October –> November
Cairns is long recognised world-wide as the most reliable location to catch a 1000lb black marlin — and the Australian black marlin charter fleet, with a strong conservation-minded focus, has been fishing these water for almost 60 years since the very first grander class black marlin was caught in these waters in September 1966.
The Cairns giant black marlin season runs annually from late September to early December with peak period generally considered any time in October or November. During our live aboard season we follow the fish up and down the 100+ mile stretch of reef between Cairns and Lizard Island in order to put you onto the very best possible fishing!
If you haven’t fished a Cairns marlin fishing season, some may say you haven’t fished at all…..
And if you’ve fished here once, you’re sure to be back!
The biggest fish are females and they are accompanied by numbers of smaller males in the 100-200kg range, monsters themselves in many respects. They are drawn to the area by both an abundant food supply and warmer water along the reef edge at this time of year as well and the proximity of other breeding age fish.
World-class extends beyond just the Cairns giant black marlin!
We are fishing the edge along a stretch of the Great Barrier Reef that between Cairns in the south to Lizard Island in the north called the “Ribbon Reefs”.
It is truly a very special part of the world!
A typical day on the reef might be a swim (snorkel/spearfish for reef fish) and/or fish in the morning (for bait and sport fish, throwing poppers for GTs etc) before we head out to fish for the big marlin before lunch – all depending on what part of the reef we are fishing on.
At night time we enjoy drinks and eating, chatting and reviewing the days footage from our on board cameras on comfortable reef anchorages, just minutes from where we are fishing.
Fishing in these beautiful locations, the scenery is an amazing bonus!
Captain Luke Fallon
Long considered one of the best and most professional operators, Luke strives to ensure not only that our valued clients get amongst the very best fishing, but enjoy all the reef has to offer on what in many cases is the trip of a lifetime!
While in his career he has been a part of many big fish captures, his biggest a massive 1298lbs, these days Luke is one of the most conservation-minded skippers on the reef and fishes exclusively catch and release. He is also a staunch proponent of circle hooks.
Luke is a fully qualified Master IV (<24m NC) and MED1 (Marine Engineer). He operates under his Queensland Fisheries Fishing Charter License and by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permit.
Trips are fully catered and all tackle is supplied.
HISTORY CAIRNS black marlin
The Cairns giant black marlin season was established in the 1970’s after the first 1000lb black marlin was weighed by angler Richard Obach fishing with Captain George Bransford on 25 September, 1966.
Since then, more big black marlin have been caught (and these days in the vast majority, released) in the waters off Cairns than anywhere else in the world!
The black marlin (Makaira Indica) is the least common of all marlin species. They are usually found in tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific and east Pacific oceans such as Cairns on the north east coast of Australia where the black marlin fishing is considered the best in the world!
The black marlin is one of the fastest fish on earth and is highly sought after among big game fisherman around the world. If you are an experienced marlin fisherman (or woman!), or a complete novice, Cairns Giant Black Marlin Season should be the number 1 option your list of your next big game fishing adventures!
Get in touch with Luke and Kelly via email or the socials below to book your trip of a lifetime!