SPORTFISHING WITH REEL SCREAMER
Based in Port Douglas, one hour north of Cairns, Reel Screamer was designed for extended periods at sea in comfort. The adjacent Great Barrier Reef is known as the gateway to the best game fishing grounds in Australia.
One of the finest sportsfishing boats in Australian waters, the 17 m Reel Screamer provides all the comforts of home, combined with the opulence of a luxury hotel.
Reel Screamer is a comfortable home away from home for the duration of your expedition, with an open plan lounge, dining and entertainment area, and the privacy of 2 double staterooms (one with an ensuite). A forward V style 4 berth allows for additional accommodation.
Facilities include air conditioning, TV, DVD and video, CD and DVD libraries, water desalinator, ice maker and full bar facilities. Gourmet cuisine and a selection of premium Australian wines caps off the whole experience. From first class dining to a deserted island barbecue, the onboard chef will cater to all your individual needs. Dinner may be your catch of the day, cooked to perfection, or a tailored menu to suit any occasion.
FISHING
The fishing season never ends, with offshore and inshore opportunities for a variety of species at different times of the year. Reel Screamer is also fully equipped for estuary fishing.
Many anglers who come to Cairns are chasing billfish, and Reel Screamer offers several advantages in the quest to battle the legendary black marlin. These include the ability to easily move to where the largest numbers of fish are being caught, and anchoring overnight in sheltered lagoons means you are only minutes from the fishing grounds. Sea planes can be employed to transfer passengers, avoiding loss of valuable fishing time returning to port.
During the summer months, offshore waters stretching from the ‘Jewel of the Reef’, Lizard Island, south to Cairns, have produced more black marlin over 1000 lbs than anywhere else in the world. Couple this with a winter inshore black marlin and sailfish season, and average water temperatures at 24 degrees celsius (75 degrees farenheit) and the action never stops.
Fewer people have more expertise on the Great Barrier Reef than Reel Screamer skipper Mitch Hartwig. Mitch has a passion for blue water sport fishing, has spent 16 years working on charter boats and has captained Reel Screamer since 1996.
PLAYING
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the most exotic scuba diving locations in the world. Extending 2000 kilometres, this massive chain of coral reefs, cays, atolls and islands is teeming with an abundance of fish, corals, sponges and many other kinds of marine life. Reel Screamer can tailor your unique diving package, based on years of experience and local knowledge. Reel Screamer is fully equipped with all the necessary diving apparatus for an experience of discovery, from Coral Sea reefs to famous shipwrecks.
Visit places such as the Lockhardt River, Margaret Bay and Hinchinbrook Island, amongst many other exotic locations. Cruise by day and moor in a secluded lagoon under the Southern Cross by night. Reel Screamer offers the ultimate experience in cruising, diving and fishing.
BILL FISH SEASONS
SEASONGAMETACKLESeptember to DecemberGiant black marlin80 and 130 lb heavy tackle 50 lb stand upJuly to FebruarySmall black marlinLight tackle and fly fishingJanuary to MarchBlue80 and 130 lb heavy tackle 50 lb stand upJune to September and December to JanuaryPacific sailfishLight tackle and fly fishing