Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes should I wear on a fishing charter?
You can wear anything comfortable that can get wet, bare foot is ok and is preferable to thongs, please don’t wear heeled shoes.
I’m not an experienced angler, is that ok?
Our anglers come from all walks of life and have all levels of fishing experience from beginners to serious anglers, we cater for everyone and enjoy nothing more than offering advice to those that are looking to improving their fishing skills.
What should I bring on a charter fishing trip?
Make sure you bring your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, cash and a camera. Otherwise, we’ll look after you!
How do you look after my safety on board?
Your safety is our number one priority and whilst we want everyone to relax and have a great day, we want it done safely. Our boats carry the latest in navigation and safety equipment and our crew are experienced, well-trained professionals. You can help ensure your safety by always following our instructions.
How many people will be on the boat?
We run with a minimum of 9 and up to 12 on Blue Whaler and 14 on Aquacat on share charters. Our boats are large and comfortable.
What should I wear charter fishing?
We have a fully covered deck area on our boats, however, wearing a long-sleeve shirt is always recommended to protect you from the sun and board shorts or comfortable pants. We sell CRF caps and t-shirts if you want to look the best out of your crew! Remember to apply sunscreen everywhere, feet, neck and legs too!
I have a dietary requirement, are there food options for me on board?
Yes! We cater for all types of dietary requirements.
Do you only do fishing charters?
We don’t just go fishing! Check out our [private charters] page for our Fitzroy Island snorkel + BBQ half day or our sunset Cairns river cruise + BBQ. Perfect for those who don’t want to fish!
Are there bathrooms onboard?
Yes! Both Aqua Cat and Blue Whaler have full-size bathroom facilities on board.
Can I bring my children?
Kids from the age of 7 and up are more than welcome on board the Cairns Reef Fishing fleet and to have a go at getting a big catch. Kids 7-14 years travel for $310 on our shared charter.
Can you fish off Fitzroy Island?
Whilst fishing at Fitzroy Island is allowed, the area has been fairly heavily fished in the past and we choose to help regenerate the fish stocks by not fishing there on our 5 hour BBQ charters.
How much fish is caught in the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible resource for both commercial and recreational fishing and is one of the best managed, most sustainable fisheries in the world.
What are the best months for deep sea fishing?
Reef fishing off Cairns is fairly consistent year-round with just a small variation in the warmer wet season months of January to March when the bottom fishing can be a bit slower and the pelagic species such as Mackerel and Tuna more active.
Where are crocodiles in Cairns?
Crocodiles are common in both salt and fresh water in Cairns, particularly around estuaries (where the sea meets land). Don’t worry, there aren’t any crocs where we are fishing.
What fish can you catch in reef fishing?
Our target fish are coral trout, large & small mouth Nannygai, Red Emperor, Spanish Mackerel and Trevally. We may encounter Spangled Emperor, Cod, GT’s, Reef Jacks, Dolphin Fish, Sailfish, Wahoo, Marlin and Tuna.