Heavy Tackle - Giant Black Marlin Game Fishing- Marlin Fishing Charters

Private Fishing Charters - Game Fishing Cairns - Marlin Fishing Cairns


Giant Black Marlin Fishing the deep blue waters between Cairns and Lizard Island and out to the continental shelf is unquestionably the World's premier location for prestigious game fishing and that is why it is attractive to many anglers from around the globe.
Black Marlin Fishing peak season runs from September through to end December and this is generally the best time to come and experience the very best in Australian Game Fishing in Cairns.
Big Fish Down Under and Moana III, 47ft luxury Private Charter Boat, operate exclusive Heavy Tackle Game fishing charters. There are more 1,000lb+ black marlin are caught in these waters in the Marlin season than all the other known grounds in the world put together, making it arguably the number one game fishing region on the planet.

These marine giants congregate along the seaward edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and along the 150 NM edge of the continental shelf and from Lizard Island and the Ribbon Reefs to the north, to south of Cairns. This is what makes our region so desirable with the reliability of their return each season.
Many years of tag and release fishing and use of circle hooks by the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association has ensured this area remains the most sustainable fishery for the Giant Black Marlin in the world.
The largest Black Marlin caught in Far North Queensland waters weighed 655kg (1446lb)!

To catch these Giant predators of the sea, we use custom built 130lb IGFA class rods and Penn International 2 speed reels and big baits of up to 40 pounds. Captain Daniel and the team on Moana III catch Black Marlin, 800 to 1000 pounds (granders) on a very regular basis and are still chasing that world record!
Imagine the thrill of that spectacular strike and the fight of your life to pull in that magical 1000 pounder by day, then telling the story whilst enjoying a cold beer, as you watch the sunset over cobalt blue reef waters of the Great Barrier Reef!

But its not just about the thrill of Black Marlin Fishing, other species caught on heavy tackle include Striped and Blue Marlin, Sail Fish, Dorado, Wahoo and Tuna.
Day trips from Cairns is an option, however the best way to experience this incredible Marlin Fishing is to book an extended charter of 2-7 days and we are happy to do longer trips if required. If you're a serious angler or just a beginner, you really owe it to yourself to give this ultimate Heavy Tackle Black Marlin Fishing a go.

Primarily the best fishing time for Black Marlin is in the afternoon, so we offer other options to fill in your morning including; swimming, snorkelling around the beautiful coral gardens, enjoying the most superb sunrises or just sleeping in!
We chase these activities with some light tackle fishing to catch some fresh fish for dinner or top up on bait and at the same time make our way out past the edge of the continental shelf where we put the 130lb outfits in the water and track down those huge creatures of the deep, the magnificent Giant Black Marlin.

Mother Shipping and Larger Groups

Moana III is a liveaboard private charter boat however, for the extra comfort the option of a mother ship is available for the ultimate in 5 star accommodation and dining experience.
This concept involves Moana III returning each day after chasing Giant Black Marlin to a very comfortable vessel anchored in the calm waters behind the Great Barrier Reef.

The Cairns Fishing fleet of mother ships offers a range in size, comfort and affordability. Evenings on board mother ships are spent enjoying beautifully prepared meals and cocktails followed by mornings of snorkelling, scuba diving, spear fishing, sport fishing or just relaxing.
A maximum of 4 people applies for live on board Moana III.
Larger Groups
For larger groups, we are able to organise other game fishing boats to join Moana III and/or a mothership should you so desire.

Lizard Island - Giant Black Marlin Fishing


For those who wish to indulge in the ultimate in islands, Lizard Island is a superior option. A range of accommodation is available if you prefer to stay on land while Moana III anchors in the bay overnight. In the morning it is only 30 minutes run to the pristine game fishing grounds for Giant Black Marlin Fishing. This is a perfect option for those not wanting to stay on board overnight. The captain can take care of these arrangements for you.

  • 2004 - Lizard Island Giant Black Marlin Classic
  • Skipper Daniel and Crew of Moana III - Winner of the Biggest Marlin Title. Angler Kirill Kulazhko.
  • 2008 - Lizard Island Giant Black Marlin Classic
  • Skipper Daniel and Crew of Moana III - 6th Place among 35 vessels


    • What's Included with Giant Black Marlin Fishing Charters Cairns


  • Crew - Skipper, Host, Deck Hand
  • All fishing equipment and bait
  • Snorkelling gear including sun suits
  • Towels and Sunscreen
  • Bed linen (Overnight/Extended trips)
  • Water and light refreshments
  • Standard beer & wine (Limited. RSA applies)
  • Morning Tea (fruit platter)
  • Lunch - Fresh Local Ocean Prawns, salads, cold meats and dessert
  • Afternoon Tea - Snacks /cheese platter
  • Two course dinner menus (Overnight/Extended Trips) including; Lamb Roast and freshly caught fish cooked with our secret herbs and spices.


    • What to bring - Black Marlin Fishing Adventure


  • Comfortable and practical clothing
  • A warm/weatherproof jacket
  • Good sun protection clothing
  • Cameras and accessories to capture the unforgettable moments


    • Departure ports - Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown or Lizard Island.

    Our trips offer spectacular fishing, so we look forward to having you on board to share our passion and knowlege of Black Marlin Fishing.
    The Heavy Tackle Marlin Fishing season fills quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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    Black Marlin Fishing - Australian Game Fishing - Fishing Charters Cairns
    Marlin Fishing
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