Cairns Giant Black Marlin Season – Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Ultimate Destination for Giant Black Marlin Fishing

September – December

Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is world renowned for its Giant Black Marlin Season which runs from September to December. No other marlin fishing destination compares to the Cairns Giant Black Marlin Season. Undoubtedly the reefs from Cairns to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef produce the largest black marlin and the most prestigious game fishing in the world! Anglers from all over the world travel to Cairns during these months for the opportunity to catch a 1000lb black marlin, a “grander”, as it is the premier destination for the ultimate black marlin fishing charter.

Capt Trent’s largest black marlin caught in the Cairns Giant Black Marlin season to date is 1389lbs an outstanding feat when the largest black marlin caught during the Cairns season so far is 1446lbs. Capt Adams’s largest black marlin in the Cairns season to date is 1005lb and frustratingly losing one at the boat in the 2008 Cairns season around the 1200lb mark.

Predominantly baits are used during the Cairns Giant Black Marlin season and the black marlin are tagged & released or caught on board Iona and Iona II using our elite custom built Ian Miller 130lb rods and Tiagra reels. All our rods & reels & tackle on board Iona & Iona II are or world class standard.

Along with the illusive 1000lb black marlin there are many opportunities to catch black marlin around the 800lb+ mark.

Other species to be caught during the season which are great fun to catch on light to medium tackle are Spanish mackerel, mack tuna, yellowfin tuna to name a few and are also utilised for baits during the days fishing. Sailfish, wahoo & mahi mahi can also be caught and the odd blue and striped marlin occasionally are found.

The Great Barrier Reef also has an abundance of reef fish that are fun to catch and beautiful eating. We offer the opportunity on board the Ionas before the day’s marlin fishing to do some bottom fishing for coral, trout, red emperor, nannygai and more and can be cooked up fresh to your liking for lunch or dinner.

It would be a shame to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, and not take the opportunity during your charter to snorkel and view the many different colourful coral formations and the abundance of fish life. Spear fishing is also available.

Charter Options

Live-aboard Charters

Staying overnight on board the Iona and anchoring behind the reef of an evening is an ideal option for the serious angler as this gives you maximal fishing time rather than travelling in and out of port each day. It also gives the Captain the opportunity to follow the bite to the different fishing grounds each day. We recommend 2-7 days on extended charters to maximise on the opportunity of catching that fish or fishes of a life time!

Both the Iona and the Iona II were built specifically for live-aboard charters so your needs are met with both comfort and luxury. Both boats comfortably accommodate 5 anglers on overnight charters. (see the Iona & Iona II)

After the day’s fishing and safely anchored in calm water behind the reef let our crew serve you a few cocktails & nibbles to enjoy while watching the sunset and talking about the day’s fishing action while your evening meal is prepared in our fully equipped galleys. We also have BBQ’s on both boats to cook up that fresh fish caught during the day or a quality tender steak. After a hearty meal and comfortable night’s sleep in fully air-conditioned cabins you will be ready to wake up and take the opportunity to swim or snorkel before breakfast and the day’s fishing action.

All meals & snacks, beverages, bottled water, beer & wine, bed linen, towels, snorkelling equipment, bait & tackle are provided. Dietary requirements can be accommodated on request.
Contact us for live-aboard package prices.

Mothership Packages

The Ultimate Fishing Package for those anglers wanting a bit more luxury and comfort.
Motherships can be chartered along with the game fishing boat providing anglers with affordable 5 star service, high standard of luxury accommodation and restaurant grade meals after a day’s fishing. Besides luxury and comfort motherships are readily available to move along the inside of the fishing grounds to where the fishing action may be. The mothership anchors behind the reef during the day while the anglers are on the fishing grounds each day.

After a long days fishing what better way to end the day, then to enjoy the comforts and service provided by these motherships.

Motherships vary in size from 60ft (18 metres) up to 110ft (33 metres) and also in luxury. 3 to 5 star affordable hotel standard accommodation is available. Most have water sports activities on board for those who may choose to stay with the mothership for the day or the option to just relax and take in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Motherships can accommodate up to 10 people in separate air conditioned staterooms with private toilet and shower.

Contact us for mothership options and pricing or click here for more information.

Day Trips

If you only have the opportunity or budget for a day trip fishing for Giant Black Marlin both the Iona & Iona II are available for private day charters heavy tackle fishing out of Cairns or Port Douglas. A 90 minute run to the fishing grounds on the Great Barrier Reef will see you fishing by no later than 0930am. There is an opportunity for a bit of fun on light tackle to catch fresh baits before heading outside the continental shelf for the day’s marlin fishing. Approximately 7 hours fishing time gives you the opportunity to catch that fish (or fishes) of a lifetime. Our highly experienced crew will be there to assist you during the day and guide you when fighting fish.

Included in your day charter heavy tackle fishing for Giant Black Marlin is lunch, snacks, tea & coffee, soft drinks (sodas), bottled water, all bait and tackle and world renowned crew.
Whatever charter option you choose we are happy to recommend and arrange accommodation and flights if necessary.

Contact us for Cairns Season rates and availability.

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