Boat Charter Port Douglas | Reef Fishing Private Charter

Boat Charter Port Douglas | Reef Fishing Private Charter

Have your own private charter fishing boat all to yourself, your mates or your corporate/conference clients. Heading out from the Port Douglas Closehaven Marina to the Great Barrier Reef you’ll find all the best fishing right on your doorstep. For your private charter fishing trip you decide what species of fish you wish to catch and the experienced skipper and crew will do the rest to ensure a memorable and enjoyable fishing day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

This Port Douglas based private charter fishing boat caters for 20 guests

On your purpose built private charter fishing boat you’ll be zooming to the best fishing sites in The Great Barrier Reef at a speed of 28 knots. With 2 x 500kw Detroit series engines under the hood and state-of-the-art navigation and plotting systems on board, finding fish is easy.

Reef Fishing Private Charter Port Douglas – MV - Nman

With less time travelling to the reef and more time spent fishing, your well-appointed fishing charter boat will give you comfort and efficiency to ensure more fish on the end of your line to be served up on your dinner plate!

On the end of your fishing line you could find a multitude of fish species that are available in the fertile waters of Tropical North Queensland.  Your custom made fishing boat from Port Douglas has a top speed of 28 knots to get you out on the Barrier Reef and to the best secret fishing spots.

It’s your boat for the day! 

Depending on what fishing method you wish to use whether jigging, trawling, popper, live bait fishing or bottom fishing the crew will advise you on the best method to catch the fish that are best for the conditions and the season.  With their fishing experience and on board technology you will be sure to have some great fishing action.

For anyone not wanting to fish or just wanting to have a break from hauling in the fish your private fishing charter comes with relaxing sun loungers and a fully equipped entertainment centre.  There is even air-conditioning to cool you down in the heat of the action.

Fish Species Caught On Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

This area of the Great Barrier Reef is teeming with fish life and guests on board can’t believe the amazing variety of fish caught. So there is always the element of surprise on any day as to what will end up on the line and the dinner plate!

Depending on the season you can fish for Giant Trevally, Black Marlin, Spanish Mackerel, Dog Tooth Tuna, Blue and Yellow Fin Tuna, Job-fish Sailfish and Wahoo in the outer deeper water of the reef.

If you prefer more tranquil fishing in the shallower reef waters you can catch Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Nannygai, Sea Perch and other tasty and varieties.

The Best Season For Fishing In Port Douglas And The Barrier Reef

The region around Port Douglas and Cairns has long been recognized as the Black Marlin Capital of the World.  More 1,000lb + Black Marlin are fished in these waters each season than all the other known grounds put together. 

The Port Douglas region is regularly rated the number one game fishing area on the planet.  Every year commencing early September, the giant female black marlin arrive to spawn along this 250km stretch of the Great Barrier Reef. This period is known worldwide as the Heavy Tackle Marlin season and extends through to late December.

If you are coming to Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef for the sole purpose of deep sea fishing, then we suggest you plan your holiday around the peak sports fishing seasons of March to December. 

If you come during the months of June to September you may also encounter Giant Humpback Whales and Dwarf Minke Whales as they come to mate and calve in the warmer waters.  One might even breach right next to the fishing boat if you are lucky!

What Is Included In The Cost Of The Private Fishing Charter?

You’ll get the skipper, of course, and his 25 years’ experience of plying the waters around Port Douglas.  What he doesn’t know about the fishing in The Great Barrier Reef you could write on a small postage stamp. His knowledge will ensure that you are taken to only the best places so that your fishing experience of the day will be the best one you have.

Also included is your tackle and bait, handlines, refreshments of lunch and tea and your catch will be cleaned ready for cooking at the end of your day.

All Port Douglas Transfers are included. 

Private Charter Fishing Boat Specifications

The purpose-designed boat the day is an 18m (60ft) custom-made vessel. She is capable of speeds up to 28 knots and comes fitted with the latest in navigational, state-of-the art fish finding and entertainment equipment.

Under the hood she has a twin propeller with the power of 2 Detroit 60 series engines x 500kw, pushing out an easy top speed of 28 knots. The boat is surveyed to carry 45 persons, but for comfort they take 20 on private fishing charters.  Her length is 18m (60ft) with a width of 6m (18ft). With expansive upper and lower deck room, there’s ample space to swing that fishing line

With its own fishing platform there’s abundant room to tackle up and move around.

The Onboard navigation and plotting systems include:

Piscatus 3D: An accurate 3D maps of the seafloor

SeaPlot: A high tech plotting system feature to increase success

JRC GPS Sounder and Radar

What Time Does The Private Charter Fishing Tour Start?

The day tour usually starts from Port Douglas Closehaven Marina at 8.00am and leaves 8.30pm (this can be changed to a time more convenient to you). The fishing boat usually returns at 4.00pm to the Port Douglas Closehaven Marina.

What Facilities Are On Board The Private Fishing Charter?

Your private fishing charter comes with a fully licensed bar. 

Refreshments served include lunch consisting of a buffet of a delicious cold meat platter and a medley of fresh seasonal salads.

Morning and afternoon tea is served.

When you return all your fish will have been cleaned by the crew ready to be taken to the nearest restaurant for cooking (the crew can advise of restaurants that will offer this service).

Other Activities on Your Private Reef Fishing Charter

If it’s hot work pulling in all those fish, or if you have family that would like to cool off in the turquoise waters of The Great Barrier Reef, you can snorkel in the waters and see the coral reef below. If you want to stop and swim into one of the sandy cays then you can walk around and have a swim off the beach then we are able to accommodate this too.

The day is yours to dictate the schedule so just have a chat and the activities can be tailored to your specific requirements.

What do I need to take for my fishing day?

Hats, sunglasses (polaroid sunglasses are the best), sunscreen, camera

Cash, EFTPOS/Credit Card

Your own rod and reel (if you have one

Camera – for all those action shots!

If you have your own favourite popper, or lucky casting rod, lures and reels then do bring them!

Pick-Ups Accommodation Transfers

Accommodation transfer quotes can be provided separately for you depending on numbers and location. Transfers from Port Douglas are included in the price.

If you are arriving with your own vehicle there is ample parking at the Closehaven Marina, Spinnaker Close, Port Douglas.