I love fishing in the Kimberley. I’m not actually a ‘fisherman myself (or is it fisher person nowadays?) but in the Kimberley it is just too tempting. I can often be heard saying “I only fish in the Kimberley” which does sound like I am very full of myself!
First time fisherman
Some vessels that do not have these licences, may sometimes offer an impromptu fishing opportunity. This would be a quick excursion in a tender for people to throw a hand line into the water to see what can be caught. But they must release what they catch and the opportunity will only be there if there are enough people interested.
If fishing is important to you as regards choosing the right Kimberley cruise then thats something you need to mention straightaway.
A good morning’s work
Better than a day in the office
Our very own Justine Marcello with her valiant fishing effort
As mentioned before, the cruises that we offer are general expedition trips along the beautiful Kimberley coast. If fishing is offered then it is just one of the activities offered as a compliment to seeing all the must see icons of the Kimberley. If you are only after a fishing trip then these departures are not for you.
And if you are not interested in fishing that’s absolutely fine. I often hear from people who say, ‘my partner likes to fish but I am not interested’. I’ve been lucky enough to be on many Kimberley cruises and there was never a time when every single person on the boat went out for fishing.
Whereas on those vessels that do offer fishing it is constantly available and you’ll find the crew won’t need much persuading to take you out.
I do however recommend you go out at least once to do some fishing; it’s so much fun and you end up in these beautiful river systems and places you would not normally venture into. I have been known to go out and fish for a little while and then sit back and “enjoy the serenity” or just read my book. On a few occasions I have quit after I’ve lost about the 4th bait. This is as much to save the sanity of the person who had to keep hooking it for me!
The Kimberley is the home of Australia’s premier sportfish, Barramundi.which is the fish most people dream of catching when visiting the region. Barramundi is the name given to the fish by the Aboriginal people meaning large scaled fish. Although the Barramundi does not rate high on the menu for Aboriginal people it is often depicted in stories and art throughout the Kimberley region.
In many rivers and estuaries there are some of the best kept fishing secrets and some of the most scenic and most exciting fishing in Australia. Your cruise may provide many opportunities for quality estuary fishing where Fingermark Bream, Threadfin Salmon, and Mangrove Jack, Mulloway along with the Barramundi abound.
Threadfin Salmon
Fingermark Bream
Mangrove Jack
Barramundi
As these cruises are not specialist fishing charters, all the fishing equipment is provided for you. I am however often asked if people can take their own equipment and the answer is ‘yes you can’. Of course you do need to check with the airline you’re travelling with about their regulations.
You must also keep in mind that some cruises have a light aircraft or helicopter component in the itinerary and there might not be room enough for the fishing equipment. So if you are taking your own equipment let us know and we will check with the cruise companies for you.
As I am sure everyone knows the Kimberley is home to both estuarine (saltwater) and freshwater crocodiles. It is the salties that are scary and, as a general guide, if an area has barramundi then it is also likely to have crocodiles. And salties will happily swim to a boat to investigate you.
The crew and expedition team will keep you on your toes on this issue but needless to say don’t paddle, clean fish or prepare food at the water’s edge.
Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.
It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.
Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.
We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.
With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?
It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.
I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.
If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.
