Reef fishing (bottom fishing or bottom bouncing) on the Great Barrier Reef is lots of fun for all ages and a favourite with many local anglers. A huge array of superb eating species are targeted when fishing the deep holes around the reefs using heavy handlines. Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Nannygai & Sweetlip to name a few of the favourites.

Charter boats specialising in bottom fishing operate daily from Cairns and Port Douglas. Their skippers are knowledgeable and highly skilled in knowing the hot spots for these fish and how to fish for them successfully.

This style of fishing is most effective with heavy hand lines (60 – 100lb) although most charter operators will arrange for rod and reel if preferred, depending on the number of anglers onboard, weather conditions and the species of fish you will be targeting.

Exclusively charter the boat or join a shared charter (where we marry you up with other anglers).

Heavy, medium and light handlines are the favoured “tools of the trade” amongst most of the reef fishermen, although rods and reels have their place also.

Baits of pilchard, squid and fish flesh are most commonly used.

Underwater shoals and reefs are located with prominent fish holding features, whereupon the anchor is set and the baits lowered to the bottom dwelling species below.

Reef fishing closure dates:

Under the provisions of the Fisheries Regulation 2008 (the Regulation) spawning closures for coral reef fin fish apply to two five-day periods in October and November each year until 2013.

• Tuesday 5 October to Saturday 9 October 2010 inclusive
• Wednesday 3 November to Sunday 7 November 2010 inclusive
• Monday 24 October 2011 to Friday 28 October 2011 inclusive
• Tuesday 22 Novemer 2011 to Saturday 26 November 2011 inclusive
• Friday 12 October 2012 to Tuesday 16 October 2012 inclusive
• Sunday 11 November 2012 to Thursday 15 November 2012 inclusive
• Wednesday 2 October 2013 to Sunday 6 October 2013 inclusive
• Thursday 31 October 2013 to Monday 4 November 2013 inclusive