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Cairns fishing charters sons with an amazing Sailfish catch on Wild Turkey in the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sportfishing: Chasing Giant Black Marlin

Ready to land the fish of a lifetime? Join the award-winning team at Australian Sportfishing Charters for the ultimate Giant Black Marlin Fishing Cairns adventure. We take you from the bustling port of Cairns to the legendary waters near Lizard Island, where the planet’s largest marlin await.

Our Cairns Fishing Charters offer an unparalleled adventure for anglers of all levels, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and tropical paradise. Prepare to battle some of the ocean’s most sought-after game fish, including giant black marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna and more.

Where is the best Marlin Bluewater Sportfishing in Australia

The answer is clear: the Cairns and Port Douglas outer reefs, stretching toward Lizard Island, are globally renowned as the premier grounds for Giant Black Marlin Fishing Cairns. On an Australian Sportfishing Charter, Captain Dan and our crew ensure you are exposed to the best fishing locations in this crystal blue ocean, offering the marlin experience you could only dream about.

What sets us apart from other fishing charters?

We offer extended charters, where you can live aboard our luxury 65ft motored yacht, and fish from our sportfishing vessel, Wild Turkey. You don’t have to head inland just as you land the catch of your life, but stay in the fishing zone, knowing your home away from home is close by.

Why choose Australian Sportfishing Charters for marlin fishing?

Why choose Australian Sportfishing Charters for the world’s best Giant Black Marlin Fishing Cairns? Our expertise is proven. The Captain of Australian Sportfishing Charters has 30 years of experience fishing these waters. This season, our game boat, Wild Turkey and team swept the famous Port Douglas Marlin Challenge, winning ‘Best Boat,’ ‘Best Team,’ ‘Most Marlin tagged day one and two’, and ‘Best Angler.’ When you book with us, you’re fishing with champions dedicated to putting you on a 900+ pound fish. We cater to all experience levels, with our highly qualified crew assisting you in catching the fish of a lifetime, keeping you safe, and meeting your desires.

 

Do you have what it takes to reel in one of the Giant Black Marlins the Great Barrier Reef has to offer?

Heavy Tackle Fishing Cairns: What to Expect on Our Giant Black Marlin Charter

Our specialised Heavy Tackle Fishing Cairns expeditions are designed for maximum action. Throughout the day, you’ll deploy professional-grade heavy tackle to be tested against line-burning gamefish species, not just the Giant Black Marlin, but also speedy Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna. Your day may commence with a quick swim in the warm waters of the reef, followed by an amazing breakfast by our gourmet chef.

Your fishing adventure kicks off as we depart the mothership, “Iron Lady”, to the fishing grounds. Before the commencement of Marlin fishing for the day, you will have the opportunity of some bottom fishing (deep sea fishing) for some of the bottom species that the reef is renowned for, such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, and Large Mouth Nannygai. You might like to have your catch prepared for the evening meal.

If this is not your thing, then we can go in search of other species such as Wahoo, Sailfish, Spanish Mackeral, and Yellowfin Tuna, where you will hear the sound of a screaming reel as the line leaves the comfort of the spool. Also in the mix, we will catch fresh bait for the day’s marlin fishing, such as Scad, Scaley Mackeral, and Tuna, as fresh is always best.

Charter FAQs

Region
Far North Queensland // Coral Sea
Vessel
Wild Turkey
Fish
Giant Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Giant Trevally, Yellowfin Tuna
Season
September - December
Price Guide
$$$
Gear and Bait
Australian Sportfishing Charters includes all gear and bait
Which companies offer private sportfishing charters in Cairns?
Australian Sportfishing Charters offer live onboard customised private charters out of Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef
What is the top-rated sportfishing tour for catching Marlin in Australia?
Australian sportfishing charters was the all round winner of the prestigious Port Douglas Marlin Challenge 2025
Which sportfishing charters provide meals and drinks onboard?
Australian Sportfishing Charters provide all meals and drinks. Alcoholic beverages must be ordered before the charter.
Can I find sportfishing tours that offer catch and release options?
Australian Sportfishing Charters practise catch and release.
Are there sportfishing tours that cater to beginners around the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, Australian Sportfishing Charters cater to all levels of anglers and are family friendly.
Which operators provide 4 day sportfishing trips from Port Douglas?
Australian Sportfishing Charters offer 4 day blue-water fishing during Marlin season and is located at Trinity Park just 57 minutes from Port Douglas.

Exploring Far North Queensland

Don’t forget your camera if you’re planning a fishing trip in Tropical North Queensland. Unless you can supply photographic evidence, no one will ever believe the stories you bring home about your big catch!

From Karumba in the Gulf to the tip of Cape York, the fishing is legendary. Many seasoned fisherfolk return year after year to their favorite spots. They also enjoy dropping into new and unexplored spots on a heli-fishing expedition, exploring even more opportunities. And when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef, the fishing there is equally renowned, making it an angler’s paradise.

In this part of the world, you can catch fish just about anywhere you can wet a line. Zoning and limits do apply to areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but beaches and estuaries, rivers and creeks are all good spots. Even kids can get in on the fun, dropping a handline from jetties and wharves. Bait shops in almost every town will give you tips and hints on the best places to go.

Fishing charters are a great way to get to the best spots and cater for amateurs and seasoned pros alike. Best of all, the fishing gear is provided, and the crew will help you identify your catch and often clean it for you as well – and snap a photo of you and your fish. Big-game fishing is another huge lure of the region, with waters of the Coast of Cairns and Port Douglas considered one of the world’s great black marlin capitals.

Remember to be croc-wise when fishing in waters where crocodiles are present and stay away from the water’s edge.

Book Your Adventure

Ready to embark on the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Join our Cairns Fishing Charters today and set sail for unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime! Our fishing charters cater to all, from seasoned anglers in pursuit of colossal game fish to beginners eager for a taste of the angling life.