Sport & Game Fishing

Light / Medium Tackle Year Round

The bluewater sportfishing off Cairns is generally excellent year round, providing great action and good eating!!

Before Cairns was recognised as the "Home to the Giant Black Marlin" more than 3 decades ago, it was an established fishing mecca for a huge variety of pelagic sportfish found in the surrounding cobalt waters.

The winter months (May to September) are best for targeting Spanish mackerel (king mackerel), sailfish and juvenile black marlin (up to 100lbs). The warmer months (October to March) provide good fishing for wahoo, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, big Spanish mackerel (up to 100lbs), sailfish and black marlin (100 to 250lbs).

Ross and his crew use lures, live baits and natural dead baits. Preferred lures range from bibless minnows to minnow style bibbed lures for mack tuna, Spanish mackerel and other species.

For marlin and sailfish, preferred lures are of the pusher style, such as Moldcraft and Pakula. Live baits used are yakkas, trevally, pilchards, pinkies and gobbers. The most prominent dead baits used are mullet and gar fish (ballyhoo). These are extremely effective on all species.
Tackle consists of trolling rigs with line classes varying between 6 to 24 kg depending on the size of the species sought. Four to five rigs are trolled with 1 or multiple teasers.

Light tackle equipment consists of the highest quality Penn Reels with matching custom Jack Erskine light tackle rods in all line classes.

Charter Options:

(based on exclusive, private boat charter)

FULL DAY : The Top Shot is an ideal game boat for day trips out of Cairns throughout the year and is in survey for up to 8 passengers plus crew. Fishing grounds through our winter months are approximately 15 – 25 miles from Cairns and in our summer months between 15 & 35 miles. (45 to 90 mins travelling each way).

Departure 7.30 am from Cairns Marlin Marina, Returning 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm.

LIVEABOARD: The Top Shot is perfectly set up for accommodating in comfort maximum 4-5 anglers and 2 crew on an extended liveaboard charter light to medium tackle gamefishing. 2-5 day liveaboard charters are a great way to experience the variety of light/medium tackle and fly fishing opportunities on offer close to Cairns.

All meals, beverages, and linens are provided on a liveaboard charter. Anglers need only bring soft overnight bags with personal belongings.

Departure 7.30 am from Cairns Marlin Marina, Returning 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm on final fishing day.

Career Highlights

2007 : Caught Black Marlin (1102lbs), with 2 others estimated 1000lbs +

2006 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (103) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2005 : 2nd Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (98) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2004 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (105) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2002 : Only Grander Weighed for the Season (1177lbs)

2001 : Largest Black Marlin in World caught on Lure (1257lbs)

2000 : Winner Innisfail Light Tackle Tournament

1999 : Champion Angler: Lizard Island Tournament

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Many thanks to Craig Smith for his selection of great shots throughout the site