CALM WATER RIVER FISHING – CHARTER OPTIONS

CALM WATER RIVER FISHING

Within an hour and a half drive from the city of Cairns flow some of the finest tropical waterways to be found anywhere in the world. These rivers start their course in the Northern Great Dividing Range and flow majestically through ancient rainforest up to 125 million years old before entering the Coral Sea.

The world renowned Daintree River to the north, the equally impressive but lesser known “twins” the Russell / Mulgrave Rivers to the south as well as the North & South Johnson Rivers and Mourilyan Harbour are all fished regularly by local charter Guides.

These tidal river systems offer excellent fishing opportunities, their physical structure, sand bars, rock holes, weed beds and gutters can yield some surprising light tackle sportsfish.

CALM WATER RIVER CHARTERS - PRICING

 Full Day Share Charter From $300 pp
Full Day Sole Charter From $750

 

All Tackle Sport Fishing                          

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns 

Depending on the time of year will determine what our target species will be. Our tropical fish species are seasonal and the catch can vary. Cold drinks/ tea and coffee are available on all trips and lunch is provided on full day river fishing trips.

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FULL DAY RIVER – $250 P/PAll river fishing trips are limited to a maximum of 4 unless prior arrangements have been made.

We begin our day at approximately 6:30am with a pickup from city accomodation (via arrangement) then drive south of the city making our way towards The Mulgrave/Russell (Johnstone/Mourilyan harbour) rivers. Spectacular scenery is just the beginning as we venture along the highway to our destination. Once we arrive it’s time to stretch your legs and the boat is launched. Bait gathering is the next job. Live sardines/herring/mullet and occasionally prawns.

A wide range of fish species are encountered in all the local rivers and estuaries. Among them are the Mangrove Jack, Fingermark Barramundi, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Blue and Threadfin Salmon, Flathead, Grunter and Barracuda.

Don’t forget the camera and hat/sunglasses. After our day is finally finished its time to return to the city. We normally arrive in Cairns city at around 430 pm.

Fish Tales Charters                                   

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns

Your Smooth Water River Fishing adventure begins in the shadows of Mountains and takes you through Rainforest covered National Parks the rivers start out as freshwater but turn to saltwater as it moves closer to the mouth, before finally entering the ocean.

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Full Day Sole Charter   $1200. (Max 4 pax)6.30am to 4.30pm (app.)
The Russell/Mulgrave River is approximately 40kms South of Cairns is lesser known yet is nestled under Queensland’s highest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. It has premier sport fishing on offer, from bait to lure to fly-fishing. Why not come and join a Fishing Charter for the experience of the REAL Tropical Far North Queensland.

On all our river fishing charters we supply the following gear PENN 460 slammer reel on a 8-10 kg ugly stick with 10 kg mono fishing line. If you prefer you can bring along your own fishing gear. On our popper fishing charters we supply is PENN 360 slammer reel on a Shimano raider rod with 10 kg braid fishing line.

Pick up around 6.30 am from Cairns, to which we transport everything including the vessel and trailer along with the top quality rods & PENN reels, all the bait & tackle, bottles of water and tea/coffee, a delicious lunch and your experienced fishing guide to the Rivers. This is a full day of fun, exploring and fishing. Selection of fishing spots are decided upon on tides, their movements and target species. Drop off in Cairns around 4.30 pm. We take a maximum of six people to the rivers for a GREAT CAIRNS FISHING ADVENTURE.

During May, June, July and August this can fish extremely well with Giant Queen Fish and Giant Trevally moving around the river system. Moving into September, October, November and December target species may include Trevally, Queen Fish, Mangrove Jacks, Fingermark and the famous Barramundi.

Fish Hunter FNQ.                                                  

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns

Fish Hunter FNQ, come aboard a custom built sports fishing vessel and enjoy our scenic freshwater rainforest rivers and mangrove lined estuaries. Fish the Daintree, Johnstone and other rivers chasing our premier tropical sport fish, the Barramundi, along with many others!

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FULL DAY FISHING     $900 2pax, 3pax POA  6:30am pickup

Daintree River, Johnstone River, Russell/Mulgrave Rivers or Tinaroo Dam. The river location will depend on the time of year, weather and fishing conditions – however we can discuss your preferences and make recommendations upon booking.  Estimate a 1-2 hour drive.

HALF DAY FISHING    $600   6:30-11:30am   or  12:30-5:30pm  2pax, 3 pax POA

Lure & Fly Fishing in the Cairns Inlet targeting tropical fish species including: Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Tarpon, Fingermark, Queenfish and a range of other salt water species.

The river location will depend on the time of year, weather and fishing conditions – however we can discuss your preferences and make recommendations upon booking.  Estimate a 1-2 hour drive.

Included in your day:

Transfers to/from your accommodation (Cairns area & Port Douglas)

Morning tea, lunch, softdrinks, tea & coffee

Quality fishing tackle ^

What to bring:

Wide brimmed hat

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Camera

Lightweight, long sleeved clothing

Footwear (water friendly)

Insect repellent

^ All fishing gear supplied on a replace if lost or damaged basis.

* Charter transfer times may vary depending on availability and specific requirements.

Please note: complimentary food provided may contain gluten and dairy products.

Feel free to bring along a couple of canned beers, but no more than a 6 pack please.

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UNCANNY ANGLER FISHING CHARTERS

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns

Come aboard the Uncanny Angler as we explore the upper reaches of some of North Queensland’s most pristine rivers. Spend the day drifting these wonderful waterways, casting a well placed lure up under an overhanging tree or into a eddy looking for that exhilarating strike.
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FULL DAY PRIVATE CHARTER     $750  6:30am pickup   Max 2 pax

3/4 DAY PRIVATECHARTER.    $550

6:30am pickup  Max 2 pax  

The waters boast a range of hard fighting predator species, including the Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Tarpon, Jungle Perch and Sooty Grunter. All of these fish offer adrenalin pumping action on light tackle, enjoy watching the strikes happen, and sight fishing at its best for Bothe Lure & Fly fisherman. The Russell/Mulgrave systems, the North and South Johnstone, the Tully and Murray Rivers, along with the few creeks, like the Liverpool and Babinda Creeks. All offer brilliant fishing on their day.

Fly fishing the tropics is an experience you will not forget. Try your hand at landing some these tough fighting fish, sight casting these hard hitting species is a tonic for the soul. We suggest you bring your own gear for this personalised activity.

The day will begin with a 6:30am pick-up from your local accommodation, we’ll drive to the river of choice to begin our day. Depending on the tides we will either fish the lower reaches or head straight up to the skinny water. The drift will then begin, floating past snags, back eddies, and deeper holes, testing your skill in putting the lure on the spot, enticing a strike. Lunch and morning tea are included, and we will leave the river around  3:00pm. While this style of fishing is catch and release, you are welcome to take home a Barra (in season) or Jack.

 

Lake Barra

Tropic Barra Adventures

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns

Far north Queensland’s premier Sports fishing charter service, locally owned and operated out of Cairns and surrounding systems.

We have 2 vessels available for charters with the ability to accommodate up to 5 guests, Offering remote access to unforgettable, breathtaking world class fishing destinations.

A fully customized outfitter fishing service, tailoring to your specific requests, needs and wants!

Barramundi being our primary target, we also have plenty of variety on offer with the option to target over 15+ different estuary species including mangrove Jack, Sootie grunter, threadfin salmon, queenfish, and meter plus giant barramundi at our TINAROO MADNESS charters.

FULL DAY PRIVATE CHARTER    $800     Max 2 pax

With over 15 river systems on offer, from the world heritage listed Daintree river to south of Mission beach, and our inland world famous lake Tinaroo, Tropic Barra adventures has a customized option for everyone!
Including, Single day charters, multiple day multiple river charters and our Tinaroo madness charter.

We have options with accommodation included, airport / hotel transfers and all meals cooked and prepared for you.

Hook-A-Barra – Daintree

Calm Water River Fishing   –   Wonga Beach   –   Pond Fishing

Hook-A-Barra fishing adventures at Wonga Beach in the Daintree is the place to try your hand at landing a Barramundi or Mangrove Jack, there’s even the chance to catch a stunning albino specimen. The pond is filled with the best salt water sourced from the Daintree River and stocked with over 1,500 Barramundi (including albinos) and Mangrove Jack.

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This is an ideal option for all ages to get a taste of fishing in the far north, with easy access to the waters edge (no Crocs here), suitable for wheel chair access as well.

Catch & Release  $55 per person*, per hour. You have the option to purchase your fish at an additional $14 per kilo. *Please note children who are fishing independently with their own rod (aged 5-10) are $45 each. Smaller children (under the age of 5) who are accompanying paying fishing adults are free. Non-fishing guests are $10.00 general admission entry, which includes full use of facilities and entry to our viewing tanks. Catch and release fishing includes all equipment, tackle and bait and instruction on how to catch a Barramundi.

Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Fish Farms have won multiple awards at the Sydney Fine Food Show for their fish, so you can expect your Barramundi to deliver a fine dining experience. You can also purchase fillets on site.

Hook-a-Barra is the recreational side of Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Fish Farms, who have been producing Australia’s best hand-reared Barramundi for over a decade. This is sustainable fishing at its best! Don’t deplete Australia’s limited wild stock, practise your lure and land techniques at Hook-A-Barra.

These are farmed Barramundi, but anglers won’t be disappointed with their fight. They are wild creatures and will behave exactly the same as those living in rivers. Our fish are not trained to jump on your hook. Your technique is very important.

For beginners, guidance is provided by experienced staff. For experienced anglers (who may be skeptical about ‘fishing in a pond’), this is your chance to practise your Barramundi catch and land techniques and try new lures and equipment. NB: For your safety and ours, there are no treble hooks allowed at Hook-A-Barra, we use single, barbless hooks only.

Hook-A-Barra also caters to Barramundi fly-fishers. BYO rods and tackle.   See more…

SUBLIME SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES

Calm Water River Fishing   –   Port Douglas

Whether it’s casting a lure or fly up the rainforest rivers for Barramundi, popper fishing for GT on the Great Barrier Reef, or just wanting a fun morning on the water in Port Douglas with the family, Sublime Sportfishing prides itself on going the extra mile to take you to some of the best locations Port Douglas, Daintree and Far North Queensland have to offer.

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Sublime Sportfishing offers private charters for individuals, groups or families, personalised to suit all fishing levels and interests, from the beginner to the experienced angler. Locally owned and operated, your fishing guide will cater for all your Sportfishing requirements with over 20 years local river and reef fishing experience.We offer 1/2 day, 3/4 day or Full Day Private Charter options and will personalise the day to suit your requirements, ensuring your day is as successful and enjoyable as possible.

ESTUARY and DAINTREE RIVER PRIVATE CHARTERS (Max 4 anglers)Half Day – $550 – 7.00am – 12.00pm or 12.30pm – 5.30pm3/4 Day – $800 – 7.00am – 3.00pmFull Day – $950 – 7.00am – 5.00pm

The Port Douglas region has numerous small creeks and rivers to explore, as well as coastal beaches, flats and inshore reefs. You can target Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, multiple Trevally species, Queenfish, Fingermark, Coral Trout and many many more.Some of the lesser fished creeks outside of Port Douglas Inlet offer some of our region’s best fishing and pristine environments.Perfect for families looking for a fun and easy 1/2 day on the water or it can be tailored to the keen fisho who wants to lure or fly fish for some of our iconic, hard fighting coastal fish species

OFFSHORE REEF AND WRECK FISHING – PRIVATE CHARTER (Max 4 anglers)

Half Day – $600 – 7.00am – 12.00pm or 12.30pm – 5.30pm3/4 Day – $900 – 7.00am – 3.00pmFull Day – $1050 – 7.00am – 5.00pm

ALL CHARTERS INCLUDE:Quality tackle, lures / baitWater, soft drinks and light snacks.Insect repellent.Basic wet weather gear.BYO tackle optional.Hours are a guide only and can be varied to suit anglers, tides and best fishing times.

We strongly advise you BYO hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, light lunch (on 3/4 and full days), camera and sense of adventure.Please note quality lures, rods and reels are supplied by Sublime Sportfishing on a ‘replacement cost if lost or broken’ basis, while hooks, bait and leader are available at no cost.

EXCEED SPORTFISHING

Sports Fishing   –   from Pt Douglas

The reefs out of Tropical Port Douglas have some insane fishing to offer. From trolling for the tasty Spanish Mackeral to throwing surface lures for brutes like GT’s and Red Bass, the reef has it all. If bottom fishing is more your style, then you have come to the right place. Coral Trout, Red Emperor and Large Mouth Nannygai all inhabit the reefs around Port and are a very tasty treat.

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REEF FISHING    (max5 anglers)

Full Day – Private $1650      Share $300 (min 4)

Half Day – Private $600       Share $150 (min 4)

RIVER & ESTUARY – Half Day – Private $600       Share $10 (min 4)

From May through until September we also have our annual run of juvenile Black Marlin which are great fun on the light tackle. Providing the weather is kind to us we can offer full day packages chasing the little power houses which have really put on a spectacular show.

The vessel, Escape 2, is a custom built Haines Hunter with all the bells and whistles. Powered with over 400hp, it is guaranteed to get you to the fishing grounds fast and in style.She has been set up with serious fishing and cruising in mind, from the latest Simrad Electronics, 3D scanning and Bluetooth stereo. Also recently added was a set of Reelax outriggers and new Loanstar Anchor Winch.The boat has ample Esky space to keep drinks, lunch and a feed of fish cold for days, and cover from the sun for those nice exciting full day Reef adventures.All tackle has been supplied from the well known company Penn with models including Slammers, Squalls and the Legendary Penn internationals.

PORT DOUGLAS SPORTFISHING

Calm Water River Fishing   –   Port Douglas

Our custom built 5.5m fishing charter vessel has a 140hp, 4 stroke engine and is completely built for purpose. It has been designed to give you a comfortable day on the water and that is just what you’ll get! With safety, stability and comfort all at your fingertips, you’ll love every single second you spend out on the water.

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We also provide professional quality fishing equipment for all types of sport fishing to ensure you will enjoy a truly incredible day’s fishing! Our friendly and experienced crew are keen to give you the best fishing you’ve ever experienced, our crew is a highly personable group of blokes who will make sure your day runs without a hitch! With our crew’s extensive experience, your safety and enjoyment is guaranteed.

River & Coastal Fishing

Shared Half Day Charter, $170pp, 2-5 anglers.

Private Half Day Charter, $660 for 4 anglers, $550 for 5 anglers.

Private Full Day Charter, $1320 for 4 anglers max.

Offshore Sport Fishing

Private Full Day Charter, $1650 max 4 anglers.

Snorkeling Low Isles

Half Day Private Charter, $660 max 5 pax.

HOOK UP CHARTERS

Calm Water River Fishing   –   Port Douglas

Hook a Barra, catch a mud crab or just enjoy a day on the water in beautiful Far North Queensland.  Let Shawry take you to his favourite inshore reef, mangrove estuary and rainforest fishing spots. Using lures, live or local dead bait, surface fishing with poppers or fly fishing.. let us know what you’re up for its your day!

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Full Day – 8 hours        1-3 people     $730          4 people        $780​

Half Day – 4 hours        1-3 people     $380         4 people        $430

3/4 Day – 6 hours.         1-4 people     $580

Maximum of 4 people, perfect for families.​

Half Day Share Charter     Maximum 4 people  $120 per person

Using an array of techniques, you will be targeting Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Queen Fish, Javelin Fish, Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Nannygai and many more… Whether you are a novice or experienced we have something for you!

Tours depart from the boat ramp on Ashford Avenue, next to the Combined Club, Port Douglas. All fishing gear, live and local bait, lures, bottled water and soft drinks, insect repellent and wet weather gear provided. Please bring lunch for a full day and don’t forget your camera! BYO

Heli Tours North Queensland

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Cairns

Flying west from Cairns we intersect the Mitchell River. This mighty river starts on the Atherton Tablelands, flowing 750km north-west across Cape York to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Along the way, it carves through the rugged highlands of the Great Diving Range. Monsoonal rains swell the river during the summer months.

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An Australian experience like no other. There is just one word to describe this experience with Helitours North Queensland and that is unique. Highlights include: Cairns, Mitchell River, Fishing and the Mt Mulgrave Homestead.

from…$1,999
  • Approx 6hrs
  • * Based on 4 PaxThis tour departs from Cairns. Return transfers available from Port Douglas: $49 per person.

Tracking the river, we land at our “secret fishing spot” where we set up on the banks of the Mitchell, before rigging a couple of fishing lines. While we cannot guarantee you will catch a fish, let’s just say that we will be very surprised if you don’t. The river is teaming with Barramundi, not only a great fish to catch, but also fantastic eating as well. Lunch is served on the banks of the Mitchell.

DAINTREE RIVER FISHING                                

Calm Water River Fishing   –   from Daintree

Our calm water Fishing and Nature Tour targets Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Trevally and mudcrabs (when in season) whilst enjoying the wildlife and scenic beauty of the Daintree River.

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Half Day (4 hrs) 2-8 pax $120 pp. Full Day (8 hrs) 2-8 pax $240 pp. Night      (4 hrs) 2-8 pax $120 pp Sole Charter Half Day (4 hrs)1-2 pax $400. Full Day (8 hrs)1-2 pax $800. Groups Of 4-16 pax POA

Daintree River Fishing also offer the following…
COASTAL SPORTSFISHING & REEF CHARTERS Visit the local inshore reef and wrecks of the Daintree coast. Use a mixture of live baiting, lure, fly and trolling in search of Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Coral Trout, Nannygai and reef sharks. Maximum 6 people and dependent on weather conditions. Half Day (4 hrs)2-6 pax $120 pp. Full Day (8 hrs)2-6 pax $240 pp
PERSONALISED SOLE CHARTERS With Daintree River Fishing have the boat to yourself with Dave as your guide. Small group half day and full day sole charters for up to 8 people. Recommended for fly or lure fishermen, birdwatchers and nature photographers. Itineraries and times to suit your schedule. Half Day (4 hrs)1-2 pax $400. Full Day (8 hrs)1-2 pax $800. Groups Of 4-16 pax POA

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