Captain Dan Fishing Charters: Master Angler

Daniel Bergamo, aka Captain Dan, is a professional sports fisherman and Charter boat operator. He recently took out all the prizes at the Port Douglas Marlin Challenge, including champion skipper and first place two days running, plus 1st place Calcutta Trophy, and first place qualifier to the Costa Offshore World Championship. He has engineering qualifications but is best known as Captain of the Iron Lady and Wild Turkey sport fishing vessels. Dan lives on the Arafura Sea out of Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, Australia, when the Barra are running hot, and at Trinity Beach near Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef during the Cairns Marlin season.

If you’ve ever wanted a day of adventure on the open water, that’s exactly what Captain Dan Fishing Charters offers. He leads trips in the Arafura Sea– the Top End of Australia, lasting four to seven days. He’s familiar with the peaceful beauty of the northern islands, coastlines, and rivers, where you can go for miles without seeing another person. On every tour, he makes sure his eight guests and five crew members, including his two sons, are safe, have fun, and catch plenty of fish.
Captain Dan Fishing Charters brings you to places few people ever visit. This area is highly restricted, but it’s truly an incredible destination. Captain Dan meets all kinds of people on his trips, from experienced anglers from around the world to curious beginners as young as eight and as old as eighty-five. He promises an unforgettable experience that combines great fishing with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Every trip is about more than just catching fish—it’s about sharing laughs, building friendships, and making lasting memories.

Who Is Captain Dan?

Captain Dan grew up in the beautiful Cairns area, spending his childhood fishing with his father and friends. Those early trips to the beach and local rivers were special times filled with adventure and connection. Catching his first big barramundi sparked a lifelong love for fishing. Even though he earned a degree in engineering, he always felt drawn to the sea. His goal was to save enough to buy a mothership and spend his days in the best fishing spots. Now, looking back after 29 years, he says his dream came true when he bought the Iron Lady.

Background and Experience

Thanks to his engineering background, Captain Dan is not only a master angler but also a skilled handyman. Running a fleet of small boats and his mothership takes quick thinking and problem-solving. In the remote Arafura Sea, far from civilisation, having Captain Dan on board means you’re in good hands.

Passion for Fishing

Dan is always eager to learn more about the places he fishes, which makes him stand out. He works hard to understand the local waters, find the best fishing spots, and figure out which baits work best. He knows the Islands of the Top End, like the Wessel and English Company Islands, and the seventeen remote rivers that flow into Arnhem and Buckingham Bays in northeast Arnhem Land. He also fishes the well-known Roper River, a favourite among anglers worldwide. His local knowledge keeps even his most experienced clients happy and makes every trip better.

Community Involvement

When he’s not out at sea, Captain Dan lives near Cairns. He’s well known in the fishing community and often takes part in and sponsors local tournaments. This year, he led his boat, Wild Turkey, to win every prize at the Port Douglas Marlin Challenge, including Champion Skipper (Captain Dan Bergamo), Champion Angler (Karsten Schramm), Winning Deck Team (Anthony Bergamo & John Maxwell), first place on days three and four, the Calcutta Trophy, and a spot in the Costa Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. Last year, he was runner-up among 21 boats in the Ribbons Ladies Tournament, catching a Black Marlin, a Sailfish, and a Dolphin Fish. With over 20 years of tournament experience, he and his team have won many trophies. Costa Rica, here they come!

Why Fish with Captain Dan?

Captain Dan works hard from morning to night to make sure his clients have a great time. He adds special touches to every trip to make it memorable. For example, while you’re on the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, you can take a swim, enjoy a tasty breakfast from the chef, and then head out to fish on the Wild Turkey, where you might catch a grander. If you want a remote adventure, Captain Dan can help you plan a custom getaway for four to seven days in the Top End. There are no shops or crowds—just time to relax, explore the coast, or spend lazy days on the river catching big barramundi, GTs, or Queen fish, and unwind on the Iron Lady as the sun sets. The chef and hostess will serve you high-quality local produce meals and cold drinks after a day of fishing. You’ll also see plenty of wildlife, like sharks, eagles, and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. There’s always something exciting happening in the Top End.

Personalised Fishing Experiences

Captain Dan welcomes guests from all over Australia and beyond. Some groups like to fill the boat with up to eight anglers for a lively, social trip. Others choose a private, custom experience on the Iron Lady, enjoying the full attention of the crew and a fishing charter tailored just for them.

Variety of Fishing Locations

Captain Dan offers trips to many fishing spots, from the rivers of East Arnhem Land to the nearby marine waters. He follows the seasons to find the best fishing. When barramundi season is closed from October to January, he’s at the Great Barrier Reef for the Cairns marlin season, which runs from October to December. During the off-season, he works on his boats to get them ready for the Barramundi Run-Off season in March, when the rains end and fish gather at creek mouths.

Safety and Comfort on Board

Captain Dan puts your safety and comfort first. His boats have up-to-date technology, including Starlink satellite internet for phone coverage and emergency calls, plus other features to make your time on the water smooth and enjoyable.

What Sets Captain Dan Apart?

With 29 years of experience as a professional sports fisherman, Captain Dan has a wide range of skills. He’s done everything from barramundi fishing to catching giant marlin, and uses techniques like fly fishing, trolling, switch baiting, jigging, and both lure and live baiting. He’s comfortable in all kinds of waters, including blue-water, reefs, rivers, estuaries, and even surf fishing. He can confidently tell you what kind of fish you have on the line. His extensive knowledge means he can spot a floating piece of debris and confidently tell you which fish might be lurking below.

Unique Fishing Techniques

Captain Dan pays close attention to the tides and bird activity, which helps him find schools of fish. His boats are also equipped with advanced Garmin fish finders, giving you a great chance to catch a big one.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Captain Dan strongly supports sustainable fishing. He encourages catch-and-release to help protect marine life. You can still enjoy some of your catch for dinner, but he always follows bag limits and size rules so future generations can enjoy fishing here too.

Book Your Adventure Today

Captain Dan spends a lot of time on the water, so he can be hard to reach by phone. He suggests sending a text or email with your preferred dates, and he’ll reply as soon as he can.

How to Reserve Your Spot

Are you ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Visit Captain Dan’s Contact Page and send him an email with your details. He’ll do his best to make your fishing dreams a reality.

Special Offers and Packages

For the best deals and packages, reach out to Captain Dan directly via text, call, or email. He’s always happy to help you find the perfect fishing charter!

About the Author

Dan has a team of contemporary experts to help you have the adventure of a lifetime. These include expert fishing guides, chefs, hostesses, and other staff who support the smooth operation of his fishing charter business.
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