Port Douglas

Avid anglers will never grow tired of fishing Port Douglas. Luxurious beach resorts, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Great Barrier Reef make this town a top tourist destination in Queensland. It is also home to some of Australia's most diverse fishing opportunities, where fishermen of all types are sure to land the catch of a lifetime.

Known For

Port Douglas fishing will have you spoiled for choice. With the Outer Great Barrier Reef roughly 20 miles away, Port Douglas is home to the best reef fishing in Australia. The continental shelf sits just a few miles further, giving this destination its reputation for some of the country’s best game fishing, as well. Many Port Douglas fishing charters allow visitors to experience the benefits of these features first hand.

Port Douglas reef tours and charters give you a chance to bring home large and delicious table fish straight from the Barrier Reef. Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Nannygai, Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, and other species can be caught on a full day of fishing. Dickson Inlet is especially well known as a launching point for reef fishing trips.

The avid sport fisherman will also delight in the many game fishing charters Port Douglas has to offer. These waters are home to the world’s most productive Black Marlin fishing grounds, where one can find plenty of 1,000 lb+ “granders.” Fishing Port Douglas for these trophies is best from late September through the end of December. Throughout much of the year you can also target Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Giant Trevally.

For a Port Douglas fishing charter that keeps you closer to shore, local rivers and estuaries provide excellent opportunities year round. Daintree River, Muddy Creek, Dickson Inlet, and Mowbray River are popular places where one can target as many as 75 different species. These include Barramundi, Tarpon, Permit, Threadfin Salmon, Queenfish, Mangrove Jack, and Fingermark, to name a few. A Port Douglas boat hire gives visitors the chance to cast lines in these waters while enjoying beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife viewing.

Rules & Regulations

A fishing license is not required for recreational fishing in Queensland. Size and bag limits do apply to some species, and these may vary depending on the season. Some areas are also closed to fishing during certain periods to protect the reproductive cycle of local species.

Always be aware of local regulations regarding where you can and cannot cast lines, whether on land or by boat. Anglers are advised to be wary of crocodiles when fishing from land or inshore. To avoid attracting these predators, fishermen are asked not to fillet fish on the waterfront.

Types of Fishing

Port Douglas fishing techniques are as varied as the species and opportunities awaiting here. Whether fishing with live bait, dead bait, or lures, anglers will find many techniques to be effective.

Game fishing includes both light and heavy tackle, depending on the target species and the preference of the fisherman. While fishing for small Black Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna, one might troll lures or baits with light tackle. Meanwhile, heavy tackle is preferred for large Black Marlin as well as big Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna. Top water lures such as poppers are especially effective when targeting Giant Trevally and Queenfish.

Bottom fishing (or “bottom bouncing”) the reefs is typically done with a medium-heavy handline (60-100lb) or rods. The main species targeted with this technique are Coral Trout, Red Emperor, and Nannygai.

For anglers who do not want to spend a full day on the water, land based fishing is still an exciting way to tackle some hard fighting species. Shipwreck Wharf,  Marina Road Wall, Rex Smeal Park, and Southern Four Mile Beach are a few places that locals recommend for targeting Flathead, Grunter, Bream, and perhaps even a Barramundi.