marlin fishing in cairns and the tropical north queensland region

A world renowned international fishing magazine recently published a fascinating article on the top 20 gamefishing spots in the world. Needless to say, Cairns rated number one, which would be no surprise at all to anyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing what it has to offer.

There's something incredibly exciting about heading out of Trinity Inlet, leaving the beautiful city of Cairns with its picture postcard backdrop of rainforest mountains that make their way down to Trinity Inlet. As you leave the marina and follow the leads guiding and drawing you towards the outer Great Barrier Reef. There is a feeling of anticipation and adventure that comes over the crew and anglers as heartbeats quicken to what lies ahead, an anticipation which is always fulfilled, whether it be a day trip or a full week's charter.

Anglers who have long tackled the amazing sheer strength and speed of the Black Marlin along the Reef have been trying to catch that 2000 pound fish for years. A number have been hooked and lost, some after battles that have lasted an astonishing 24 hours. WILL YOU BE THE ONE!!

The favoured technique for catching Giant Black Marlin is to troll whole fish baits such as Tuna, Mackerel, Dolphin Fish, Rainbow Runner and Scad. Normally two baits are trolled at a time, with one bait rigged so that it swims (usually a scad) and the other rigged so that it skips across the surface (skip bait is usually a bigger fish such as Tuna or Mackerel).

The tackles used are custom made rods of high quality materials and to a breaking point of 130kgs. The reels are Penn and Shimano of the highest quality.

Marlins are prolific from Cairns through to Lizard Island — a distance of about 250kms. They move in from the Pacific during the period from late August to December to spawn in the warm waters on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The largest Black Marlin is female, as the male only grows to around 400 pounds.

There are many Heavy Tackle Tournaments each year from Cairns to attract anglers from all corners of the globe. The boats take a maximum of 4 anglers and you can sole charter a boat or you can join up with one of the share charters. For tournament dates see our Tournament Page.

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...

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.

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