Blue marlin in Cape Verde and Hawaii (or Australia), striped marlin in Cabo San Lucas and New Zealand (or Australia), black marlin in …… Australia, Australia and Australia!
Sure there are other great destinations for black marlin emerging but for reliability, beyond just the Cairns giant black marlin season Australia is a top destination for anyone wanting to chase black marlin of any size. We have many guests fish with us to tick the black marlin off their Billfish Royal Slam list!
Cairns offers anglers the chance to battle the giant black marlin in one of the world’s most productive and iconic fisheries.
Every year from September to December, the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef transform into a hotbed for giant black marlin, attracting anglers from around the world. It’s not just fishing — it’s a world-class sportfishing experience unlike anywhere else!
The stretch between Lizard Island and Ribbon Reefs offers deep canyons, reef edges, and bait-rich waters—perfect habitat for the big marlin and the pelagics that accompany them.
But the giant black marlin are not the only black marlin on offer in Cairns. The winter run of juvenile fish – the first year product of the previous giant black marlin season – are a favourite of light tackle specialists and angling families alike. They are great fun for kids and others trying marlin fishing for the first time and should be first on your list of Australian marlin fishing charters.
South East Queensland
South East Queensland offers some of the most accessible and exciting black marlin fishing on Australia’s east coast. Each year, juvenile black marlin migrate south with the warm currents, bringing exceptional light tackle sportfishing to areas like Fraser Island and Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
These juvenile blacks, typically ranging from 20 to 80 kilograms, arrive in big numbers from October through March, providing fast-paced, visual fishing in relatively calm, inshore waters.
What makes this fishery truly special is its accessibility. Anglers can target black marlin just a few kilometres from the coast, with many fish caught in shallow water on light gear—perfect for trailer boats and day charters.
Exmouth has quickly earned a reputation as one of Australia’s premier game fishing destinations. While the region is best known for its prolific blue marlin fishery, black marlin fishing in Exmouth is an underrated gem that offers incredible opportunities for anglers chasing these fish.Black marlin are caught off Exmouth year-round, but the bite typically fires up during the warmer months between November and April.
The continental shelf lies close to shore, meaning you can be fishing in deep, pelagic waters just a short run from the marina. From Ningaloo Reef to the canyons off the Cape, Exmouth offers a unique mix of inshore and offshore grounds where black marlin patrol in search of bait.
Whether you’re fishing light tackle for smaller blacks or heavy gear for serious specimens, Exmouth delivers consistent action in a spectacular and remote setting.
New South wales
New South Wales offers anglers a varied, exciting and dynamic black marlin fishery. Prime angling opportunities stretch along the coast from Coffs Harbour in the north, south to Port Stephens and right down to Bermagui.This is part of the annual summer juvenile black marlin migration along the east coast. These fish follow the warm ocean currents and bait school and bring fast-paced light tackle action to the coast.
The peak season typically runs from December through April, with some of the most reliable marlin fishing found just a few kilometres off the coast.
Whether trolling skipbaits offshore or casting to fish feeding on bait balls inshore, black marlin fishing in New South Wales offers something for every angler—from seasoned game fishers to first-timers chasing their first billfish.
Expert Local Guides: Our experienced charter crews have spent years developing knowledge and experience of local conditions, seasonal patterns, and techniques that will make the difference on your Australian Black Marlin Charter.
Charter Options: range from full-day, overnight, or multi-day liveaboard trips tailored to your goals—whether you’re targeting a personal best or just ticking marlin off your fishing bucket list.
Book Your Australian Marlin Fishing Charter Today
Ready to experience the best of marlin fishing in Australia? Whether you’re heading north to Cairns or west to Exmouth, booking a professional marlin fishing charter is the first step to a truly epic fishing adventure. Get in touch to start planning your adventure.