Ribbon Reefs

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Ribbon Reefs

The infamous Ribbon Reefs, there is not much else we can say about this truly amazing part of the Great Barrier Reef which spans across the northern cape york peninsular.

As we fish our way up the ribbon reefs towards Lizard island. You can expect to catch large numbers of GT’s, Yellowfin tuna, Spanish mackerel, Coral Trout, Red Bass and a large number of different reef species. There are ten reefs that make up the Ribbon reefs – number 1 starts in the south and number ten which is the largest of the reefs (around 30km long) to the north.

The exciting part of this trip is that you have the luxury of travelling around 150 nautical miles as you fish your way north towards the iconic Lizard Island. This really gives you the best possible chance at finding the best location for that week where the fish are most active. Travel trips are also a great way to see more of the reef during your stay with us which most of the other trips options don’t have that Luxury.

GROUP SIZE

Min/Max 9
TIME TO GO

Aug-Dec
VESSELS

MV Savannah

32ft Sportfisher

2 x 21ft Centre Consoles
ACCOMMODATION

MV Savannah

INCLUSIONS: All meals, accomodation, beer & soft drinks, professional fishing guides

EXTRAS : Transfer Costs . Spirits & Wine can be pre-arranged before the trip. Lures and terminal tackle are available to purchase onboard as you need or you are more then welcome to bring your own. Rod & Reel Hire is available @ $300pp for the trip.

TYDEMAN REEF SPECIES

Giant trevally

Caranx ignoblis

Grows To

65KG+

Power

10 /10

Speed

7 /10

Dogtooth Tuna

Gymnosarda unicolor

Grows To

100KG+

Power

10 /10

Speed

10 /10

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus commerson

Grows To

40KG+

Power

7 /10

Speed

10 /10

Black Marlin

Istiompax indica

Grows To

1000 POUNDS+

Power

10 /10

Speed

10 /10

Coral Trout

Plectropomus leopardus

Grows To

20KG+

Power

8 /10

Speed

6 /10

Wahoo

Istiophorus

Grows To

50KG+

Power

5 /10

Speed

10 /10

Sail Fish

Istiophorus

Grows To

50KG+

Power

5 /10

Speed

10 /10

TYDEMAN REEF FISHING STYLES

Whether you’re an experienced angler or you’d like to learn a new style, we’re happy to share our many years of knowledge and experience with you. One of our main aims is to teach people about sport fishing and we view catch and release a major part of our sport. We’d like to help change the mindset of keeping as many trophies as possible.

Top Water Casting

Jigging

Soft plastics

Trolling

Micro Jigging

flyfishing

Light Tackle Sight Fishing

This is by far the most exhilarating forms of fishing around. Whether you’re a season angler or are looking at trying this discipline for the first time, we cater for all groups. Our intuitive casting lessons and our tentative approach to guiding our clients is the reason we convert bites to landed fish for the angler. Throwing large lures around the reef and pressure edges, and watching as huge fish explode on them is what makes this form of fishing so exciting. Target species include GT’s, Spanish mackerel, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, longtail tuna, trout, red bass and more.

Jigging has been responsible for some of the most incredible trophy fish ever recorded. The physical nature of this style requires anglers to be reasonably fit. The bite while jigging is by far the best part. As you’re moving your jig through the water column, it feels like the rod has been hit by a steam train going in the opposite direction at 100 miles an hour. Not knowing what you’ve hooked, you’re usually in for a surprise at the end of the fight. Great for targeting dogtooth tuna, trout, emperor, Spanish mackerel, wahoo.

This is one of the most productive forms of fishing out on the reef. Throwing plastics and micro jigs around opens the flood gates on your possible species count and there are some big fish to be landed on this gear, including trout, red bass, emperor, giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, and cod.

For those who prefer to take a break from the physically demanding nature of heavy tackle top water and jigging then sit back, relax and enjoy some trolling. Just because we’re sitting around doesn’t mean this style of fishing isn’t productive. There are some serious fish to be caught whist trolling, of which the angry dogtooth and giant marlin are at the top of the list. Other species include Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and wahoo.

This is one of the most productive forms of fishing out on the reef. Throwing plastics and micro jigs around opens the flood gates on your possible species count and there are some big fish to be landed on this gear, including trout, red bass, emperor, giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, and cod.

We can cater for the adventurous Saltwater Fly fisherman. The East Cape is home to the most divers Saltwater fly fishing available today. From endless wading available for Permit, Blue Bastards, GT's and an array of mixed reef species to heading offshore and targeting larger pelagic's like Spanish mackerel, dogtooth tuna, Marlin the Great Barrier Reef has all bases covered.

Join us on the flats for some light tackle sight fishing, this is a form of fishing that every angler needs to experience on their trip out with us on the reef. Throwing small to medium size stick baits and poppers in this terrain is very productive. Don’t think because you are throwing smaller lures you are only going to catch smaller fish! We have hooked GT’s over 50 kilos on the flats while throwing smaller lures as the excitement of the reef fish seems to wind the bigger predators up into attack mode. The best part about this is you’ll be watching the mayhem unfold in front of you as it is so shallow! So after a long day of throwing big lures around or simply just looking for something different, this is a must!

GETTING THERE

Fly into Cairns

Cairns Airport is the gateway to the spectacular Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled between mountains and the Coral Sea, it is one of Australia’s largest regional airports, and the country’s 7th busiest international gateway.

From Cairns you will catch a shuttle to Port Douglas Crystal Brook Marina, there you will be welcomed aboard MV Savannah and travel North fishing the Ribbons extensive reef system that stretches between each location right up to Lizard Island. From here you will take a private charter flight back to Cairns.

ACCOMMODATION

The Mothership we are currently using is 80ft MV Savannah. Savannah was designed and constructed in New Zealand with long range cruising in mind. She crossed the Tasman in 2012 and after completing a full refit in July 2014 she now calls the Great Barrier Reef home. This luxury expedition style vessel has a 40,000 litre fuel capacity providing a 10,000 nm range, Savannah will allow you to travel to new destinations each day and will take you to the furtherest most remote reefs that very few have fished. With unparalleled space and stability, Savannah is fitted with a new Gyro stabiliser providing total comfort while in port or offshore and maximum safety in all sea conditions.

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