August and September are two of the busiest months on the North Queensland fishing calendar, with a huge range of competitions and events taking place across the region.
Whether you're looking to spend a relaxing day on the water with family and friends or you're keen to chase trophies, prize money and bragging rights, there's an event for everyone. From family-friendly competitions to the iconic 60th Anniversary Cairns Black Marlin Tournament, now is the perfect time to get involved.
2026 NQ Billfish Shootout
The action kicks off with the 2026 NQ Billfish Shootout, a three-round series hosted by three of North Queensland's premier game fishing clubs.
Round 1: Townsville Game Fishing Club
- Skippers Briefing & Calcutta: 12 August
- Fishing: 13 to 15 August
Round 2: Innisfail Game Fishing Club
- Skippers Briefing: Father's Day, 6 September
- Fishing: 7 to 9 September
Round 3: Cairns Bluewater Game Fishing Club
- Skippers Briefing: 16 September
- Fishing: 17 to 19 September
Boats can compete in any individual round, however competitors must fish at least two rounds to qualify for the overall Shootout rankings and cash prizes.
Registrations for the series close on Wednesday, 12 August, prior to Round 1, so if you've been thinking about entering, don't leave it too late.
Register or find out more: trybooking.com/events/landing/1591881
Ribbons Bash
The first weekend of September brings the popular Ribbons Bash, proudly presented by the Ribbons Ladies Game Fishing Club.
This family-friendly competition welcomes anglers of all ages and experience levels, with fishing taking place on Saturday, 5 September across an enormous area stretching from Mourilyan Harbour to the Daintree River, including Lake Tinaroo.
Measure & Release Species
- barramundi
- threadfin salmon
- mangrove jack
Catch & Weigh Species
- nannygai
- Spanish mackerel
- coral trout
- red emperor
- wahoo
- dogtooth tuna
- longtail tuna
- yellowfin tuna
Junior anglers also have the opportunity to target Spanish flag (stripey).
Presentations and a BBQ will be held at Yorkey's Knob Boat Club on Sunday, 6 September, which also happens to be Father's Day. It's a great excuse to enjoy a sausage sizzle, check out the catches, or better yet, spend the weekend competing alongside Dad.
More information: ribbons.org.au/ribbons-bash
Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association: 60th Anniversary Black Marlin Tournament
One of the biggest events on the Australian game fishing calendar returns this September, celebrating 60 years since the first 1,000-pound (grander) black marlin was landed off Cairns.
The tournament attracts boats and crews from across Australia, and this year's milestone event is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with a fleet of 49 nominated boats and many of the sport's biggest names expected to compete.
Tentative Schedule
- Briefing: 21 September
- Fishing: 22 to 25 September
- Presentation: 26 September
Expect some incredible numbers of black marlin tagged and released, along with some truly spectacular fish. It's sure to be a tournament worth following.
Find out more: cpgfa.asn.au/60th
Tinaroo Barra Bash
The ever-popular Tinaroo Barra Bash returns once again, bringing anglers together for one of North Queensland's favourite freshwater competitions.
Whether you're fishing for fun or determined to chase the biggest barra of the weekend, everyone is welcome.
Fishing begins at 6:00pm on Friday, 25 September, and continues right through until 8:30am on Sunday, 27 September. With fishing allowed throughout the night, expect plenty of dedicated anglers to sacrifice sleep in pursuit of a trophy fish.
For registrations and more information: tinaroobarrabash.com.au
Proudly Supporting Local Fishing
Cairns Tackle World is proud to support and sponsor all of these fishing events right here in Cairns.
If you're thinking about entering any of these competitions, need advice on where to start, or simply want to make sure you're geared up for success, drop into the store and have a chat with our team. We'd be more than happy to help you get out on the water with the right gear and local knowledge.
Good luck to everyone competing, and we'll see you on the water!