REEF FISHING – CHARTER OPTIONS
REEF FISHING – CHARTER OPTIONS
Cairns is the closest major port to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, arguably the greatest fish attractor on earth.
Daily, all manner of craft steam out from the shelter of Trinity Inlet and descend on this wonderland of life as travelers from around the globe swim, snorkel, scuba, fish and just laze about immersed in this celebration of color and diversity that is the Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on earth visible from space.
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The food chain here is complete, with the mass of coral providing shelter and food as predator eats predator. This abundance of life provides the perfect opportunity for the visiting angler to capture some truly magnificent fish.
Reef fishing is commonly called “Bottom Bouncing” where anglers use heavy 60-100lb handline techniques to target such prized eating fish as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip and Nannygai. You may also drift a ganged pillie (small baitfish) for Spanish Mackerel, great light tackle sportfish and excellent on the chew as well.
This style of fishing is not for every one but gives the angler the best possible chance to land these superb fighting and tasty fish – the absolute best way to extract the prime-ating reef dwellers ……mmm! DELICIOUS. The crew will clean and pack your catch ready for the BBQ or restaurant.
REEF CHARTERS - PRICING
Full Day Share Charter
From $330 pp
Full Day Private Charter Available POA
CAIRNS REEF FISHING
Reef Fishing – From Cairns
Cairns Reef Fishing take pride in giving their passengers an enjoyable, reef and deep sea fishing charter experience aboard our large, comfortable, fully equipped, purpose built fishing vessels, Aqua Cat and Blue Whaler. We know where the fish are, and we will put you on them!.
SHARE CHARTER Price: Adult- $330 – Child (up to 14yrs)- $310
PRIVATE CHARTER Cairns Reef Fishing have three boats to choose from, all offering private charter options. Day Charter: Blue Whaler 1-12pax $3600, Aqua Cat 1-15pax $4250
We fish anywhere in a 25 nautical mile radius from Cairns depending on where the fish are biting, tide and weather conditions.
You are likely to share this trip with people from all walks of life and all around the world, from mums and dads, to girls and boys, mad keen fisherman and inquisitive tourists. It’s a great day out on the Great Barrier Reef.
Our boats have capacity to carry over 20 passengers, however, to improve your chance of a great catch on our share charters we keep passenger numbers between 6 & 12 on Blue Whaler and 6 & 14 on Aquacat !.
You don’t need to bring much of anything on our fishing charter trips, as we provide quality, well maintained fishing equipment, bottled drinking water and a delicious, full, fresh lunch of selected meats, salads, bread rolls and fresh slices fruit. We clean and ice your fish and then bag them up ready for you to take home. We can even give you some cooking tips for your catch!
Fish Tales Fishing Charters
Reef Fishing – From Cairns
Enjoy a day Bluewater Fishing with Don’t Know, the trip includes inshore (close to the coast), Wrecks i.e. sunken boats, Trolling, Jigging as well as Lure Fishing & Popper Fishing with surface lures.
Private Charter $1500 for up to 4 people, 3 anglers if popping.
Your Cairns Bluewater fishing charter can be tailored around your needs and wants plus the experience your guide equals a great day Bluewater fishing from Cairns. Vessel `Don’t Know` is a 6.3 metre Cairns Custom Craft (north wind).
Trolling for the many different Tuna species
Full Day Share Charter – including Yellow fin Tuna;
Fishing the Wrecks Cobia and Large Mouth nannygai;
Jigging for Spanish mackerel and Golden Trevally;
Fishing the headlands for Fingermark;
Bottom Bouncing for Red Emperor and Coral Trout;
Fishing the harbour leads for School & Doggie Mackerel;
Bait Fishing for Small & Large Mouth Nannygai;
Lure and Popper Fishing for GT-Trevally;
Fishing the closer inshore reef for Spangled Emperor;
Custom fitted for maximum comfort and space. Powered by the very efficient 4-stroke Suzuki 140hp to get you to your fishing locations fast and safe.
On all our charter we supply all top quality rods & reels, all bait & tackle, jigs, lure & poppers, bottles of water & tea/coffee, a delicious lunch and our experienced fishing guide. You are welcome to bring along your own fishing gear as well as sunnies, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and camera.
Bookings & Enquiries
Ring 0448 563 586 for all bookings and enquiries.
Terms And Conditions
- Share charters subject to minimum and maximum numbers
- All top quality bait, dead and live, tackle are provided.
- Light refreshments provided
- Subject to availability (seasonal conditions apply)
- Rates include 10% GST
- General Terms & Conditions apply
- All rates quoted are in Australian Dollars
FAR NORTH SPORT FISHING
Reef Fishing – From Port Douglas
Our custom built 20′ Centre Consoles are skippered by our very experienced local guides and are the perfect vessel to spend a day out on the water sport fishing. Due to their size and for guests comfort we only offer reef charters when wind conditions are 15 knots or less. If the wind is up then we offer day charters to the beautiful Daintree River where you can target Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and Tarpon and also drop a pot or two for Mud Crabs.
BM1, BM2 & BM3 are our three custom-built 20′ centre consoles purpose built for FNSF by Hooker Boats in Cairns. Their hulls are designed specifically for Far North Queensland conditions. Powered by very reliable 100HP Yamaha’s they are each equipped with state of the art Garmin electronics.
The centre console configuration provides clients both a practical and comfortable layout across many styles of fishing from popper and saltwater fly fishing to trolling and reef fishing. Each centre console is equipped with the very best in custom-made rods and Shimano reels and is skippered by one of our expert local guides.
Reel Deep Charters
Reef Fishing – From cairns
With Reel Deep Charters our 4 day Cairns liveaboard fishing charters cater to fishing and spearing fanatics. We’ll load you up and take you offshore to some of the best locations, you’ll ever visit. Reel Deep Charters provides the best Cairns liveaboard charters, aboard Norkat II.
Suitable for families and/or groups of friends, Reel Deep Charters can accommodate up to 12 guests per trip. You’ll be comfortably appointed aboard our vessel Norkat II which has spacious outdoor decks and a fully air-conditioned interior. This is a purpose-built fishing/spearing vessel and she is crewed by passionate, professional locals who know these waters like the backs of their hands. Reel Deep Charters is committed to providing their guests with the complete charter boat fishing experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard for one of our Cairns liveaboard fishing charters. Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also one of the closest mainland ports, providing quick and easy access to the reef and marine wilderness of the Coral Sea beyond.
MV NORSEMAN
Reef Fishing – From Pt Douglas
Reef fishing from Port Douglas? Then look no further than Norseman! A custom-built reef fishing boat with the latest technology for fish finding and every modern convenience for your comfort. Norseman has ample shade, broad open deck space and a fully air-conditioned licenced saloon.
Port Douglas based MV Norseman is a fast and comfortable dedicated reef fishing vessel. Individuals, groups or corporate days can be catered for – if you want a great reef fishing adventure then Norseman is your best choice from Port Douglas.
Norseman specialises in a reef fishing adventure for all of the top quality table eating fish found in the Coral Sea. Norseman offers a daily reef fishing adventure where you can try your hand at landing some of the best fighting and eating fish the Coral Sea has to offer.
Species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sea Perch (Nannygai), Mackerel, Cobia, Trevally, Cod, Spangled Emperor and Reef Red Bream (Mangrove Jack) will be targeted whilst bottom fishing, using either handlines or rods.
Whenever possible, you can float live baits for GT’s (Giant Trevally), Spanish Mackerel, Tuna and Wahoo on a Norseman reef fishing adventure.
With over 25 years local reef fishing history, Norseman is the longest operating fishing day tour in the region.
History and local knowledge of the best reef fishing spots that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer are an invaluable asset to have
SUBLIME SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES
Reef Fishing – From 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.
The Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas offers some of the best reef fishing anywhere in the world, whether you want to target GT on poppers, catch billfish, mackerel and tuna on light tackle, catch a feed of reef fish, or jig plastics and knife jigs over the wrecks; the options are endless. Sublime Sportfishing Adventures can customise your day to your choice of fishing style. Please note reef and wreck fishing is subject to weather conditions, with a back-up option being either Daintree or Port Douglas river options above.
ESTUARY and DAINTREE RIVER Options also available. Half Day – $450 – 7.00am – 12.00pm or 12.30pm – 5.30pm 3/4 Day – $650 – 7.00am – 3.00pm Full Day – $800 – 7.00am – 5.00pm
Quality tackle, lures / bait Water, 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.
SPORT FISHING – Private $1500
REEF FISHING (max5 anglers)
Full Day – Private $1500 Share $265 (min 4)
Half Day – Private $560 Share $130 (min 4)
RIVER & ESTUARY – Half Day – Private $560 Share $130 (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
Reef Fishing – From 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.
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, $135pp, 2-5 anglers. Private Half Day Charter, $600 for 4 anglers, Extra for 5 anglers. Private Full Day Charter, $750 for 4 anglers max.
Offshore Sport Fishing
Private Full Day Charter, $1500 max 4
Snorkeling Low Isles
Half Day Private Charter, $600 max 4 pax.
HOOK UP CHARTERS
Reef Fishing - From Pt 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!
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
DRAGON LADY
Reef Fishing - From Pt Douglas
Heading out to the reef from Port Douglas you can expect to catch Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Small & Large Mouth Nannygai, Trevally species, Spanish Mackerel, Emperor species, Cobia, Reef Mangrove Jack, Sweetlip, Cod species and a host of others.
REEF FISHING SHARE CHARTERS
$299pp. 48ft Westcoaster. Dragon Lady
- Max. 12 passengers ensures quality service inclusive of rod/reels, handlines, lunches, soft beverage, EMC tax – no more to pay.
- Trips run from 8.30am to 4.30pm. There will be a deck hand on board to clean and bag the fish for you should you choose to keep legal catches.
- Targeted species during the course of the day can include: Coral Trout, Nannygai, Red Emperor, Trevally and Mackerel species amongst a host of others. These fish are found on the outer reef some 20 miles offshore. Locations are normally reached within 50-60 minutes of departure.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
Reef Sole Charter: from $2200 (all year round)
- 34ft Vessel – max. 8 passengers Reef Fishing, Game Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving, Sand Cays & Island Lagoon visits
- 48ft Vessel – max. 17 passengers Reef Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving, Sand Cays & Island Lagoon visits
DAINTREE RIVER FISHING
Reef 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.
The Daintree area is a Heritage Listed site, with spectacular scenery and magnificent waterways. You'll visit the local inshore reef and wrecks of the Daintree coast. Using 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.
COOKTOWN BARRA CHARTERS
Reef Fishing – From Cooktown
Cooktown Barra Charters give you the opportunity to the magnificent waters surrounding Cooktown. There is so much to offer in this spectacular part of the world. With the reef is close proximity, you’ll be hauling in muscle burners in no time. An Thomas offers so much more, including camping and hunting options.
Run by Thomas Nevins, you’ll be catching fish in no time!
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River 2 Reef
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Cooktown Adventure Camping
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Scenic Tours
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Hunting Trips
The weather in the tropics is always changing, Thomas will work with you to ensure that your party always has fun, regardless of tropical downpour, tradewinds, or impending cyclone. No two fishing charters are the same, we cater for clients who have come from the USA specifcially to target a particular species on saltwater fly rods, right through to kids that have never caught a fish before.
Cape York Peninsula Fishing
Reef Fishing. – From Seisia, Cape York
Cape York Peninsula Fishing offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Open blue water, vast river systems, coral reefs, rocky headlands, sand flats, swamps and billabongs hold a wide number of fish species.
Charter Rates Full Day $920 Half Day $550 (Max 4pax)
Depending on the length of your fishing adventure, charters consist of fishing areas from Virlya Point (West Coast of Cape York) to Cairns Cross Islands (East Coast of Cape York). This includes all angles of fishing.
Fish Species Fish regularly caught are: Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Finger Mark, GT, Jew Fish, Mackerel, Queen Fish, Coral Trout, Cod, Bream, Spangled Emperor, Red Emperor, Cobia, Queensland Groper, Grunter, Parrot Fish, Nannygai, Tuna, Sharks and many other species.
Wild Life and Aquatic Animals During hunting your targeted fish species, various wild life and aquatic animals can be sighted. Migrating birds, Dingoes, Crocs, Wallabies, Dugongs, Turtles and assorted Rays are few of the regulars.
CY Fishing Charters
Reef Fishing. – From Seisia, Cape York
CY Fishing Charters just happens to be located right in the middle of some of Australia’s best fishing waters. We understand that not everyone has the time for an extended fishing adventure but you would love to get a ‘taste’ of what it’s like to fish our amazing waters.
We have all the fishing gear that you need and our island chef will have prepared you a delicious lunch. If you have any of your own fishing gear that you wanted to use your more than welcome to bring your own. We believe in sustainable fishing practices where we offer you an opportunity to catch some of Australia’s best eating fish for dinner not an opportunity to fill your freezer. It is our hope that the evening of your fishing charter you will be eating a beautiful fresh fish dinner that you caught with us.
There are a number of combinations to how we can make this day work for you so please contact us to learn more.
We understand that not everyone has the time for an extended fishing adventure but a ‘taste’ is just not enough. You have been looking at the magical waters of the Cape York long enough… It is time to leave your car behind for a couple of days and let us spoil you with some of northern Australia’s best fishing and food.
Our Escape Adventure options are perfect for those looking to indeed escape the mainland and forget about life for a couple of days. The escape adventure package starts at two nights but we can extended to as many as four nights.
Depending on where you are coming from we will pick you up and drop you back after your Escape Adventure on Albany Island with CY Fishing Charters. All of your fishing equipment is included in the exchange adventure if you have some of your own gear that you wish to test against the North’s best sports fish you are more than welcome to bring along.
Every meal whilst with us is prepared by our resident chef who takes delight in exceeding your culinary expectations. Our meals are not complicated they are delicious and made with the ingredients of Far North Queensland primary producers.
It is not all about fishing at Albany Island there are some incredible bush and beach walking trails. We can also organise some seafood cooking classes using ingredients that you have collected like oysters/mud crabs or maybe even a crayfish or two.
There are a number of combinations as to how we can make this day work for you so please contact us to learn more.
We don’t believe in wasting fishing time travelling so we recommend you arrive the afternoon before your getaway adventure starts and depart the morning after your getaway adventure finishes. Depending on your numbers we can configure the accommodation to suit your needs.
Our Absolute Adventure packages are designed for those that love to fish and disconnect from the world. The fishing potential around Albany Island is almost unlimited… A fish of a lifetime is often only a subtle variation in your cast action and retrieval away. That thing you learnt from the day before where just as the GT smashes your popper you pause and then strike.
Over your week stay with us on the Absolute Adventure package we will spend as much time as possible refining your skills to perfectly target our tropical sports fish. Our guides are certainly not righteous in that they know that there is a lot of things that they can learn off you as well. With five or six days up your sleeve you have time to experiment and indeed time to learn.
Saltaire Charters
Reef Fishing – From Port Douglas
Reef fishing can be experienced all year round with a large variety of species. Rod and reel or the more traditional hand line can be used with dead bait, live bait or soft plastics when on a Reef Fishing Charter.
REEF FISHING CHARTERS
Reef fishing can be experienced all year round with a large variety of species. Rod and reel or the more traditional hand line can be used with dead bait, live bait or soft plastics when on a Reef Fishing Charter. The main species we target are coral trout, large and small mouth nanyagai, red emperor, spangled emperor, sweetlip, reef jacks & trevally.
HEAVY TACKLE CHARTERS
The 150 miles from cairns to lizard island is the undisputed home of the Giant Black Marlin. More Black Marlin over 1000Lbs (Granders) are caught here every season than anywhere else in the world. September to mid December is the best time to catch one of these monsters. Fishing for Giant Black Marlin is the ultimate experience of a lifetime. Saltaire is a classic 34ft blue water quarter-horse vessel and has witnessed some of the most exciting fishing to be experienced on the Great Barrier Reef, the coral sea and beyond to the vast reaches of the untamed waters of Papua New Guinea. Based in the Reef Marina Port Douglas, 30nm north of Cairns and a short run to the barrier reef , Saltaire is available for popper casting for Giant Trevally, light tackle, heavy tackle, reef fishing and personalised charters including cruising, snorkelling and diving. With comfort, speed and great service on your side you will be amongst the serious action on offer whether it will be giant Black Marlin, pelagic species, Giant Trevally or classic reef fish.
LIGHT TACKLE FISHING
Available all year round, the change of seasons brings different species to target. The run of juvenile black marlin are from july to october and are an exciting catch on 10kg line. There is a number of mackerel species to catch and can be caught most of the year. Other species are northern bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi & giant trevally.
GT POPPER CHARTERS
Casting Poppers for Giant Trevally is one of the most exciting forms of fishing. Watching a GT smash a surface bait and head straight for the reef edge or bommie can make you week at the knees. We specialize in targeting these big GT’s and use Shimano Stella 18000 Reels with 100lb gerry brown braid on a Yamaga blue reef rod to land these amazing fish.
Nomad Sportfishing Adventures
Reef Fishing
Nomad Sportfishing has a long history of providing pioneering and unique mothership trips to fish some of the world’s most remote reefs. Our 80ft mothership and years of experience allow us to access places that nobody else can get to.
Fishing the Ribbon Reefs?
The Ribbon Reefs provide excellent year round fishing, and we access the area as part of our Coral Sea Lagoon Explorer trips , offering 3 and 4 day packages, starting at $3100/person + flights ex Cairns.
Nomad Sportfishing Extended Mothership Charters start at $2950pp + transfers ex Cairns. We can customise dates for whole boat bookings, or we cater for individuals or smaller groups to join one of our scheduled trips. Odyssey can accommodate up to 12 anglers. Nomad Gameboat day trips ex Port Douglas start at $2400/day for the boat which can be shared between 4-5 anglers. Just fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get you on the water in no time.
The Iconic Far northern Great Barrier Reef – A Sportfishing Paradise
- Excellent GT fishing
- Light tackle lurecasting the reef flats for Groupers, Red Bass, Emperors, and much more
- Micro jigging and soft plastic fishing the reefs is spectacular
- Big Spanish Mackerel trolling the reef edges
- Great reef fishing for Coral Trout, Emperor and other reef fish
- Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Dogtooth are possible on the outside edge of the reef
- Accessed on a Mothership Drive out trip
Ribbon Reef Location Information
The Ribbon Reefs were the scene of the iconic and groundbreaking video by Malcolm Florence titled “The Great Reef Exploration”, filmed in the late 1970’s. Back in the seventies, this area was considered the ultimate in remote Sportfishing locations – incredibly remote, pristine reefs that could only be accessed by large vessels with significant fuel capacity.
Not much has changed really….And the fishing is just as good as it ever was. It’s still very remote, and rarely fished.The Ribbon Reefs are famous for the incredible fishing for giant black marlin, and this 100 mile stretch of reef is the single best place in the world to catch giant black marlin. But it’s not just marlin that find these waters incredibly appealing. This stretch of reef is home to a massive variety of species, with big GTs, Yellowfin, Coral Trout, Red Bass, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and many other species calling this place home. So, no matter what bluewater species you want to catch, the Ribbon Reefs offer an amazing fishing experience
When do we fish the Ribbon Reefs?
The Ribbon Reefs provide excellent year round fishing, and we access the area as part of our Coral Sea Lagoon Explorer trips , offering 3 and 4 day packages, starting at $3100/person + flights ex Cairns.
Nomad Sportfishing Extended Mothership Charters start at $2950pp + transfers ex Cairns. We can customise dates for whole boat bookings, or we cater for individuals or smaller groups to join one of our scheduled trips. Odyssey can accommodate up to 12 anglers. Nomad Gameboat day trips ex Port Douglas start at $2400/day for the boat which can be shared between 4-5 anglers. Just give us a call and we’ll get you on the water in no time.
