Private Charter Fishing Boat Port Douglas | Heavy Tackle Fishing | MV-DL1

Private Charter Fishing Boat Port Douglas | Heavy Tackle Fishing | MV-DL1

You will arrive at around 8.00 am (or at time preferred by you) at your fishing boat, where you will be welcomed aboard by the Skipper and crew. Shortly afterwards your private fishing charter will depart Port Douglas’s Reef Marina and head to the  wide open Coral Sea the Great Barrier Reef to begin your day on the ocean.

With such extensive knowledge of the local waters and the fish habits year after year, the crew know the best spots that they have logged on their GPS (Steve has secret spots that he won’t divulge to anyone!) and so can just about ensure a tasty fish for your dinner that night.

Maximum of 8 guests

Where Will I Fish?

Port Douglas is very popular fishing destination as it is so close to Australia's top fishing destinations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Using his 30 years of experience, Skipper Steve and his friendly crew aim to provide you with a fun filled fishing day. Steve will take you to his secret spots and to the areas he knows best that will provide the biting fish on the day.

On these Port Douglas private charter fishing tours you can choose between 2200 light tackle or 2400 heavy tackle, depending on the type of fishing you would like to do (see list below for fish seasons).

Fish Species to Be Caught On Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

With the reefs teeming with so much fish life, you never know what you pull in on the end of the line!

Best fishing times:

During the months of June to September you may be lucky to also encounter Dwarf Minke Whales and Giant Humpback Whales as they come to warmer waters to mate and calve.  Sometimes they come up close and even breach next to the boat!

Black Marlin Fishing

The area around Port Douglas has long been recognised as the Black Marlin Capital of the World.  Stretching from Lizard Island in the North to just south of Cairns this is world acclaimed Black Marlin fishing territory.

Unbelievably more 1,000 lb + Black Marlin are caught in these waters each fishing season than all the other known grounds put together and is rated as one of the top game fishing regions in the world.

Understanding the cycles of the Marlin is important for timing one’s fishing expedition.  Every year starting in early September, the giant female Black Marline arrives to spawn along this 250km stretch of the Great Barrier Reef.  With such rich waters and the nearby continental shelf food is abundant for them.

This period is known throughout the world as the Heavy Tackle Marlin season and will stretch through to late December or until the tropical summer storms start.

Private Fishing Charter Schedule - Port Douglas

Your private charter fishing tour starts from Port Douglas Reef Marina, Berth C8 at 8.00 am and will leave around 8.30 am.  Since it is your private charter these times are flexible.

For any specific catering requirements please advise our team at the time of booking your boat.  Otherwise, it is normally BYO (Bring Your Own cans of drink) that can be stored in the refrigerators on board as the fishing boat does not have a licence to sell alcohol ).  Morning Tea and Lunch is a cold meat platter (chicken, beef, ham) with local fresh salad and fruit and rolls, afternoon is coffee and cake.

Your fishing day will usually finish back at Port Douglas around 4.30pm.

When you leave you can take with you your filleted and cleaned fish ready for your home BBQ or to take to a restaurant that night for dinner.  The boats crew can advise which of the local restaurants offer this service.  Nothing better than tasting fish that you caught yourself for dinner fresh from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Other Activities On Your Private Reef Fishing Charter

If you wish to cool down after the hard work of hauling in fish, then the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef are a welcome relaxation.  You can snorkel in the waters and see the coral reef and marine life below.  Stopping off at a sandy cay or an island can be arranged so you can spend time relaxing and swimming there.  The day will be worked around your specific private charter requirements (supplied).

Unless a potential world record holder, Marlin and Sailfish are on a tag and release basis, so ensuring more fish to fish for another fishing day!

Private Charter Boat - 34ft Cairns Custom Craft - 8 Passengers Max

This fishing boat has been built locally with practicality and comfort in mind.  With a cruising speed of 20 knots this boat gets where you want to go.  This vessel is only used for private charters.

• Length: 34 ft
• Beam: 10ft
• 2 x Engines: 330 hp Cummins's Diesel
• Speed: 28 knots
• Cruising speed: 21 knots
• Maximum Capacity: 8 passengers ensuring personal attention
• Rear sport fishing platform
• Toilet