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Ausfish New Member
need advice on a good fishing charter for cairns/port douglas
I find myself heading up to cairns a lot for work these days and I have been thinking about heading out for a fish while im up there.
Ive had a look around at a few of the operators up there and there are definitely some nice looking boats. However, a lot of them seem to be catering for the first time fishos and tourists.
I don't necessarily have a problem fishing alongside newbies. However, as someone who fishes regularly offshore in their own boat I worry that my standard for a good days fishing is a bit higher than someone who might just be happy to go out there and catch 1-2 fish for the day.
So im wondering if any of the fisho's here have been out with any of the boats and if there are any that particularly stand out above the others?
thanks
Seametre
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Ausfish Bronze Member
Re: need advice on a good fishing charter for cairns/port douglas
Hey mate, I've grown up in Port and relocated to Cairns for the past 20 years. Here's my take on some of the notables (I work at a tackle store as well, so hear it all)
Bottom Bashing
Port Douglas -
Norseman - Big boat, lot of customers and average spots. Be prepared to hook onto a trevally and get tangled with three other fishos.
Dragon Lady - Was considered the best for light tackle trolling and bottom bashing for a while growing up there. Runs a game boat and caters to smaller numbers of fishing and gets you onto fish to take home for a feed.
Cairns
Aquacat/Blue Whaler (Cairns fishing charters) - Don't bother, I've never heard of someone with a half decent knowledge about fishing catch anything half decent.
Blownaway fishing charters - Heard plenty of good things from experienced tourists and locals alike. Will get you onto fish and keep you interested in a charter.
ReelCrayZee charters - By far and above the best operation in the area for day trip fishing. They have a very large, very powerful boat, can get you onto some cracking fish (and a lot of them) and go to some very good ground. The operation is out of the Innisfail area but they do have a shuttle service to get you down there. Will also do spearfishing trips and again - an impeccable operation. Would be my first choice for bottom bashing for the area.
Jigging/Popping/Sportfishing
Cairns
Ecosportfisher Cairns/Akoonah Angling - Runs a very good operation wherever the fish are biting (or wind isnt pounding) and will tailor make the trip to suit your interest or what he thinks is on the chew. Mostly does popping for GTs and other reef ooglies and can get you onto some great fish on the jig if you want. I'd recommend him for a day out sportfishing where keeping fish isnt the priority
Blackout Sportfishing - Another nice sportfishing outfit, mostly specializing in creeks and inshore fishing. I have heard of some complacency lately, but if you know how to fish he can get you onto them.
Great Barrier Reef Sportfishing - The skipper of this ship is a well respected deckie for other game and reef boats in the local area and has decided to start his own business. Haven't heard of anyone fishing with him yet but he's got a nice outfit and should do well with a bit of reputation behind him. Unsure if he's started the business officially yet (sorry if he reads this and he hasnt).
Hopefully that gives you a good insight. No doubt I've forgotten some but those are the notables in the area. ReelCrayZee and Ecosportfisher Cairns/Akoonah Angling (recently acquired) would be my picks.
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