Cairns Fishing Charters

27 fishing charters

The best out of 27 charter fishing deals in Cairns - enter dates to check availability

Loading...
Loading...

Top Fishing Charters in Cairns

Cairns: 27 fishing charters available

Tropic Barra Adventures
Tropic Barra Adventures

Cairns • 16 ft • 2 people

Tropic Barra Adventures, is a premium Barramundi Sports Fishing Charter. We work out of Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree, Lake Tinaroo, and Mission Beach. Being an outfitter charter we work around our guest’s needs and wants, meaning we do half-day, s

"Josh was an absolute legend who knew the ins and outs of the Daintree, we caught Barra, jacks, cod and finger mark." —⁠ Jake,
Instant confirmation
trips fromUS $578
FNQ FISHING ADVENTURES
FNQ FISHING ADVENTURES

Cairns • 20 ft • 3 people

Departing from CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS FNQ Fishing Adventures, brings you the ultimate fishing experience in Far north queensland, from TOPWATER giant trevally! To insane aieral displays from pacific sailfish! We specialise in reef fishing for coral tro

"Fishing was slow early on but Brodie was a great bloke and new what he was doing and worked his butt off to find the fish we were after." —⁠ Matt,
Instant confirmation
trips fromUS $1,500
Cairns Sportfishing
Cairns Sportfishing

Portsmith • 20 ft • 5 people

Ready to catch some fish in Cairns? Cairns Sportfishing is here to make it happen! With Captain Gavin at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands. The fish in these waters include Coral Trout, Giant Trevally, Nannygai, Wahoo, Spangled

"Unfortunately, we had a bit of a quiet morning out with Capt Gavin, although somewhat my fault for fishing in the estuary during the winter." —⁠ William,
Instant confirmation
trips fromUS $257
Australian Black Marlin Charters
Australian Black Marlin Charters

Cairns • 51 ft • 4 people

Based in Cairns Australia and in operation for over 40 years, Australian Black Marlin offers heavy tackle charters to suit your needs. They have a proven record in fishing for huge Black Marlin, with over 490 fish in excess of 900 lbs released and ten ove

"Went on a 3 day 3 night trip with Australian Black Marlin charters." —⁠ Chris,
Instant confirmation
trips fromUS $2,731
Jungle Perch Angling Adventures
Jungle Perch Angling Adventures

Cairns • 4 ft • 2 people

If you’re in the market for a professional, guided experience near Cairns, look no further than Jungle Perch Angling Adventures. Here you’ll have access to backcountry waters, including some spots that only the locals know about. Around here i

"The captain was a legend he really new his stuff we didn’t..." —⁠ Luke,
trips fromUS $257

Cairns • 26 ft • 7 people

Gone Fishing Cairns offers the most spectacular fishing adventures in Trinity Inlet! It is located in the heart of the city of Cairns and allows for some of the best Estuary fishing this region has to offer. Captain Jacob and Captain Russel have years of

"I would certainly recommend booking a trip with Jacob.  He put us on the fish all day and was very knowledgeable and happy to share with us." —⁠ Adam,
trips fromUS $154
Fish Tales Charters – River Rocket
Fish Tales Charters – River Rocket

Cairns • 20 ft • 6 people

COVID-19 Update: To help us with Safe Work Practices, we are introducing the following: All customers should wash hands prior to boarding and hand sanitizer and/or the use of a bucket of water and soap will be provided. The vessel will be thoroughly disin

"Went out today for a great charter with Darryn. Second time ive used fish tales charter and again it was a great experience." —⁠ Mathew, Vic
trips fromUS $578
Adventure North Fly Fishing
Adventure North Fly Fishing

Cairns • 20 ft • 3 people

We offer Fly fishing charters chasing Goldens, Permit, Blue Bastards and Barramundi. Fishing costal sand slats, through to estuary Mangroves for Barramundi. Fly gear is to be supplied by anglers.
trips fromUS $964
Reelwork Sportfishing Cairns
Reelwork Sportfishing Cairns

Cairns • 34 ft • 4 people

Ready to cast a line in Cairns? Reelwork Sportfishing Cairns is your ticket! With Captain Gavin at the helm, you’ll benefit from years of knowledge and experience. Species like Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dogtooth Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Bla
trips fromUS $2,262
All Tackle Sportfishing – River
All Tackle Sportfishing – River

Cairns • 20 ft • 4 people

Running angling trips out of Cairns, All Tackle Sportfishing invites you to check out the local freshwater fishery in style. Immerse yourself in wildlife, with guaranteed top-notch fishing and the added bonus of potentially seeing some crocodiles! Come ab

"Great day on the water in a great boat, excellent gear, with top notch guide." —⁠ Mick,
trips fromUS $803
View all fishing charters
See all 27 fishing charters in Cairns

Top deep sea fishing trips in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top-rated family fishing trips in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Half-day fishing trips in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top Targeted Species in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...

Top Types of Fishing in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...

Top Fishing Techniques in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Cairns

Loading
Loading

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Cairns

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

Fishing in Cairns

The area around Cairns is often referred to as ‘the number one game fishing region on the planet.’ Go there, and you will see why. The tropical landscape of North Queensland is home to one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. But not only does Cairns fishing equal a huge quantity of fish species, it also boasts incredibly good quality fishing. It’s not fair on all the other fishing destinations, really.

Known For

Angler or not, you probably know of Cairns as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This vibrant city’s tourist season revolves around Great Barrier Reef tours and diving trips, which will take you up close and personal to the only structure made of living organisms that can be seen from space. But for serious sport fishing anglers, this part of the Great Barrier Reef means only one thing: Black Marlin, and big ones. One of the primary breeding grounds for the species, this one of the few places in the world where Marlin weighing over 1000 lbs are consistently caught, year after year. 

Every year from September to December, anglers flock to the area between Cairns and Lizard Island to experience what is arguably the best Black Marlin fishing in Australia - or even the world. Ever since American angler Richard C Obach hooked a 1064 lb Black Marlin on 80 lb line here in 1996, Cairns has become synonymous with legendary sport fishing. Now, all you need to do to hook your own 'grander' is to find a local captain aboard that perfect fishing charter Cairns has waiting for you.

But the offshore reefs aren’t the only good fishing spots in Cairns. The area’s pristine estuaries and tropical waterways are the perfect breeding grounds for firm Australian fishing favorites such as Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and Fingermark. Just five minutes from the heart of the city, Trinity Inlet marks the beginning of 90 km of beautiful winding waterways just waiting to be explored. Daintree River is less than an hour and a half away, while beach fishing can see you sight casting to schools of Golden Trevally.

From Cairns' booming popularity as Australia's new fly fishing central, all the way to heavy tackle fishing for everyone's favorite pelagics, there's something in store for everyone here. And to all you die-hard Barramundi lovers, looking for that perfect fishery to indulge in your obsession - welcome home.

Rules & Regulations

No license is necessary for recreational fishing in Queensland tidal waters, but licenses may be required if fishing in some stocked impoundments. There is an annual closed season for Barramundi, which runs from the first of November through the first of February.

Types of Fishing

Heavy tackle fishing for Black Marlin flourishes from September through December. Marlin charters are often booked well in advance and will traditionally involve trolling with large bait - Rainbow Runner, Queenfish, Tuna, and Mackerel typically make up the menu.

Try your hand at light tackle Marlin fishing from July to August - if you want to tackle a Billfish on 12-20 lb line, this is your chance. Trolling with rigged baits will also get you in a good place to battle Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Trevally, Sailfish and more for some serious light tackle fun.

Looking for an even greater challenge? Try to set a new heavy tackle fly fishing record in the capable hands of a knowledgeable local captain. As far as fishery and local knowledge are concerned, this is one of the best places in the world to enter the record books.

Less ambitious anglers are bound to enjoy Great Barrier Reef fishing, which will usually involve ‘bottom bouncing’ with 60-100 lb line for delicious and colourful species such as Nannygai, Red Emperor, and Coral Trout.

As if this wasn't enough, finish your day by fishing the beaches for Mangrove Jack, Flathead, Trevally, Barramundi, Fingermark, and more. Hey, we told you this fishery was diverse.

Cairns

4.6/5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Cairns Fishing Seasons

January

January in Cairns is HOT. Humidity is high and the rainy season peaks, making for impressive bites in creeks and estuaries. Offshore, make the most of the pelagic bite or target GT around the reefs.

February

The rainy season continues, with water temperature high at an average of 29ºC. Barramundi season reopens after a seasonal closure since November, and Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo are making waves offshore.

March

With the aftermath of heavy flood rains, March sees rivers and estuaries stocked with tasty prawns - and plenty of hungry fish. Make the most of the Mangrove Jack and Threadfin bite as they fatten up for winter.

April

While Cairns' tropical location doesn't really see a winter as such, it does see slightly cooler weather from April to August. This is great for Queenfish and Trevally fishing, with reef fishing also good.

May

With the rainy season now far behind, May in Cairns sees pleasant temperatures. Fishing is good over the reefs, with Red Emperor, Nannygai, and Coral Trout making for delicious and beautiful catches.

June

Thanks to lower humidity, reasonable temperatures, and low rainfall, this is peak tourist season. Escape the crowds and target a huge Spanish Mackerel offshore. The majority of fishing done at this time of year is inside the reef.

July

July is the beginning of the light tackle Marlin season in Cairns, when juvenile Black Marlin can be caught near the reef. Don't miss the Cairns Blue Water Billfish Tournament to show off your skills.

August

Light tackle Marlin season continues, with reef fish also biting well still. Offshore, the Wahoo bite picks up and will remain good through December. Peak tourist season continues.

September

Spring arrives, and with it comes humidity, which will build up until the rainy season arrives in December. Heavy tackle season starts as female Black Marlin come to the reef to spawn. 

October

Cairns is bustling with Marlin fishing charters, as visitors come from far and wide in the hope of catching a Marlin weighing over 1000 lbs. Inshore, Barramundi are biting actively. Mahi, GT, and Tuna are also caught.

November

Barramundi season closes until February. Billfishing remains excellent, with Sailfish being added to the mix of catches. The reef comes alive as the coral spawns and swimmers need to watch out for jellyfish.

December

This is the month for a Billifsh Slam, with Blue Marlin joining Black Marlin and Sailfish on potential catch lists. The wet season begins and will last through February. Don't let a soaking put you off!

Cairns Fishing Calendar

Loading

Featured photos from Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

What anglers said about fishing in Cairns

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Cairns?

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Nearby Fishing Destinations

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...