May to September is the season for small black marlin and sailfish – excellent fishing on light tackle – while September to December is the season for giant black marlin. For starters, Cairns has developed an international reputation as a game-fishing centre. So much attention is focussed on barramundi that there’s a tendency to forget that there are other fish in the sea. Barramundi go off the bite when water temperatures drop in June, although live bait can still get results. Sadly for most visitors, however, the barra fishing and holiday periods don’t coincide. Rinyirru National Park is probably the best place on the Peninsula to catch a barra. Barra can be caught off rocky headlands and in freshwater streams, billabongs, and estuaries, with the most productive period being mid-September to mid-May. Not only that, they’re good eating – particularly those caught in salt water. Growing to 30kg, this magnificent sports fish is noted for its aggressive strike, strong run and explosive leaps as it tries to throw the hook. It’s probably fair to say that most visiting anglers are fuelled by the desire to catch a large barramundi. Also, you won’t be wasting precious holiday time trying to find the fish, or getting stressed by the damage the bad roads are doing to your boat and trailer. While the latter may seem like an expensive way to go, it wouldn’t be a lot more than the independent option once you take into account running and repair costs. You can be independent and take your own boat, leave your boat at home and hire one when you get there, or take a charter.

Wild west new frontier fishing video