If you’re a fishing enthusiast, chances are that you know that the waters of Tropical North Queensland are home to some of the most diverse marine wildlife in the world.
The array of fish that you can try your luck at catching is unlike anywhere in the world, and the variety of places you can fish is almost as diverse too.
So, whether you’re an avid fisher looking for a great day out or you’ve always wanted to give fishing a go, keep reading to find out about what you can catch in this part of Australia, and the types of fishing experiences you can have when you’re in Tropical North Queensland.
Where you can fish in the Far North
Before we get into the types of fish you might be able to catch, let’s first talk about some of the places you can wet a line.
In TNQ you can fish and have some luck in just about any body of water in the area.
If you head inland you can fish at waterholes, creeks and rivers. If you stick to the coastline areas you can fish at local beaches, jetties, piers, and estuaries. And with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on your doorstep in the Coral Sea, you’ve got a wide open ocean to drop a line in as well.
Some rules and regulations do apply to recreational fishing in both freshwater and tidal waters, and there are zoning rules in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so before you head out make sure you’re aware of these rules..
The beauty about fishing in this part of Australia is that you can head in almost any direction and find yourself a place to set up for the day. All you really need is a rod and some bait, and you’re ready to go.
Fish you can catch in Tropical North Queensland.
The waters are fish-rich in the Far North, with the different water bodies containing many different ecosystems, each with their own marine life.
Some of the fish you might hook include:
Out on the open sea:
- Cobia
- Spanish Mackerel
- Trevally
- Queenfish
- Tuna
On the Reef:
- Cod
- Golden snappers
- Coral trout
- Wrasse
- Emperors
From the beach or piers:
- Trevally
- Perch
- Mackerel
- Barramundi
- Red Emperors
Freshwater fishing:
- Bass
- Freshwater barramundi
- Goby
- Mullet
- Saratoga
These are only some of the fish species you might come across, the full list is almost endless. As is the way you can fish for them.
So, if you’re thinking of heading out, what are your options? Keep reading to find out.
How do you want to fish?
When you’re in Palm Cove, you’ve got a variety of angling opportunities right on your doorstep. You can drop a line for a couple of hours to pass the afternoon or you can set out on the open waters on an overnight charter – the world is your oyster here. These are some of our favourite ways to fish in TNQ.
For the casual fisher
A great pastime here in Palm Cove is grabbing your rod and heading to the jetty or somewhere along the Palm Cove beach and casting a line.
The gentle waters in the area are abundant with fish, and the relaxed atmosphere sets the pace for your day or helps you to unwind from an otherwise busy day.
And let’s not forget about the stunning natural beauty of the area itself. As you wait for a fish to tug your line you can watch people and soak in the gorgeous sights of the palm tree lined coastline.
If you’re visiting the area and staying with us here at the Reef House, you don’t need to worry about packing any fishing gear, because our guests can borrow fishing rods for unlimited use.
This is a particularly great option for a first time fisher or someone looking for a really relaxing way to spend the day.
For the first timer who wants to get serious
One of the great fishing charter tours is with Cairns Reef Fishing Charters. They offer a fully inclusive day out on the waters within a 25 nautical mile radius of Cairns.
It is a Share Charter opportunity, which means that you don’t need to worry about getting a group together, instead you can join the shared charter group. Solo and group bookings are welcomed on this tour option.
The charter also includes tea, coffee, beverages, and lunch, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything other than sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a camera. Even fishing gear including rods, tackle and bait are included too.
The Cairns Reef Fishing Charter is open to beginners and those with plenty of experience, so you’ll be able to pick up or share tips with your fellow guests and have an amazing day out on the waters
For those who want to try something different
While heading out onto the Coral Sea might be an obvious fishing choice, if you’re looking for something a little different, you can always head inland and try your luck at one of the many waterholes, freshwater lakes, creeks, estuaries and inlets in the area.
Some favourite fishing spots include:
- The Trinity Inlet – just south of Cairns.
- Barron River – slightly north of Cairns and south of Palm Cove
- Mossman River
- Lake Eacham
You can also combine your fishing adventure with some local exploration and pack a rod while you explore the Wet Tropics. A day hike could lead you to plenty of fishing opportunities along the way.
For the experienced fisher looking for an adventure
If fishing is bound to be one of the highlights of your trip to Tropical North Queensland, then an option that might be right for you is a private fishing charter. This is a particularly great option if you’re travelling with a group of friends or for a special occasion.
With Cairns Reef Fishing, you can enjoy the flexibility of a private charter. Like the shared charters, the private charters are also all-inclusive, with fishing equipment, morning tea, lunch and snacks supplied.
You can work with the team to create a trip that suits you as well, so whether it’s all about fishing or you want to sneak some snorkelling and swimming in, the Cairns Reef Fishing team can help you find the perfect spots for your adventure.
For the pro fisher who wants a challenge
If you’re a real fishing pro looking for some action and adventure, there are a number of options up your sleeve.
You could choose a fishing charter tour that takes you to some remote fishing spots, like East Coast Angling, which practices sustainable fishing in some of the most stunning locations on the waters.
You could also opt to take part in a fishing tournament. There are a number of different tournaments that take place in Queensland, including in the tropical north. Many of these tournaments come with some amazing awards as well as the opportunity to meet new people and catch your prized fish too.
The perfect place to rest your head
Located in the tranquil village of Palm Cove, you can enjoy the amenities and luxury of our beachfront colonial style property. With Palm Cove also being located halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas, you’ll find getting around a breeze, and with plenty of fishing opportunities, as well as many other activities and attractions in the area, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime with us.
