Australia's waters are abundant with roughly 4,000 marine fish species. We've got tropical fish up north, reef fish around the coast, and many different species in temperate waters down south. The variety is overwhelming, from massive pelagic predators to small, colourful reef dwellers. It gives an excellent opportunity for every angler, but also requires extensive knowledge of various fishing techniques. If you want to catch specific fish instead of just hoping for the best, this guide will help you choose the best gear, the best bait, and the best place and time.
Tropical North Queensland - Your Destination for Species Fishing
The waters around Cairns offer some of Australia's finest fishing opportunities. You've got the Great Barrier Reef for Coral Trout and Mackerel, deep offshore waters for marlin and tuna, and various land-based spots and estuaries for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and Queenfish.
From the most finicky fish to the biggest predators, each species has different feeding habits, preferred habitats, and behaviours that directly impact how you target them. You can't use the same approach to catch a delicate Bream as you would for a monster Marlin. It just won't work. So, if you don't want to go home empty-handed, you'll need specific gear, bait, technique, and timing matching what each fish wants. Let's break down the most popular Qld fish species.
Black Marlin
Starting off strong with one of Australia's most prized species, the Black Marlin is what serious anglers dream about. This fish species is massive and puts up an incredible fight. It's the king of Australian game fish, abundant around Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
What you need to know:
- Season: September to December. During this period, they migrate through our northern waters in impressive numbers, so it's the best time to run the spread..
- Location: Outer reef areas and deep water off the continental shelf.
- Gear: You need heavy tackle—that's a rule. Think 24-37kg rods with strong overhead reels like Shimano Tiagra. Use heavy braid, for instance, Shimano Pitbull 8 Braid PE8 will suffice for light tackle setups but if you are after a 1000lb fish PE12 12 braid or higher is crucial. Circle hooks with live bait, as they significantly improve hook-up rates and fish survival are a great option but more commonly used are Skirts and Teaser spreads which mimic an entire school of bait following your boat.
- Technique: Seasoned Marlin anglers use outriggers and downriggers to spread baits wide and employ skip baits that dance across the surface. Teasers and dredges are used to catch the fish's attention and raise it from the deep water where lures are deployed to entice a strike. It may take 5 minutes or 5 days to land one but it is an unforgettable experience and one every angler strives for.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets—fast, aggressive, hard fighting and incredible tasty.. This l pelagic fish species is found around Australia's coastline, mainly in blue water and particularly in Queensland.
What you need to know:
- Season: All year. However, they're particularly active during warmer months when baitfish are most abundant.
- Location: Inshore and offshore reefs, and anywhere you see bait schools. They are ambush predators that love structure and moving water.
- Gear: Medium-heavy spinning gear works best. Use quality saltwater lures like the Reaper 110 and Reaper 130 from Austackle and a wire trace leader. Spanish Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular lines like butter.
- Technique: Troll metal lures or hard bodies early in the morning. Spanish Mackerel are visual feeders, so anything that flashes and moves erratically will grab their attention. Work the lures fast; these fish love speed.
Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna
Tunas are pure power. Once you hook one, you'll understand why people get addicted to tuna fishing. You can find both Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna in Queensland waters.
What you need to know:
- Season: All year, best in summer.
- Location: Offshore, where the deep water meets bait schools. Look for diving seabirds as they’ll feed on the same baitfish that attract Tuna.
- Gear: To handle these powerhouse fish species, you'll need a good Shimano Sahara spinning reel with a strong braid and a shock leader. Jigs, metal slugs and poppers work great for Tuna.
- Technique: When you see birds diving, get your lures in the water fast. Tuna are opportunistic feeders, and when they're in feeding mode, they'll smash almost anything that moves through the school.
Coral Trout and Red Emperor
Reef fishing species offer a different experience, but they're also a good sport. Coral Trout and Red Emperor are the kings of reef fishing, and the best place to catch them is Cairns.
What you need to know:
- Season: Year-round.
- Location: Reef edges, bommies, and structure. These Australian fish species are ambush predators that use the reef for cover while hunting.
- Gear: Get a bottom bouncing combo with paternoster rigs and 6/0 to 8/0 Octopus Beak Hooks with some heavy snapper sinkers or if you love jigging grab a few slow-pitch jigs and a jigging rod like the GENESIS Offshore jigging series carbon kevlar rods..
- Technique: Coral Trout and Red Emperor prefer live bait like fresh squid and pilchards. However, you can use realistic soft plastics. Tap your sinker on the ocean floor three times to mimic a dying baitfish and then let the sinker sit on the bottom with your baits suspended , and be ready for solid hits. Once you find the spot, sit there. Reds often school and hang out on the same structure. If you haven’t had a bite in a while, check your bait or try to find another spot. When Jigging don’t come too far off the bottom, you will be more likely to catch a mid-water species if you are 20m from the ocean floor
Final Tips
Study your target species and be ready to adjust your approach based on conditions. You should remain prepared with durable gear and a tackle box filled with various lures, rigs, sinkers, and hooks. There are no tackle shops on the water so good preparation is essential. At Fishing Superstore, you can find ready-made sets and fish-specific options. Plus, we are always happy to chat about fishing, share insights, and offer advice on the best tackle for your needs. So, if you're heading to Cairns with a trophy fish in mind, stop by to stock up for success!
Species FAQs
1. What’s the best time to catch Marlin in Cairns?
From September to December, during the Black Marlin migration. Fish early morning or late afternoon when they're most active.
2. How do I avoid losing Spanish Mackerel to bite-offs?
Use wire traces or heavy fluorocarbon leaders (40-60lb) to prevent line breakage from sharp teeth. Keep your leader short - about 30cm is enough.
3. Is Tuna fishing better inshore or offshore?
Offshore drop-offs and bait schools provide the best chance for Tuna action.
4. What fishing line for Marlin?
Use a heavy braid (50-80lb) with a fluorocarbon leader (100-200lb) to give you the capacity and strength to handle the Marlin's bill and rough mouth.
5. Where to fish for Yellowfin Tuna?
Drop-offs, seamounts, and current lines are prime spots. Look for diving birds and bait concentrations.
6. What is the best line for Mackerel fishing?
Choose a 20-30lb braid mainline with a 40-60lb fluorocarbon or wire trace leader.
7. How hard is it to catch a Marlin fish?
It's challenging but not impossible. The hardest part is finding them and getting them to bite. Once hooked, they're tough fighters, but with proper gear and technique, most anglers can land one.
