FISHING EXPEDITIONS
an expedition for every season
Black Marlin
World class Black Marlin Fishing in Cairns, Australia – Big Game Fishing capital of the world.
Cairns, Queensland, Australia became the Sport Fishing capital of the world for the mighty “Grander” Black Marlin on the 25th of September 1966, when American crewman Richard C. Obach landed a World Record 1064# Black Marlin on 80# test line. Not only was this the first Grander Black Marlin caught in Cairns but also the first Thousand Pound Marlin of any kind caught on 80# test line anywhere in the world. This made international Sportsfishing history for Cairns and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef region. Big Game Fishermen from all over the world flocked to Cairns in subsequent years, with hundreds succeeding in capturing their dream Billfish.
World record billfish, including the mighty Black Marlin and the acrobatic Sailfish are to be found in the rich waters off the Outer Barrier Reef. Whether light tackle world record sport fishing, fly fishing, tournament marlin fishing or conventional heavy tackle marlin fishing, Cairns is the place to be when the mighty black marlin migrate to their spawning grounds off the outer barrier reef between Cairns and Lizard Island.
The Cairns fleet of modern sport fishing boats and their professional Captains and crews have led the world in Billfish Tag and Release fishing since the 1970’s. This continued practice and the consequent research has seen the past five years being the best Black Marlin fishing for twenty years. The majority of these crews are members of the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association with a code of practice they strictly adhere to.
International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) Certified Captain Laurie Wright specialises in game fishing charters especially exclusive black marlin mother ship & live aboard charters. A comfortable mother ship and a modern sportsfishing vessel allows the dedicated Big Game Fishermen and their partners a high level of comfort and luxury.
From June to September the waters inside the Great Barrier Reef abound with juvenile Black Marlin. Averaging 15 to 20kg/ 30 to 50#, these little fish are fantastic sport on light tackle and fly. They are readily taken on trolled bait or lure and can be easily teased to the fly. The waters off Cairns and Townsville are particularly productive for these little fish.
From September to December the large Black Marlin migrate to the waters off the outer Great Barrier Reef to spawn, and it is at this time we can target these large fish. At any time during this period you have the opportunity to catch a fish in excess of 1,000#.
All of our fishing charters commence out of Cairns with direct pick up or transfer by aircraft to Lizard Island or historic Cooktown.

FISHING CHARTER OPTIONS AND PACKAGES
Light Tackle and Fly fishing, June to September:
Extended charters from 5 to 7 days are available during this time. Living aboard our comfortable sports’ fishing vessel, two to three anglers can enjoy the fishing during the day, and then, anchored behind the reef at night can enjoy the peace and tranquillity.
All fishing, meals and refreshments are included.

Heavy tackle and fly Fishing, Cairns, September to December:
Day trips and extended charters are offered for this prime black marlin fishing time. Both live aboard and the ultimate mothership experience, are available for those purist big fish anglers. We highly recommend mothershipping as the best way to enjoy your trip of a lifetime. After a long day on the water, a good meal and a stable night’s sleep, you are ready for the next day’s action.
Our comfortable mothership can cater to three couples or four singles. Larger mother ships are available for bigger groups.
Worldwide Billfish Consultation services on all facets of marlin fishing and boat preparation are also available.

Estuary & Reef
East Coast: Explore the pristine and picturesque estuary systems of the Daintree, Russell, and Mulgrave Rivers and the picturesque Hinchinbrook Channel, which are teeming with life. You will be transported by modern, air-conditioned 4WD’s and towing your modern flats style fishing boat. Upon this scenic drive to one of the main river systems north and south of the City of Cairns you can take in the varying natural wonders that Northern Australia has to offer. An exclusive river fishing trip will see you hooking up to such species as the world famous barramundi, mangrove jack, fingermark, grunter, queenfish and trevally.
The thousand of inshore reefs abound with demersal (bottom) species including coral trout, red emperor, nannygai, spangled emperor, etc. Bottom fishing for these species, jigging for a multitude of “denizens of the deep” and popper fishing for the Giant Trevally (GT) are all available within close proximity of Cairns.

Outback Safaris
For those wishing further adventure, for example, travelling to the wilderness of Cape York Peninsula or the Australian outback, we can tailor an exclusive overland safari that will suit your needs.
All of these or part of these options can be incorporated into your visit to Cairns and the surrounding areas.
