There is also a nice shiny brochure that you can download at the bottom of this page but the relevant information is below.
6 Full Days of Guided Fly Fishing
Flats, Estuary, and Blue Water
Key Target Species:
Permit (Trachinotus Blochii and Anak)
Triggerfish
Blackspot Tuskfish
Golden Trevally
Brassy Trevally
Giant Trevally (GTs)
Barramundi
Coral Trout and a range of other reef species
Your Escapade Flyfishing Adventure offers six full days of outstanding guided fly fishing across one of Australia’s most spectacular regions — Cooktown and the remote reefs off Cairns.
Starting from Cooktown, each trip is carefully planned around the tides and prevailing weather to ensure you enjoy the very best fishing opportunities.
The mothership moves as needed to put you on prime water each day. Most travel is done during the first afternoon and the final evening, so your time is maximised for fishing, not moving.
Fishing options include:
- Sight casting to tailing fish on the flats (either wading or fishing from your boat)
- Working reef edges for a mix of trevally, trout, mackerel and more
- Blue water channels targeting hard-fighting pelagic species
A typical fishing day runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, adjusted to suit your preferences, weather, and the best fishing tides.Fishing Gear and Terminal Tackle
Rods & Reels:
- 1 x 8-weight rod/reel with floating/intermediate (F/I) line
- 250m of 30lb backing
- Suggested line: Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Tropical / Jungle Clear Tip or similar
- 2 x 9 or 10-weight rods/reels for Permit, Golden Trevally, Barramundi, Queenfish
- One with Tropical Floating line
- One with F/I line
- 250m of 30lb backing
- Suggested lines: SA Sonar Titan Tropical / Jungle Clear Tip, SA Infinity Saltwater Taper, SA Grand Slam Clear Tip
- 1 x 12-weight rod/reel for GTs, Brassy Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Large Queenfish
- Floating line and fast sink tip (500–750 grain Sink Tip)
- 300m of 50lb backing
- Minimum 15lb drag (20lb preferred)
- Suggested lines: SA Big Water Taper #12 Floating, SA Sonar Sink Max 700gr
Leaders:
- Fluorocarbon: 16lb, 20lb, 25lb, 30lb, 40lb, 60lb, 100lb
- Tapered leaders: 16lb and 20lb (good for Permit)
Other Essentials:
- Pliers
- Clippers
- Hook sharpener
- Waterproof day pack or bum bag
- Waterproof fly boxes
FLY LIST
Permit, Golden Trevally, Tuskfish:
- Alphlexo Crab (Tan/Yellow or Clear/White legs), sizes 2 & 1/0 (2–3g) + extra heavy (4–5g)
- Alphlexo Crab with orange hotspot
- Beechies Pancake Crab, size 1/0
- Tan floating crabs, size 2 & 1/0
- Shrimp patterns (Triggerfish-style work well), size 1/0 to 2, mixed weights.
- https://saltwaterfliesaustralia.com
Barramundi & Mangrove Jack:
- Pink Things
- Barra Bunnies
- Barra Toads sizes 1/0 to 2/0 (also bring some smaller, down to size 2)
GTs, Brassy Trevally, Tuna, Spanish Mackerel, Queenfish, Coral Trout:
- Clousers
- Surf Candies
- Brush Flies (4/0 to 6/0)
- Fatboys
- Piper-style patterns
- Colours: tan/white, black, chartreuse/white
Surface flies:
- NYAP
- Double Barrel Poppers (4/0 to 6/0)
CLOTHING & OTHER ITEMS TO BRING
Weather:
- Warm tropical climate: 28–32°C (82–90°F)
- Long days in the sun with wading, boat travel and mothership time
- No laundry onboard bring enough for the full trip
Fishing & Day Wear:
- Waterproof shell jacket (Goretex, Patagonia H2NO, or similar)
- 2 x quick-dry long pants
- 2 x quick-dry shorts
- 4 x quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (collared or hooded; 3 minimum, 4 better)
- Long ‘skins’ pants/tights for wading (compulsory August onwards)
- Hat with good sun protection (wide brim recommended)
- 2 x polarised sunglasses (bring a spare pair)
- Neck buff or gaiter (sun protection)
- Flats wading boots & neoprene wading socks (essential)
- Sandals/thongs / Crocs/flip-flops for onboard use
Casual Clothing (Evening / On Board):
- Lightweight T-shirts or singlets
- 1 pair of casual shorts
- Lightweight fleece or hoodie (cooler evenings/aircon)
- Underwear — enough for full trip
- Thick & thin socks
Other Essentials:
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Insect repellent (small bottle for boat/mothership)
- Toiletries & personal items
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Camera or GoPro
- Dry bags or waterproof pouches (for tenders/skiffs)
Packing Tip:
You will likely wear your fishing shirts and shorts most days bring enough to rotate. We can do some hand washing if needed, but best to pack what you’ll need.
