Cooktown - River / Estuary Fishing

Still undeveloped and steeped in history Cooktown offers a ‘real’ experience hard to come by these days, being the nearest town to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the best marlin grounds in the world, has a lot to offer an angler.

Cooktown is a 4 hour drive north of Cairns. The road is accessible by conventional vehicle on a fully-sealed road or by 4WD and the world famous Coast Road. There is a twice daily air service from Cairns and the flight takes 45 minutes.

Gone Fishing - Cooktown offers guided fishing charters on the reefs, rivers, wrecks, headlands and sweet-waters around Cooktown. Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Fingermark, Queenies and the elusive Permit amount to some of the best river fishing you’ll find. Mackerel, tuna, coral trout, red emperor and nannygai lie only 20 minutes out from Cooktown.

Gone Fishing offers you the best of these varied fishing environments. Charters are available from half days through to extended adventures. Your guide Mark has fished the local rivers for 10 years. Gone Fishing evolved from Marks passion for our local rivers and its excellent fishing.

‘Gadget’ is a purpose-built 5.3m aluminium punt with electric motor, live wells and is powered by a 60hp Yamaha 4 stroke outboard that can fish with up to 4 people

The Endeavour River was named by Captain James Cook who in 1770 hauled his damaged boat 'The Endeavour' into the river to repair it after it had sprung a leak on the reef. The beauty of this river is that today as you sit at the wharf looking across to North Shore and up the river you are seeing the same sight that Jimmy Cook would have seen. There are no developments, no resorts, just a whole lot of nature and fish!

Itinerary

The day normally starts at 7am at the Cooktown wharf and the mouth of the Endeavour River. The Endeavour is diverse. At the mouth it is fairly wide, sandy bottomed and here you'll notice the predominant species of mangrove has a root system where Barramundi love to lie ready to ambush. Fish free-lined, live herring whilst underway with an electric motor. 50cm Jacks really test 10kg outfits.

Some excellent fishing can be found in the upper reaches. Cast lures and flies for barra into the numerous snags and fallen giants of the Rainforest that litter the waterway.

If the weather is right fly fishing is extremely rewarding, being manouvered around the flats looking for that elusive Permit or big GT make for a trip to be remembered, a truly wild and beautiful place.

While fishing you may see Estuarine Crocodiles, Turtles, Jabirus, Sea Eagles, Herons, Egrets, Mangroves, Orchids, Palms, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Brahminy Kites and a whole lot of peace, quiet and natural beauty.

At days end return to your accommodation set in the rainforest canopy, collecting the crab pots on the way. Finish the day with a cold one by the pool with your catch cooking on the barby - perfect.

Alternatively spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef. 20 minutes out from Cooktown and you are fishing some of the best reef in the area. Tuna, mackerel, coral trout, red emperor, nannygai all await the keen fisherman.

Full day charters are 9 hours. Start times vary according to the tides, weather and fishing.

Day Charters

Arrive Cooktown airport 7.30am - transfer to river and fish full day. Transfer to Airport for return flight to Cairns at 5.40pm.

Prices from $545 pp based on 2 people (includes return flight ex Cairns). Self- drive charters $650 per day for up to 4 people.

2 Day 1 Night Charters

On arrival at Cooktown Airport at 7.30am you will be met by Mark and transferred to your accommodation for check-in and then it’s straight out on the water for a full days fishing.

Accommodation is at the Seaview Motel. Overlooking the wharf and Endeavour River, the Seaview Motel has spectacular views and is the ideal position for fishing. 5 minutes walk into the centre of Cooktown; its facilities include pool, laundry and BBQ’s

Cook your catch on the BBQ, enjoy a coldie and relax watching the sun go down over the Endeavour River. After a solid nights sleep return to the Endeavour River for breakfast and another full days fishing. Transfer to Cooktown Airport for 5.40pm - return flight to Cairns.

Cost $ 915pp based on 2 people (includes return flight ex Cairns and accommodation)

Day Charter - From $545 per person Overnight Charter - $915 per person

All quality tackle and bait provided (tackle on a replace if lost / broken basis) Morning, afternoon tea and lunch Transfers from airport and accommodation. Sole charter only 1– 4 people Rates include 10% GST Valid until 31st March 2009 Extended charter prices upon request. Arrangements can be made to cater for groups up to 8 people

Terms And Conditions

• General Terms & Conditions apply
• Tour subject to availability, minimum numbers and seasonal conditions.
• All rates quoted are in Australian Dollars and valid until dates shown
• Number of fishing days can be varied, price on application.

Please contact us if you would like to book this charter, or need some help in arranging an 'Up North' fishing holiday.