An impressive 12kg Red Emperor caught north of Cairns with Hardcore Charters on game boat the “Sheriff”.
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Tackle World Cairns Weekly Fishing Report.
Each week, the Tackle World Cairns Fishing Report brings you the latest local insights across Far North Queensland. From the reefs off Cairns and Port Douglas to estuaries like the Daintree, Russell, Johnstone and Hinchinbrook, we cover what’s biting, where to go, and what gear is working. Whether you’re chasing coral trout, nannygai, or mackerel offshore, or barra, jacks and queenfish inshore, the Tackle World Cairns team has your FNQ fishing forecast sorted.
Reef Fishing
A stretch of favourable winter weather saw plenty of boats take full advantage from Cairns down to Hinchinbrook, and the results didn’t disappoint. Shallow reef edges fired with quality coral trout hitting baits and lures hard, while deeper rubble grounds and isolated bommies delivered standout catches of red emperor and largemouth nannygai.
Spanish mackerel activity remained red-hot across most reef systems, with floating pilchards, rigged garfish, and trolled lures proving irresistible. Inshore edges also produced a busy mix of school and spotty mackerel, with bonus encounters from trevally, spangled emperor, painted sweetlip, and cobia adding to the haul.
A real buzz is building around the early signs of the light tackle billfish season, with several juvenile black marlin already tagged and released just off Cairns. On the downside, sharks continue to frustrate reef anglers by harassing hooked bottom species and mackerel.
Adrian & Tahlia show two quality large mouth nannygai caught off Cairns last weekend.
Solid coral trout have been regular capture with Cairns Reef Fishing recently.
Arm stretching cobia have been amongst great mixed bags of reef fish caught with Cairns Reef Fishing during the calm weather patch.
Islands & Headlands
The Family Group Islands, nearshore clusters, and areas like Silver Sands were alive with mackerel activity, particularly school and spotty varieties feeding aggressively. Coastal headlands, island bays, and flats have been patrolled by large queenfish and GTs, with topwater lures copping some impressive strikes.
Land-based fishers haven’t missed out either, with a variety of mackerel species landed off the wharves at Palm Cove and Clump Point at Mission Beach, a testament to how productive the platforms have been lately.
Spanish mackerel continue to be caught amongst the Spotty & School mackerel inshore and on the reef edges.
Spotty mackerel have been a regular capture on the reef edges for Dragon Lady Charters and schooled up thick inshore off Mission Beach & Tully.
Rivers & Estuaries
The estuaries remain in fine form, offering a diverse spread of species to those working the tides. Barramundi, mangrove jacks, and fingermark have all featured prominently, especially on live baits, soft plastic prawns, and diving minnows like the Daiwa Double Clutch. Rivers such as the Russell, Johnstone, Daintree, and Hinchinbrook systems have all been firing.
Grunter, queenfish, blue salmon, and flathead have been regular captures, with queenies smashing surface lures early at spots like the Russell River. Hinchinbrook and Mourilyan Harbour continue to produce barra, especially near snags, and the Cairns Inlet turned on some quality mangrove jacks, barra, and fingermark. Fishing the harbour flats on the bigger tides has also delivered good numbers of blue salmon and grunter, particularly on the run-out tides.
Lachlan Lavis was very excited to land this 68cm barramundi casting a Daiwa Double Clutch Lure.
Kynan Hale landed this 111cm barramundi fishing Cooktown recently.
Benson Crossley with his first barramundi caught off the Barron River Fishing Bridge.
Mud Crabs
It’s still prime time for crabbers, with muddies on the move in many systems. The Cairns Inlet, Hull River, and Hinchinbrook Channel are again hot spots. For best results, position your pots in gutters and creek drains, baited with fresh fish frames or chicken. The bigger tides will crab best.
Brendan Smith took his visiting family crabbing recently with success.
Weekend Outlook
As we edge toward the weekend, increasing winds look set to curtail offshore activity for most anglers. However, there’s still great fishing on offer in sheltered estuaries and inshore zones.
With the tides building toward the full moon, expect solid action on barra, jacks, and fingermark using live baits, soft plastics, and diving lures like the Double Clutch. The Cairns Inlet, Mourilyan Harbour, and Hinchinbrook Channel remain go-to options, with productive water still pushing through.
Early mornings on the Russell and similar systems should see queenfish and GTs smashing surface lures such as the Halco Roosta or Strada Pro Torment poppers before the wind sets in. Big grunters are another likely target on the flats and around river mouths during the run-out tide. Fresh mullet or garfish strips on light rigs will give you the edge. And with the stronger night tides, it’s a great time to chase mud crabs again as they’ll be on the move.
Early morning raids in the river mouths before the wind picks up should see good numbers of big queenfish caught on surface lures.
Fingermark like this ripper caught with All Tackle Sport Fishing in the Cairns Inlet will be highly sought this weekend.
Fish Tales Charters have been stuck into some nice jacks in the Cairns Inlet recently and will be another targeted species this weekend.
Kurt Sullivan landed this 82cm barra that took a soft plastic prawn. Anglers will look to target barra this weekend.
New Product Releases
Now in stock:
• Nomad Live Ops Soft Plastics
• “Lure Us In” Reaper Rigs
• Ika Squid Jig Value Sets
• New Shinto Trebles in 3X & 5X
Coming soon:
• Wilson Wild Shrimps
• Latest Shimano rods and reels
• New Daiwa rods and reels
• Many more exciting lures and accessories!
Keep an eye on our socials or drop by the store to check out the latest and greatest. There’s something for every angler this season.
Need gear, bait or just a bit of local advice?
Swing by Cairns Tackle World at 172 Aumuller Street, Bungalow to chat with your local independent fishing experts.