Enquire about Paradise Sportfishing Adventures

John Hangodi and Paradise Sport fishing Adventures offer calm water fishing charters 7 days a week. Private family owned and operated business fishing from the largest, most modern estuary boat at 7.3m custom made boat powered by a 130hp four stroke Honda one of the very few boats with a toilet on board. John covers the inlet with speed and in comfort.

Your guide Canadian Born John Hangodi has 25 years of international guiding experience, including 15 years as a partner at the world famous Knight Inlet salmon lodge in B.C. Canada. I can assure you the day is not only filled with excellent fishing but there are many many interesting stories to be heard continue...

Dragon Lady

Dragon Lady is a 34ft Cairns Custom Craft, one of a few game fishing boats in the Port Douglas region specifically designed to cater for everyone’s needs, whether it be heavy tackle, light tackle or reef fishing. Catering for a maximum of eight people ensures ample room on the aft deck. continue...

Phantom

Enquire about Phantom

Welcome aboard Phantom a luxury private charter cruiser based in Port Douglas.

Luxury yachting in stylish surrounds is perfect in the tropical waters of North Queensland — idyllic coral cays, palm fringed secluded islands, the Great Barrier Reef with clear blue seas and abundant marine life.

Phantom offers a variety of charter options to suit clients requests, activities and time frame.

  • Relax with a 2hr sunset cruise
  • A half day Low Isles island beach escape
  • Full day adventure on the Outer Barrier Reef — snorkel, scuba dive or try your hand at fishing.
  • Or indulge yourself in a weekend (or longer) live aboard

Our Executive Chef provides gourmet cuisine for all charter options.

Phantom is ideal for couples, honeymoons, corporate entertaining, weddings and the whole family.

Indulge yourself in Phantom.

Billfish Sports Fishing

43ft luxury game boat with friendly and experienced crew. We cater for all levels of experience from novice to the seasoned angler.

Enquire about Billfish Sports Fishing
FISHING SEASONS
Light Tackle January to August Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Trevalley, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and more — share & sole charters available
Heavy Tackle September to December Giant Black Marlin — sole charters only
Popper Casting January to March Giant Trevalley — sole charters only

Swim days and specialised charters available on application.

“Experience the thrill, Experience the fun, let us get you the catch of the day”.

MV Joe Joe

Enquire about MV Joe Joe

The ultimate luxury cruise on Australia's east coast and Great Barrier Reef — your itinerary may incorporate magical locations such as the Whitsunday Islands, Port Douglas and Lizard Island.

Cruise and snorkel pristine locations, dive on the outer edge or take a big game fishing adventure, Joe Joe and her staff will provide you with a memory of total indulgence and luxury.

Fifth Dimension

Enquire about the Fifth Dimension

Fifth Dimension is a versatile, high speed, luxury vessel specialising in heavy tackle, light tackle, bottom fishing, diving and snorkelling.

The vessel sleeps up to 8 passengers in two ensuite staterooms and two double bunk cabins that share a bathroom. With a roving permit, we offer both day charters and extended charters throughout the Great Barrier Reef.

Wild Turkey Marlin Charters

Enquire about Wild Turkey Marlin Charter

Wild Turkey is a 35 foot Custom made Luxury Sport Fishing Vessel for Charter. Specialising in Reef & Game Fishing for private small group charters. Fishing styles include: Heavy Tackle for Giant Black Marlin Light Tackle for Sailfish, Wahoo, Dolphin Fish Based at Yorkeys Knob but working the ports of Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Lizard Island

Enjoy the thrill of fishing in the Tropics of North Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef aboard our 35 foot Custom made Luxury Sport Fishing Vessel WILD TURKEY.

Try your luck at catching fabulous fish such as Sailfish, Wahoo, Dolphin Fish, Mackeral, Tuna Light tackle fishing is done here most of the year round with the exception of the Marlin season Sept — Dec.

Wild Turkey is surveyed for 8 passengers with light tackle fishing. The day rate is $1700.00. Vessel can be booked for any number of days.

Departure and return is using Yorkeys Knob Marina with the included option of leaving from Cairns Marina if requested. Relocation to Port Douglas for departure and return is an additional $200.00.

Charter Rate includes: Morning / Afternoon Tea & Lunch; Soft Drink, Water, Tea & Coffee; All Bait & Tackle; Reef Taxes.

Blackout Sportsfishing

Enquire about Blackout Sportsfishing

Blackout Sportsfishing is a locally owned and operated business. Fishing Guide Kerry Bailey has worked in the fishing industry for many years with a variety of charter companies. Kerry has gained an extensive knowledge of local inshore river systems and offshore reef and wreck locations. Three years ago Kerry decided to bite the bullet and start his own venture he launched a beautifully fitted out Badjcraft Custom Aluminum; powered by an 115hp 4 stroke Johnson outboard. He can certainly get out to the reef and back again with speed, comfort and reliability.

Kerry specialises in Reef, River and Estuary fishing including Deepwater Bait Fishing, Wreck Bumper Barring, Jigging, Light Game Fishing, Pelagic Trolling, Lure Casting, and Live Baiting.

Kerry provides a personalised service with a maximum of 3 people going out to the Reef and 4 people to the river this makes your day a lot more comfortable with plenty of room to aim for the BIG ONE'S. He also caters for Sole Charters for an Individual or Group Booking that enables you to fish when, where and for whatever you desire.

Kerry accommodates several forms of fishing within the one charter for example Reef to River and Estuary to Reef. Some of the local North Tropical Species you can expect to catch are Red and Spangled Emperor, Coral Trout, Nanigi's, Sweetlip and Fingermark. Light Tackle fish for Spanish mackerel, Cobia, Sailfish and Giant Trevally. Fish in Tropical rivers and pristine rainforest locations like the Daintree River, Russell, Mulgrave and Johnson Rivers target our local Sportfish the most notorious Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Queenfish, and a variety of different species of trevally, (just to name a few).

A courtesy pick up and drop from Cairns is included in a new air conditioned 4x4. Lunch is supplied including light Refreshments and Sunscreen. All you need to remember is your hat and sun glasses.

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