the Cairns Fishing Guide online the River & Estuary Fishing Guide . Click here for the daily fishing report!
Marlin game fishing Cairns fish species
::::::::::::::::: barramundi:::::::::::::::::

One of the north’s most prized and targeted sportfish, found in the estuaries and inshore waters along the North Queensland coastline. Considered a No.1 table fish by the majority of Cairns and northern restaurants. It is silvery grey in appearance, with a hint of green/gold across the top - notably darker in freshwater species ie: Tinaroo Dam and those that have found themselves trapped by flooded waters in freshwater lagoons etc. The average weight of a river/estuary barra is approximately 2 to 3kg and 10 to 15kg for an average Tinaroo fish, with monster fish attaining 30kg+ (66lb)

::::::::::::::::: mangrove jack:::::::::::::::::

Another favourite for the anglers fishing the rivers and mangrove creeks anywhere along the Queensland coastline. A tough fighter that heads for cover once hooked with lighting fast reflexes. It is quite red in colour, with light red vertical stripes and averages 1-3kg. Adult fish move to the outside reefs and can reach weights of up to 7-8kg, much larger than the river/estuary species.

::::::::::::::::: tarpon:::::::::::::::::

The large, fast tarpon are a fabulous sportfish, though not a popular eating species, due to the many fine bones running through its flesh. Found in the estuarine waters along the Queensland Coast, it is bright silver in colour with an olive-green tint to the top of the body. Averaging 1kg in local rivers and estuaries, they can attain weights of up to 4kg.

::::::::::::::::: sooty grunter:::::::::::::::::

Found throughout the rainforest streams and mountain rivers of North Queensland, the Sooty Grutner is a favourite for many anglers. It is a plucky little fish and is alway ready to pounce on a lure or fly. They range in colour - black/black & yellow/green/bronze.

::::::::::::::::: queen fish:::::::::::::::::

A popular northern sportfish, though not a great table fish. It is a spectacular leaper and attacks surface lures and flies with gusto. It features between 5 & 7 soft blotches along its upper body and is quite a bright silver in colour, reaching a length of at least 1.2 metres and a weight of up to 11kg (25lb).

::::::::::::::::: estuary cod:::::::::::::::::

Found in reef waters and in the mainland estuaries, the Estuary Cod or Estuary Rock Cod can reach a length of 7 feet and weigh 500 lbs. It is a dull green in colour with coloured spots of red, orange and brown and up to six blotches of bands across it.

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Many thanks to Peter Andrews and Ross Finlayson
for the photos featured throughout the site.
Member: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
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