The Gulf of Carpentaria is a large, warm and shallow body of water in Northern Australia. It is bordered by Queensland in the east and south, the Northern Territory in the west and the Arafura Sea to the north.
The Gulf is 600 klm north-south and 500 klm east-west and only 70 mts deep at its deepest. Over 20 rivers drain into the gulf and its mangrove lined shores a very sparsely populated due to its isolation.
All of this makes the Gulf an incredibly productive destination for fly fishing and sports fishing alike. It is full of Barramundi, Queenfish, Mackerel, Trevally, Permit, Tarpon, Salmon and Mangrove Jack... just to name a few. There are over 50 recorded species in the Gulf just waiting for you and your rod.
The Gulf is also the home of many large and small Estuarine Crocodiles and is one of the countries best prawn fishing areas.
The main fishing season varies according to species but generally it is April to November due to the wet season over December to March. Permit and Tarpon are best fished between May and October. Most of the other more common fly targeted species, some of which are mentioned above, are more active during the warmer months.
The run-off happens after the wet season when all the water is running off the flood plains into the rivers and the Gulf. This is generally April and May but it depends on the duration and severity of the wet. The other major season is the build up from late September to November. This is the time of year when humidity, air and water temperatures are building up to the start of the wet.
Accommodation
The ship we use in the Gulf of Carpentaria is called the Tropic Paradise which is a 62 foot catamaran cruiser. She is fully surveyed and licensed to carry guests in absolute comfort and safety, fitted with all modern conveniences. She has air-conditioning, 240 volt power, hot water, refrigeration and ice machine.
The ship boasts household size toilets, large airy 2 bed cabins with cupboards for adequate personal storage, large comfortable house hold size beds with personal reading lights.
The dining and lounge area is fully equipped with CD player, TV's and videos and there is an enormous shaded upper deck for relaxation, entertainment and barbecues.
She will be your home away from home whilst you fish the fish rich waters of Cape York Peninsula in Australia's remote far north.
Guides
The Tropic Paradise carries up to three fishing guides all of whom are professional and very experienced in Gulf fishing. They will teach you the intricacies of fishing in these warm and tropical waters and ensure you hook up on as many species as possible. Whether casting at the snags for "Barra" or drifting down on tailing Permit, their guidance and experience will put you in the best position.
If you prefer you can go off and do your own thing. Armed with a map and local knowledge, you can explore the inshore estuaries and river systems in one of the safe and user friendly skiffs that accompany the mothership.
Equipment
The ship also has a number of purpose built custom sports fishing boats which will take two fishers and a guide with plenty of space. These are designed to give maximum stability and they also draw minimal water allowing them to get into the shallow waters surrounding reefs and mangroves. The ship is equipped with professional quality lure fishing tackle and gear. The equipment is provided to clients on a replace if lost or damaged basis.
We suggest you bring your own fly fishing gear. Contact us for a recommended list of what to bring.
Other Activities
- Crocodile spotting
- Bird watching
- Mud crabbing
Getting There
The ship departs from Bamaga near the tip of Cape York in Northern Queensland. It is necessary to catch a plane from Cairns to Bamaga which departs at 8.15am. This will normally require clients to overnight in Cairns prior to departure for the Cape. The return plane will arrive back in Cairns at 12.30 pm.
Other Destinations
Many people choose to spend some more time exploring Cairns and the surrounding area before or after their "Gulf" adventure. We can arrange other short duration fishing trips for you from Cairns. Please enquire for details.