Ross Finlayson Marlin Charters

Ross Finlayson Marlin Charters

The light to medium tackle game fishing and bluewater sportfishing off Cairns is generally excellent year round, providing great action and good eating!

Before Cairns was recognised as the �?�¢??Home to the Giant Black Marlin�?�¢?? more than 4 decades ago, it was an established fishing mecca for a huge variety of pelagic sportfish found in the surrounding cobalt waters.

The winter months (May to September) are best for targeting Spanish mackerel (king mackerel), sailfish and juvenile black marlin (up to 100lbs).

The warmer months (October to March) provide good fishing for wahoo, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, big Spanish mackerel (up to 100lbs), sailfish and black marlin (100 to 250lbs).

Capt Ross and his crew on the Top Shot use lures, live baits and natural dead baits. Preferred lures range from bibless minnows to minnow style bibbed lures for mac tuna, Spanish mackerel and other species.

For marlin and sailfish, preferred lures are of the pusher style, such as Moldcraft and Pakula. Live baits used are yakkas, trevally, pilchards, pinkies and gobbers. The most prominent dead baits used are mullet and gar fish (ballyhoo). These are extremely effective on all species. ...read more