You can experience sensational light tackle calmwater sportfishing year round in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia – Tropical North Queensland. Incredible “close to Cairns” rainforest river and estuary locations and environments carrying unique populations of our most prized species including the famous “highflying” Barramundi, Queenfish, Mangrove Jacks, Trevally and Tarpon etc. That chance of a lifetime fish – so close to home!!

Terrific photo opportunities are at hand with many locations teeming with an incredible array of birdlife and other wildlife species including the possibility of an encounter (from a safe distance!!) with the infamous saltwater crocodile.

Experience half day calm water fishing in our main estuary or full day fishing on one of our many nearby pristine rainforest rivers.

Inshore & estuary habitats provide a diverse crossover of species. The headlands, reefs, beaches and flats can host schools of feeding Mackerel, and Tuna, however the real line burners of this region are the Trevally (Golden & Great), and the acrobatic Queenfish. From the mouth of the rivers to the brackish and fresh water reaches, the mighty Barramundi and tackle testing Mangrove Jack (Snapper) are the estuary sportfisher’s prizes.

A handful of Australia’s most proficient and skilled light tackle guides operate from Cairns. Well known names who are recognised leaders within the group of top Australian river guides operating year round from Cairns. They will take you to surprisingly close locations that will not only provide the angler with a rewarding experience, but ensure terrific wildlife and photographic opportunities.

Their custom designed river punts and estuary skiffs are specifically built to handle our wide range of local conditions and environments.

These reasonably priced fishing charters will journey through pristine rainforest and mangrove areas and include all fishing equipment, lunch, softdrinks and return hotel transfers.

A huge variety of fishing on offer with the flexibility of a tailor designed itinerary – fully guided by Australia’s best.

All forms of light tackle techniques are employed by our top guides in the Cairns area. The most popular amongst avid sportfishermen is lure fishing. Small to medium baitcasters and threadline (spinning) outfits are ideally suited to all the species targeted in freshwater, river and estuary fishing.

Fishing with both live and dead baits are also very popular and seem to produce the most consistent results under all conditions encountered.

8 to 10 wgt fly outfits matched with intermediate and sink tip lines are ideal for inshore, estuary and river fly fishing. Most of the regions talented guides have developed specific fly patterns to suit the local species and fishing methods.

Productive flies include Clouser’s Deep Minnows, Lefty’s Deceivers, Dahlber Divers, Pink Things, and Flash 3D flies. Guides have particular colour preferences according to prevailing local conditions. Flies for Barra and Jacks are often tied with mono loop or wire snag guards, so that they may be fished through the heavy cover that these masters of ambush inhabit.

Scenic freshwater streams of the rainforest are home to shy Jungle Perch, Sooty Grunters, Tarpon and Juvenile Barramundi. The challenge of stealth and presentation are equal to those of trout fishing, using the same light outfits. Small poppers, Crazy Charlies, Zonkers, and even nymphs and dry flies can be effective.