Kim Andersen Sportsfishing Australia


Australian fishing charters based in Cairns, offering guided river lure and fly fishing targeting Barramundi through to gamefishing for Black Marlin and Giant Trevally.

In the ten years prior to starting 'Kim Andersen Sportfishing Charters', Kim was employed by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol firstly as a field officer and later as senior officer in "Special Fisheries". Kim was responsible for enforcement of the Australian Fishing Zone and various federal controlled fisheries.

His work involved surveillance and inspection of foreign and Australian commercial fishing fleets from Broome in the northwest to Tasmania in the southwest and out to the 200 mile boundary.

In Australian controlled fisheries, such as the Northern Prawn Fishery, his work involved light aircraft aerial surveillance and at sea boardings via various smaller fisheries vessels.

Enforcement of the Australian Fishing Zone predominantly involved the monitoring of the Japanese longline fleet off Australia's east coast. Aerial surveillance was via airforce P3 Orion's and Coastwatch Westwind jets.

His passion has always been for fishing, so whilst the work for Fisheries was exciting and rewarding at times, his future was at a desk and not at sea, so he opted out to pursue his present career.

Kim operates the vessel New Moon when fishing in Cairns. In 2003, he started Mantaray ape York Fishing in addition to Marlin Fishing off Cairns.

He is currently operating New Moon for the Marlin season.

Certificates
Kim is a holder of the following Master certifications:

Master Class V
#C006357 issued 20.7.93 charter boat Up to 100ft. Replaced Grade 4 Masters issued 1989.

Marine Engineer II
#A007678 issued 7.11.89 charter up to 2000hp.

Kim has achieved a high degree of success in tournament fishing over the years. Not only in local waters but also in places fished for the first time against stiff competition. Broome, Cape Bowling Green, Mooloolaba, Port Stephens and the Daly River.

Other achievements have been Champion boat in the International Black Marlin Fly fishing Tournament in Cairns with a World Record on Fly, 98 and 99 Cairns Light Tackle Tournament.

The key to his success has been exposure to a variety of fish species and fishing techniques, throughout Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and a short trip to the Florida Keys. Being able to develop or identify techniques that increase the conversion rate percentage is the key to winning tournaments.

However, not everyone wants the stress of a tournament and he is happy just to fish for enjoyment.

Recent Achievements
2008 2nd Pt Stephens Billfish shootout

2006 2nd Lizard Island Black Marlin
Tournament.
3rd 40th Anniversary Tournament
1294lb black marlin weighed
2005 Champion Boat: Port Hinchinbrook BIG FISH Tournament

14 IGFA World Records on Fly.

3rd Ribbons Ladies Tournament

2003 Champion Boat: Townsville Billfish Tournament

Champion Boat: Lizard Island Black Marlin Tournament.

2002 Champion Boat HMBGFC Calcutta Tournament

3rd Lizard Island Black Marlin Tournament

2001 Champion Boat HMBGFC Light Tackle Tournament
2nd Townsville Billfish Tournament
2000 Champion Boat Cairns Light Tackle Tournament
1999 Champion Boat Cairns Light Tackle Tournament
Champion Boat Ribbons Ladies Tournament
1998 Champion Boat Cairns Light Tackle Tournament
Champion Boat Townsville Billfish Tournament
2nd International Black Marlin Fly Tournament
2nd Innisfail Light Tackle Tournament
Champion Boat Mooloolaba Fly Tournament
World Record Sailfish on Fly
World Record Black Marlin releases on Fly
1997 Champion Boat International Black Marlin Fly Tournament
Champion Boat Townsville Billfish Tournament
Champion Angler Barramundi Nationals Darwin
Most Billfish caught and released Cairns fleet
1996 Champion Boat International Black Marlin Fly Tournament
Champion Angler Broome Sailfish Fly Tournament
World Record Black Marlin on Fly
2nd Lexus Black Marlin Classic
Most Billfish caught and released Cairns fleet

These results do not include a multitude of various champion male, female and junior awards. All results were by Kim Andersen as Captain or as an angler.
Not only is Far North Queensland world famous as a destination for keen fisher people. Cairns itself is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a population of 130,000, it boasts a good balance of laid back tropical lifestyle and the excitement of a major tourist destination with lots to see and do.

Cairns is famous for its proximity to many of Australia's most unique natural wonders and there are literally hundreds of day touring options where the tourists are very well catered for. Surrounded by rugged mountains, fast flowing rivers, lush rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef, the Cairns region is truly spectacular.


Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) or "GT's" as they are universally known are one of the toughest fish to catch in the world pound for pound. They are found throughout the Indo Pacific Oceans but the greatest numbers are found on the Great Barrier Reef . Not only are they back breakers to land, but they will cut you off in the reef with total disregard for your expensive tackle.

It is little wonder that GT's are the ultimate fish to catch for the Japanese angling fraternity. These fish average from 8kgs to over 40kgs and are in large numbers on the reefs north and south of Cairns.


New Moon III has been acknowledged in the Japanese fishing press as the worlds #1 GT fishing crew as well as featuring in many video, television, and magazine productions.

For Popper fishing we use mainly 30lb test monofilament or #5 PE (Braid 50lb) tackle and large surface poppers that give a large splashy wounded baitfish action. Our Preferred lures include YOZURI, SAURUS, SKAGIT DESIGN, FISHERMAN etc.

Jigging is best done with #5-#7 PE (50-70lb Braid) and metal jigs from 70 to 200 grams. Species caught include Giant,Golden.Bludger,Big-eye and Brassy Trevally, Mackeral,Tuna,Dogtooth and Coral Trout.

GT charters are available year round but the best months are September through to March. Our best day to date is 37 releases in a day; average size 15Kgs, by two anglers. The most releases in a 2-day charter is 59 and in a 3-day charter it is 74.

Day trips are available from Cairns with excellent results but we recommend a 3 day live on board charter to visit some of the more remote areas east of Innisfail or north of Cairns.


Barramundi (lates calcifer) is found from the rapids of the upper reaches of the rainforest rivers to the rocky headlands adjacent to the river mouths. They vary in size and distribution according to time of year, salinity levels and water temperature. They vary in size from 1kg to 20kg+ and are subject to a closed season from November until the end of January and bag limits apply. We fish on a catch and release basis although a fish may be kept for the pan in the open season.
Peak season is August until May but Kim has a few spots up his sleeve that produce Barramundi year round for those that want to catch their first "Barra".


SWAMP DONKEY is a brand new 4.4 Metre Stessco saratoga that is surveyed for 4 anglers but we recommend a maximum of 3 anglers. We are equipped with latest fly, baitcast and spin tackle as well as a large range of lure and flies on a replace if lost basis or you are welcomed to bring your own suitable tackle.
Day,extended ,house boat and remote area Princess Charlotte Bay charters in conjunction with our gameboat New Moon are available.


Day Trips $600 (1or 2 people)

$650 (3 people)
We fish mostly the the Johnstone, Tully or Murray Rivers on day trips depending on water conditions,tides etc, and the particular anglers requirements and tailor the day to suit. A delicious lunch, morning and afternoon tea and drinks are provided and Kim's knowledge of the area guarantee you the best chance of catching a "Barra" as well as the usual suspects that include Mangrove Jack, Tarpon, Sooty Grunter, Jungle Perch, Giant Trevally etc. During the 2000 season Kim caught Barramundi for his clients on each and every trip.


Barramundi (lates calcifer) is found from the rapids of the upper reaches of the rainforest rivers to the rocky headlands adjacent to the river mouths. They vary in size and distribution according to time of year, salinity levels and water temperature. They vary in size from 1kg to 20kg+ and are subject to a closed season from November until the end of January and bag limits apply. We fish on a catch and release basis although a fish may be kept for the pan in the open season.
Peak season is August until May but Kim has a few spots up his sleeve that produce Barramundi year round for those that want to catch their first "Barra".


SWAMP DONKEY is a brand new 4.4 Metre Stessco saratoga that is surveyed for 4 anglers but we recommend a maximum of 3 anglers. We are equipped with latest fly, baitcast and spin tackle as well as a large range of lure and flies on a replace if lost basis or you are welcomed to bring your own suitable tackle.
Day,extended ,house boat and remote area Princess Charlotte Bay charters in conjunction with our gameboat New Moon are available.


Day Trips $600 (1or 2 people)

$650 (3 people)
We fish mostly the the Johnstone, Tully or Murray Rivers on day trips depending on water conditions,tides etc, and the particular anglers requirements and tailor the day to suit. A delicious lunch, morning and afternoon tea and drinks are provided and Kim's knowledge of the area guarantee you the best chance of catching a "Barra" as well as the usual suspects that include Mangrove Jack, Tarpon, Sooty Grunter, Jungle Perch, Giant Trevally etc. During the 2000 season Kim caught Barramundi for his clients on each and every trip.


Tully Rainforest Rivers/

Hinchinbrook Channel

$2500 (1-2 people)

Fish the magnificent Tully and Murray Rivers or the Hinchinbrook Channel for 3 days and 2 nights (more or less days/nights available) adjacent to the Cassowary Coast about 150km south of Cairns.

The Tully is a magnificent freshwater system with gin clear fast flowing sections entwined with numerous deep slower flowing pools lined by tropical rainforest or open fields.


The Murray River is a smaller system about 10km south of the Tully River and is a slower flowing "jungle river" consisting of fresh, brackish and saltwater sections with rainforest event the might Daintree can't match.

Hinchinbrook Island, Australia's largest island National Park, is situated almost half way between Cairns and Townsville. The island abounds in flora, fauna and is home to many tropical sports fish.This region boasts on of the few places in Australia where that much prized flyfishing adversary, the Permit (Snub Nosed Dart) can be targeted with some level of anticipation!



Due to the magnificent mangrove environment, relative isolation in comparison to waters closer to Cairns and the lack of fishing pressure, this region is renowned for producing quality sportfish which are of a better average size than more heavily fished locations.


Itinerary
Your charter commences with a pickup from your accommodation in Cairns or from the airport and then a leisurely 2 hour drive in a comfortable 4WD and you will be on the water by 9:30am on Day 1.

Accommodation is at either the Tully Motel,Mudbrick Manor or Mission Beach Resort depending on fishing locations. Great Food and relax in comfort.

This Package included all fly and lure fishing equipment supplied on a replace if lost or broken basis, boat and guide, lunch, soft drinks, transfers and twin or triple accommodation. It does not include breakfast, evening meals, alcohol or phone calls from the hotel room

The Great Barrier Reef from Cairns to Lizard Island is recognised worldwide as the indisputable heavy weight Marlin capital of the world. New Moon is recognised internationally as a top catcher on the Barrier Reef.



Black Marlin aggregate between Lizard Island and Cairns from September to early December and more 1000lb Marlin are caught in these waters than the rest of the world put together. Preferred methods in Australia are rigged dead bait trolling, live baiting and lures. Tackle consists of 80lb and 130lb Penn and Shimano Tackle as well as stand up 50lb if that's your preference. We use only CIRCLE HOOKS as these have proved not only to have the best bite to release ratio but also allow for the release of the fish in top condition. We do not carry Gaffs unless specifically requested by a client. We would rather see the large female Granders reproducing more marlin for next season then hanging on a weigh station as a dead carcass.
Over the past 5 years or so we have started wandering away from the Great Barrier Reef drop off, starting in late November, looking for Black Marlin when things go calm and quiet on the edge . This had led not only to some excellent fishing but the discovery of Blue Marlin in good numbers from November until February, in addition to the Giant Blacks. Kim and his crew released an estimated 900 lb Blue on the 31st of January 1999, the largest so far released off Cairns although several Giant Blues have been lost.


The "Seamount" a pinnacle that comes to within 40 metres of the surface some 90 miles east of Cairns that provides excellent Marlin fishing October to February and awesome Wahoo fishing June to September.

WIDE FISHING is available in the form of day trips or live on board and Seamountain trips are available when the weather is suitable.





Kim Andersen Sportsfishing Australia


PO Box 377, Earlville Queensland 4870
✆ +61 408 187 291
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Specialist: Barramundi Fishing