North Queensland

32 Fishing Charters

North Queensland Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in North Queensland

Top North Queensland Destinations

North Queensland: 32 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(33 reviews)
Airlie Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $106
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(49 reviews)
Port Douglas
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $106
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(33 reviews)
Port Douglas
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $102
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(41 reviews)
Airlie Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $128
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Yorkeys Knob
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $256
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(394 reviews)
Cairns
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(28 reviews)
Port Douglas
Booked out!
Your dates are popular โ€“ we've run out of trips with this charter! Check out more below.
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(239 reviews)
Port Douglas
trips from $106
Mission Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Lucinda

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in North Queensland

According to customer reviews, Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures, Fishen Charter, and AKULA Sportfishing are some of the most popular fishing charters in North Queensland. Full list of top fishing charters in North Queensland.

The average price for a private 4 hour North Queensland fishing trip is $466, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,048 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Airlie Beach Fishing Adventures, Fishen Charter, and AKULA Sportfishing all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in North Queensland.

The most popular fish species you can target are Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, and Queenfish. Top fishing techniques include Light Tackle, Bottom Fishing, and Trolling. Reef fishing, wreck fishing, and inshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

North Queensland fishing charters offer some of the most exclusive trips out of Australia. With quick access to the Great Barrier Reef, numerous estuaries, rivers, and lakes, you’ll be front and centre in one of the world’s hottest fishing spots!

The northern region of Queensland is well known for its excellent Marlin and Tuna fishing, but there are many other species on offer as well. Giant Trevally, Red Emperor, Nannygai, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel are just a few of the A-listers you can expect to target.

Local charters offer a wide range of trips tailored to their customers’ preferences. You can find half day trips lasting up to four or five hours, full day trips lasting up to eight or 10 hours, or multi-day trips that will have you fishing for up to 2 days. Shorter trips are perfect for beginners or families with kids as you’ll stay inshore in calmer waters. Longer trips are ideal for deep sea “fin-atics” looking to go further offshore and hook bigger species.

North Queensland hosts a variety of fishing locations that can accommodate all types of anglers. Towns such as Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cardwell are phenomenal locations for reef and estuary fishing. Other places to check out include Arlie Beach, Townsville, and Yorkeys Knob. Weipa, most famous for its Barramundi fishing, should also be on your radar. With so many places to choose from, it’s no wonder North Queensland has become a top-visited destination over the last few decades.

Rules & Regulations

The best part is, you don’t have to worry about purchasing a license if you’re fishing from shore or a charter boat. However, you may need to get an impoundment license if you plan on fishing in certain stocked fisheries. There are size and bag limits that apply to most species, and certain areas are closed, depending on the season. Your best bet is to join a skipper who is familiar with the local regulations so you stay within the law and catch lots of fish!

North Queensland
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Based on 27721 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

The weather is hot down under and so is the fishing! Now is the best time to hop on a charter and go big game fishing off the coast. You’ll target Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and many more.

February

Summer fishing continues well into February. Sailfish and Blue Marlin fishing is still hot and you can also expect to target Yellowtail Amberjack, Yellowfin Tuna, Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi.

March

Autumn begins in North Queensland and the Barramundi fishing is excellent. Shallow water fishing is great, especially if you’re targeting Threadfin Salmon. Look for murky waters, particularly tidal streams, and you’ll find lots of Threadfin as they swim upstream.

April

Reef fishing is solid in April. Head out to the Great Barrier Reef and get ready to reel in Coral Trout, as well as Red, Spangled, and Sweetlip Emperor. If you’re lucky, you may even catch yourself a juicy Pinky!

May

As the weather cools down, excellent reef fishing conditions continue. Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna fishing is also still solid, and Blue and Striped Marlin are still attacking the lures aggressively. 

June

Head to the Great Barrier Reef for some bottom fishing action and target Red and Sweetlip Emperor, as well as Pink Snapper. You can also expect to target Coral Trout and Nannygai.

July

July is technically the coldest month in Queensland but daytime temperatures still hover around 25 degrees. These pleasant conditions put Flathead fishing at the forefront along the many inlets and bays of North Queensland.

August

Barramundi, Queenfish, and Flathead fishing are solid inshore. Further off the coast you can still hook Blue and Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Bonito, Dogtooth Tuna, and many other pelagic species.

September

Locals have been waiting patiently to be able to target Black Marlin and the time has finally come! Mahi Mahi and Wahoo also make a comeback, making it possible to hook multiple pelagic fish on one trip.

October

Threadfin Salmon fishing is excellent in October. Stalk the shallows with live or dead bait and have a local skipper help you find some of the most productive spots. Barramundi is often targeted at the same time, so you might land multiple fish on one trip!

November

Now is the time to head offshore to target Giant Trevally. This fish can be targeted in many different ways but the most important thing to remember is that they like to put up a battle. Come prepared for a fight and don’t be ashamed to take out the heavy tackle.

December

Inshore fishing for Cobia is all the rage in December. You can also target Barracuda, Threadfin Salmon, and Geelbek. Offshore, you can deep drop for Tuna and Sailfish or troll for Mahi Mahi and Marlin. Your options are endless!

North Queensland Fishing Calendar

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Get in quick with the bookings, check the weather and listen to the Captain.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Get in quick with the bookings, check the weather and listen to the Captain.
Stefan  O.
Stefan O. Bridgeman Downs, QLD
Book with shawry at Hooked Up, a very knowledge man with years of experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with shawry at Hooked Up, a very knowledge man with years of experience
Hayley  W.
Hayley W. Mildura, VIC
I would definitely recommend going on a charter with Jimmy or an experienced captain to help find the fish and make the day enjoyable.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would definitely recommend going on a charter with Jimmy or an experienced captain to help find the fish and make the day enjoyable.
Ben  S.
Ben S. Brisbane, QLD
Weather was definately windy and I understand now this was typical for month of July. So if that's not for your party maybe ask when it would be less windy.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather was definately windy and I understand now this was typical for month of July. So if that's not for your party maybe ask when it would be less windy.
Iain  M.
Iain M. Lochailort, Scotland
Remember to check the season you're in so you know what fish may be biting. Heed the sage advice of the professional fisherman you've engaged for your charter - they really do know what's best! Relax and enjoy the trip!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember to check the season you're in so you know what fish may be biting. Heed the sage advice of the professional fisherman you've engaged for your charter - they really do know what's best! Relax and enjoy the trip!
Roseanne  G.
Roseanne G. Port Douglas, Queensland
Yes our youngest was 11 probably wouldn't go younger than that as was quite choppy in some areas so depends on the weather conditions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes our youngest was 11 probably wouldn't go younger than that as was quite choppy in some areas so depends on the weather conditions.
Denise  A.
Denise A. Cairns, QLD
Mornings are best for the wind, choose your target fish and charter to suit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Mornings are best for the wind, choose your target fish and charter to suit.
Dom  S.
Dom S. Foxborough, MA
Even though itโ€™s not peak fishing season, Shawry found plenty for us to catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Even though itโ€™s not peak fishing season, Shawry found plenty for us to catch.
Margie  P.
Margie P.
My fishing experience in Port Douglas was absolutely incredible. The stunning scenery, knowledgeable guide, and abundant fish made it a truly unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended for all fishing enthusiasts!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
My fishing experience in Port Douglas was absolutely incredible. The stunning scenery, knowledgeable guide, and abundant fish made it a truly unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended for all fishing enthusiasts!
Leah  S.
Leah S. Brisbane, Queensland
Plenty of sunscreen & a good hat , long sleeve shirt and lots of refreshments ,
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Plenty of sunscreen & a good hat , long sleeve shirt and lots of refreshments ,
Matthew  E.
Matthew E. Brisbane, QLD
Depending on the day, weather could prohibit you from fishing the reef but thatโ€™s to be expected anywhere.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Depending on the day, weather could prohibit you from fishing the reef but thatโ€™s to be expected anywhere.
Roger  A.
Roger A. Parker, CO
Be prepared for all types of weather and that any catch is a good catch. We went in May and this day was cloudy and the temp had dropped. It was an estuary morning half day trip, I caught a Blue Salmon..other species caught on the trip were Trevally, Mangrove Jack and Grunter. So although the dream was of a Barramundi...just remember to enjoy the thrill, the company and that each day brings a different catch!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for all types of weather and that any catch is a good catch. We went in May and this day was cloudy and the temp had dropped. It was an estuary morning half day trip, I caught a Blue Salmon..other species caught on the trip were Trevally, Mangrove Jack and Grunter. So although the dream was of a Barramundi...just remember to enjoy the thrill, the company and that each day brings a different catch!
Maria  T.
Maria T. Sydney, New South Wales
Donโ€™t visit Airlie without going fishing - experience or not. Itโ€™s an all round unforgettable experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t visit Airlie without going fishing - experience or not. Itโ€™s an all round unforgettable experience.
Sue  B.
Sue B.
Worth the drive. Less overfished relative to Carins and shorter boat ride to the fish (this makes it good for kids).
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Worth the drive. Less overfished relative to Carins and shorter boat ride to the fish (this makes it good for kids).
Christa  P.
Christa P. Brisbane, Queensland
Go with the OUT N ABOUT fishing team and you will have smiles for miles off 4 mile... Trust me as i aint a rookie and had one of most memorable days
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with the OUT N ABOUT fishing team and you will have smiles for miles off 4 mile... Trust me as i aint a rookie and had one of most memorable days
Benjamin  P.
Benjamin P. Brisbane, Queensland
If you are planning to take cached fish back, ensure you make arrangements to transport it in the car. You may not get good bags and blood may drip from the given bags to take the the catch home at the end of the trip.
Very good
4.0 / 5
If you are planning to take cached fish back, ensure you make arrangements to transport it in the car. You may not get good bags and blood may drip from the given bags to take the the catch home at the end of the trip.
Fernando  R.
Fernando R. Melbourne, Victoria
Book a private charter with one that caters to your numbers. Highly recommend Gone Fishing charter. I think they can take up to 8 but check that
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a private charter with one that caters to your numbers. Highly recommend Gone Fishing charter. I think they can take up to 8 but check that
Rida  B.
Rida B. Quincy, MA
Eat light before going on the water and when you are on the water, drink coffee.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Eat light before going on the water and when you are on the water, drink coffee.
Campbell  R.
Campbell R. Brisbane, Queensland
Yes e everything is supplied and it depends on the day as to what you catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes e everything is supplied and it depends on the day as to what you catch.
Ian  W.
Ian W. Melbourne, VIC
Yes definitely a great first timing fishing location, with the Whitsundays as the backdrop
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes definitely a great first timing fishing location, with the Whitsundays as the backdrop
Jason  M.
Jason M. Brisbane, Queensland

Fishen Charter
Fishen Charter
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(49 reviews)
Like to thank Dean for great morning on the water, caught few fish. It was ashamed couldnโ€™t get out the reef. Only one issue the app is in a USD not AUS which isnโ€™t good. So people believe theyโ€™re paying less, until comes to the day of payment. Need to fix that ASAP
Wes  M.
Wes M. Altona North, VIC
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(41 reviews)
Weather was challenging but to their credit they pushed on. We had an awesome day and went hope with dinner.
Chris  D.
Chris D. Cairns, Queensland
AKULA Sportfishing
AKULA Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(33 reviews)
Sent my Dad and husband on a half day trip with Jason. His communication has been speedy and faultless since the initial enquiry. My husband and Dad absolutely loved their morning fishing. They came back full of information about Port Douglas that was of interest to us all. I couldnt rate Jason high enough. Will be back next time we are in Port Douglas. Wouldnt recommend anyone else.
Courtney  G.
Courtney G. Cosgrove, VIC
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(41 reviews)
We had a great half day out with captain andrew. He was knowledgeable, helpful, kind and easygoing. Caught some decent fish and he filleted them on the dock for us to keep. Only regret is not booking the full day! Thanks again!
Laura  L.
Laura L. Chicago, Illinois
Fishen Charter
Fishen Charter
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(49 reviews)
Had a fantastic morning fishing the estuary, we would have liked to of been out on the reef but the weather didnโ€™t suit. I caught 4 different species of fish and well over 10 in total although undersized it was a great morning on the water with Dean and other anglers, I would definitely go again.
Stefan  O.
Stefan O. Bridgeman Downs, QLD
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(239 reviews)
Had a great day, weather was amazing, locations were great and shawry did not disappoint. Highly recommend this charter, and if your staying at the Ramada they cook your catch ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ๐ŸŸ
Hayley  W.
Hayley W. Mildura, VIC
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(239 reviews)
Tough fishing inshore reefs, but skipper knows his stuff and the area, and he could not have done better in the conditions.
John  W.
John W. Stafford, QLD
Fishen Charter
Fishen Charter
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(49 reviews)
The 3 of us had a wonderful day and caught plenty of fish. Dean was a great skipper and his knowledge was second to none. Highly recommend this tour.
Matthew  D.
Matthew D. Brisbane, Queensland
Gone Fishing Cairns
Gone Fishing Cairns
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(394 reviews)
Thank you Jacob for a truly great day. We will be recommending you to all our southern friends heading north. Best wishes to you, from Captain Storme, Helen and Alfred.
Helen  S.
Helen S. Brisbane, QLD
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(41 reviews)
I have done a lot of fishing charter and this one was the best so far. Small parties size and great fast boat. Definitely pick the weather. Jimmy our skipper was next level we learnt a lot about reef fishing and he made our experience memorable. Catering was good and fishing was amazing. Thanks again Jimmy, Andrew and Sam. We will be back. Both me and my son Spencer caught one of biggest fish ever. Thank you again.
Hamish  R.
Hamish R. North Warrandyte, VIC
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Hook Up Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(239 reviews)
Amazing captain, amazing knowledge, amazing boat and an amazing time. Thanks!
Stephen  A.
Stephen A. Brisbane, Queensland
Catch My Drift Charters
Catch My Drift Charters
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Canโ€™t recommend Murray highly enough. Worked hard to put us on the fish and tried every method you can think of. Boat is in amazing condition. Murray is clearly an avid fisherman, he shared in the excitement with every fish!
Dan  P.
Dan P. United Kingdom
Fishen Charter
Fishen Charter
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(49 reviews)
Great trip. Too rough to head out to the reef so stuck to the river. Tough day with the fish off the chew but Skipper Dean never stopped trying to find the fish for us. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend jumping on this charter, my son and I had a great time.
Matt  J.
Matt J. Diddillibah, QLD
Tropical Sportfisher
Tropical Sportfisher
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(38 reviews)
Unbelievable experience in an unbelievable waterway, with an extremely knowledgeable & welcoming Skipper. Will return one day.๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ˜Ž
Ben  J.
Ben J. Sydney, NSW
Gone Fishing Cairns
Gone Fishing Cairns
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(394 reviews)
Good day plenty of chat fish werenโ€™t plentiful but a good morning in the inlet, Peter
Peter  R.
Peter R. Williamsburg, ME
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Get Out & About Whitsundays Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Airlie Beach
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(41 reviews)
Our fishing trip was good but unfortunately we didnโ€™t catch anything which we were able to bring home to eat. Overall good day
Brock  N.
Brock N. Dubbo, NSW
Gone Fishing Cairns
Gone Fishing Cairns
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(394 reviews)
Was Great to catch fresh bait before heading out. Great boat setup, years of knowledge on fishing spots, set everything up and gear was quality for river fishing. Landed a great size flathead and seen 3 crocโ€™s sunning themselves on the banks on the way back in. Highly recommend this charter
Steven  W.
Steven W. Brisbane, QLD
Paradise Sportfishing Adventures
Paradise Sportfishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(188 reviews)
Captain John was fantastic. My kids and I had a blast and will definitely be going back.
Lena  D.  C.
Lena D. C. Melbourne, VIC
Paradise Sportfishing Adventures
Paradise Sportfishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Cairns
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(188 reviews)
John was an absolute champion!! I had my 2 daughters on their first fishing trip and John coached them thru the process brilliantly (without stress, but with great humour). We had a great time, a good education and pulled in a number of good size fish......a great experience. Thanks John!!
Brian  J.
Brian J. Melbourne, Victoria
Out N About Sportfishing (Port Douglas)
Out N About Sportfishing (Port Douglas)
Fishing charter in Port Douglas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(328 reviews)
Great morning, too windy to head out to the reef so Paul used his extensive experience to find us some pretty decent fishing in the estuary. Relaxed trip and Paul worked hard to ensure everyone had ample opportunity to get a catch. Found a number of different species and really respect the charterโ€™s catch and release philosophy for estuarine fishing. Would recommend. Well done Paul.
Andrew  H.
Andrew H. Brisbane, Queensland