The inshore bluewater fishing off the tropical north coastline has lots to offer if the weather permits, from popping for GT's to jigging wrecks & headlands for fingermark (golden snapper). There are plenty of different target species and different fishing styles. Light tackle jigging, soft plastics, trolling and high speed spin fishing are different methods used to keep rods bent as much as possible. Tuna and other pelagics frequent the inshore islands and isolated reef and rubble marks produce a range of reef species including coral tout and nannigai. This tour is subject to weather conditions, during winter the south easterly tradewind restrict us from operating these trips. However through out the summer months we get good periods of light wind and calm seas.
Join us for a day of tropical backcountry fishing in the rainforest rivers and stream of the far north Queensland region .
This is one for the bird watchers and nature lovers, let us take you off the beaten track to experience the beauty of far north Queensland and its inhabitants. Whether your a keen photographer or just want to go for a private boat ride this is the trip for you. We'll head up stream and check out some local wildlife and explore our mangrove lined systems. Through out winter the saltwater crocodiles can be found basking in the sun. There's plenty of birdlife as well, watching kingfishers feed along the river banks or resident sea eagles soaring above there section of the river. Upstream in the fresh we sometimes come across water dragons and having an electric motor fitted to the vessel allows us to move in silence without disturbing the peace. Cairns and Far North Queensland is a surrounded by world herritage rainforest and pristine tropical coastline. It provides amazing bird watching and attracts international visitors each year for the unique species found in the regon.
The options for fly fishing in Cairns and the far north vary from chasing jungle perch in a mountain stream to site casting on the flats on a tropical island. For the southern trout anglers chasing jungle perch and sooty grunter in a rainforest environment is a great way to escape the cold, wading upstream in the middle of winter in a pair of board shorts with a 5wt in hand.
The Cairns region has many coastal river systems that meander from the mountains down through the mangrove forests and into the ocean. These tidal systems can provide excellent sportfishing for barramundi, mangrove jack, trevally, queenfish and tarpon just to name a few. Depending on the moon, tide and time of year we'll either head up to the fresh where there are lagoons and feeder drains or stay down in the tidal sections. The guide will have guests casting snags, throwing surface lures and jigging vibes and plastics in the deep. If the winds are light and the tides are big we'll head out the front and fish coastal mangrove flats for some sight casting action.
Lake Tinaroo is situated in the Cairns hinterland just over an hours drive from the Cairns cbd and is home to some of the biggest barramundi in the country. It is the first ever stocked barramundi impoundment and is well known for many world record captures . The Lake is stocked annually with thousands of fingerlings and they dont stop growing! Generally in the warmer months (September through to May) the barra are more active and easier to catch. These fish can becaught on lure or fly and are more active around certain lunar cycles, the fish movements are more predictable and they are easier to target.
Available Dates 2023
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Join us for an epic adventure to a secluded sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
Tropical North Queensland is home to some of the best remote fishing destinations in Australia. Our backcountry Heli trips offer 3 days fishing in unique and pristine locations in the far north. Helicopter is the only way to access the upper sections of these rivers and we are the only operation offering these truly wild multi-day fishing adventures.
Join us for a remote adventure as we head North of Cairns to Princess charlotte bay or West to the Gulf of Carpenteria. These trips offer 3 full days of Barramundi fishing in remote locations. Fully catered trips 2 or 4 anglers, we'll even pick you up from the airport.
Best tides for 2023
Explore the remote rivers of Princess Charlotte Bay and experience the best Barramundi fishing on the East coast of Australia.
We regularly book week-long trips and remote charters that require a lot of communication and co-ordination. Please use this form to contact us directly via email at any time.
Remote multi day heli adventure
There are multiple river systems and fishing scenarios on offer. From inland gorge country targeting barramundi, sooty grunter and mangrove jack. Or chopper in to the headwaters of our rainforest systems chasing the elusive 50cm jungle perch. The upper reaches of these rivers are otherwise inaccessible, providing untouched waterways full of fish.
Each day we hike up or down stream fishing large rock pools wth rapids and some of the systems have still lagoon sections with lily pads for the barramundi.
We share some of the rivers with saltwater crocs, it’s amazing to see them so far upstream in their wild state.
Guests and guides will be dropped off to a base camp location in the morning of the first day . We will camp for 3 nights in total. Each day we will fish up or down stream returning to base each day where the guides will prepare meals and set up hiking hammocks for guest sleeping arrangements. Pre cooked meals and backcountry freeze dried food will be served for dinners.
Breakfast and coffee will be prepared for guests each morning before setting off for the days fishing. Light lunches will be taken fishing each day. Muesli bars and nuts will be packed to keep energy levels high for hiking. Each guest will have a water bottle and purifying tablets will be available if needed. The guides will also offer hyrdolites to keep you going.
Day 1600am- Pick up from accomodation in Cairns & transport to Aero Dome 700am- Saftey briefing from helicopter pilot and TSF guides 800am- Board helicopter for scenic flight and ending at base camp 900am- Arrive at base camp where guides have already set up 930am- Rig up and go fishing600pm -Return to base camp for dinner, camp fire / sleep
Day 2630am - Breakfast / coffee730am- Set out fishing for the day600pm- Return to base camp for dinner, camp fire / sleep
Day 3630am - Breakfast / coffee730am- Set out fishing for the day600pm- Return to base camp for dinner, camp fire / sleep
Day 4630am- Breakfast / coffee / pack down730am - Set out fishing100pm- group 1 Return to base camp to meet chopper 200pm- group 2 Return to base camp to meet chopper 330pm - Depart Aero Dome500pm- Arrive Cairns accomodation / airport
A level of fitness is required for these trips and wading boots are essential as they are walk and wade expeditions. Anglers will walk up to 4km in a day over rugged terrain. Guides will be there to ensure the health and Saftey of each person and offer a personalised guided experience.
Each guide will carry a first aid kit, a satellite phone and a have a pack raft and rope in their kit for saftey. In some locations there are saltwater crocodiles. Guides will brief guests on Saftey around croc country. Water in the creeks / systems is safe to drink but water purifying tablets will be on offer for added saftey.
It is important that guest keep gear to a minimum as space is limited in the helicopter. All camping gear is supplied and prepared by the guides. Guests are only required to bring personal clothing items, toiletries and minimal fishing gear. Go Pros are ideal for these trips if you would like to bring a camera. Please get in touch any time with any further questions regarding the trip.