estuary and river fishing in cairns and the tropical north queensland region

Cairns is certainly becoming the gateway for estuary and river fishing, being right on the banks of Trinity Inlet with its vast array of little creeks and waterways winding their way down to the ocean. This region is also fortunate to have the Russell, Mulgrave and Daintree Rivers, as well as the Hinchinbrook Channel all close by.

The rainforest and mangrove lined waterways make excellent hatcheries and breeding ground for some of the most spectacular sports fish such as Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Sooty Grunter, Trevally, Fingermark, Perch, Queenfish, King Salmon and the list goes on.

As you cast your lure, fly, or live bait into the snags the adrenaline starts to build as to which fish will strike at lightning speeds before making a dash back to its safety of the log just beneath the surface. This is where the fun begins as the battle begins as to see who will win this fight.

The estuary boats used for this type of fishing are custom made and general length of around 16ft.

Paradise Sportfishing Adventures

John Hangodi and Paradise Sport fishing Adventures offer calm water fishing charters 7 days a week. Private family owned and operated business fishing from the largest, most modern estuary boat at 7.3m custom made boat powered by a 130hp four stroke Honda one of the very few boats with a toilet on board. John covers the inlet with speed and in comfort.

Your guide Canadian Born John Hangodi has 25 years of international guiding experience, including 15 years as a partner at the world famous Knight Inlet salmon lodge in B.C. Canada. I can assure you the day is not only filled with excellent fishing but there are many many interesting stories to be heard continue...

Fish Tales Charters

Come on a Estuary-Half/Full Day or River Fishing-Full Day Adventure with ‘Fish Tales’ Charters. All equipment is supplied with experienced fishing guides. Commonly caught species are Thread Fin Salmon, Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Blue Salmon, Queen Fish, Grunter, Estuary Cod, Bream and the prize catch is Barramundi! Private Charters available on request. Half Day from $75.00 per person.

All Tackle Sportfishing

Enjoy a fun-filled half day or full day fishing in the mangrove lined creeks of the Cairns estuary. Test your luck chasing the numerous species of hard fighting tropical fish, including Mangrove Jack, Fingermark and the world renowned Barramundi. Quality tackle and bait as well as hot and cold drinks provided.

Cairns Estuary Lure Charters

Cairns Estuary Lure Charters offers clients fishing anywhere from Cairns to the magnificent Hinchinbrook Island two hours away. The best location to fish will vary depending on the tides, your availability, conditions and time of year. Half day charters are generally conducted around the best time of the tide to ensure maximum possible chance of catching quality fish, so departure times can vary from day to day or to suit clients availability. Cairns Estuary Lure Charters also supplies only the best quality fishing tackle on the market for clients to use including braid.

Fishing the Tropics

Fishing the Tropics offers guided River, Reef & Estuary Charters in the Cairns area. Full & half-day tours available on share or private charters.Tours available to suit anglers of all ages & abilities from novice to very experienced. Local owner & operator with quality tackle provided on all tours.

Daily Cairns fishing tours operate throughout this extensive mangrove lined estuary which is home to a great diversity of species including the famous Barramundi, Mangrove jack and Trevally, Salmon, Grunter, Flathead, Fingermark and Gold Spot Cod to name just a few. In all, over 40 species of fish can be regularly caught in this magnificent Cairns Waterway.

Cairns Estuary Fishing tours begin with the gathering of live bait before moving up into Trinity Inlet, and its channels, gutters, creeks and open places. Actual fishing locations will be chosen based on prevailing Cairns weather and tidal conditions.

No experience is required to travel on this Cairns Estuary Fishing Tour. All bait and tackle is supplied, and our experienced Cairns guides will show the novice angler the right technique to catch the best fish.

These charters are designed to cater for all ages and skill levels, and children are most welcome.

Catch A Crab

Cruise along the Cairns Inlet with Catch A Crab for a delectable meal. We take you to a fishing area where all passengers are shown how catch our local fish. While tea and coffee is served during our 45 minute cruise, crab pots are hauled in to prepare freshly caught crabs — cooked and served with salad and refreshing tropical fruit platter. The vessel then returns to Marlin Jetty after our meal.

Cairns Calm Water Fishing

In mid November 2006, Cairns Calm Water Fishing Charters launched its latest custom built boat. The new vessel is a result of the owners 18 years experience fishing in the Cairns Inlet. The 8 meter hull design gives passengers a very comfortable ride in any conditions and is powered by twin 60 hp fuel injected 4 stroke outboards.

Full toilet facilities are on board, and we use only the latest Penn reels and Silstar rods. A colour fish finder and GPS ensures nothing is left to chance in attempting to find our clients that special fish.

Blackout Sportsfishing

Blackout Sportsfishing is a locally owned and operated business. Fishing Guide Kerry Bailey has worked in the fishing industry for many years with a variety of charter companies. Kerry has gained an extensive knowledge of local inshore river systems and offshore reef and wreck locations. Three years ago Kerry decided to bite the bullet and start his own venture he launched a beautifully fitted out Badjcraft Custom Aluminum; powered by an 115hp 4 stroke Johnson outboard. He can certainly get out to the reef and back again with speed, comfort and reliability.

Kerry specialises in Reef, River and Estuary fishing including Deepwater Bait Fishing, Wreck Bumper Barring, Jigging, Light Game Fishing, Pelagic Trolling, Lure Casting, and Live Baiting.

Kerry provides a personalised service with a maximum of 3 people going out to the Reef and 4 people to the river this makes your day a lot more comfortable with plenty of room to aim for the BIG ONE'S. He also caters for Sole Charters for an Individual or Group Booking that enables you to fish when, where and for whatever you desire.

Kerry accommodates several forms of fishing within the one charter for example Reef to River and Estuary to Reef. Some of the local North Tropical Species you can expect to catch are Red and Spangled Emperor, Coral Trout, Nanigi's, Sweetlip and Fingermark. Light Tackle fish for Spanish mackerel, Cobia, Sailfish and Giant Trevally. Fish in Tropical rivers and pristine rainforest locations like the Daintree River, Russell, Mulgrave and Johnson Rivers target our local Sportfish the most notorious Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Queenfish, and a variety of different species of trevally, (just to name a few).

A courtesy pick up and drop from Cairns is included in a new air conditioned 4x4. Lunch is supplied including light Refreshments and Sunscreen. All you need to remember is your hat and sun glasses.

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Great Day Fishing and Crabbing Tours

Explore the magnificent Cairns inlet with its unique mangrove habitat onboard a twin hull aluminium vessel with full canopy and toilet facilities especially designed for calm water cruises! Try your luck at catching a variety of tropical fighting fish such as Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Finger Mark, Bream, Flat Head, Trevally, Cod, Salmon and Barramundi. You can also enjoy the thrill of pulling in the famous North Queensland mud crab! You will have a Great Day!!! Morning and afternoon tours include lunch and soft drinks.

Moonlight night tour includes BBQ prawns, sausage sizzle, salad, dessert and soft drinks. Includes all tackle and bait, coach transfers to your accommodation.

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