Australian Sportfishing Charters

From the 13th to the 21st of March 20223 we were aboard the Iron Lady and WOW what a trip. Leaving Lorne on the Great Ocean Road at 5am on the 13th of March and by 3pm that same day via Cairns and Gove we were aboard with Captain Dan and his crew of Matty, Arty, Tustra and Elise as we steamed towards our first overnight anchorage of Marchinbar Island in the Wessel Group. The following 8 days delivered some of the best, and diverse, fishing, food and general exploring that one could ever have wished for. The entire crew were so knowledgeable in their specialty areas and nothing was ever to hard or couldn’t be done – In fact we didn’t have to do a thing!

Catching fish in the numbers that we did was next level from Queen fish, Spanish Mackeral, Coral Trout, Giant Trevally and Barramundi was something I had never experienced and equally the satisfaction of returning 99% of what we caught back to the ocean. The knowledge of guides Matty, Dan and Arty was second to none with “lines in the water” at precise times according to tides and fishing marks while in the galley Tustra was the surprise “master chief” cooking up to a standard we never expected as part of the overall package. Having ventured on a number of fishing trips and charters without doubt this eclipsed all other amazing far north adventures!!! – Thanks Dan and crew.

Thanks Caption Dan and your team for truly unforgettable fishing experiences. After trips to the Roper River and East Arnhem I would recommend Australian Sportfishing Charters to anyone wanting a unique fishing experience in the top end.
Being able to fish remote locations with highly knowledgeable guides makes for a memorable trip. Dan and his team not only love their fishing, but seem to have a deep respect for the environment and culture of Arnhem Land.
With the Iron Lady as a mother ship, 1st class catering and comfortable accommodation on board, I cannot wait till my next trip and look forward to my son being of an age to join me.

Just finished a 5-day charter with Captain Dan and the team on the Iron Lady (March 2023). We have fished the north a few times but can’t recommend Australian Fishing Charters enough. I took my 16yo Boy who loves fishing, and he was in paradise. We want to thank the entire team, Cpt Dan, Matty and Anthony as guides you know your stuff and when the going gets tough you came up with more tricks. Tustra’s cooking was simply sensational and his company as good, and Elisa made us feel welcome all the time. We will be back!

Our group of 6 flew from Darwin by Mallard (Paspaley Sea Plane) and landed next to the Iron Lady in the magnificent and remote East Arnhem Land.
What an unforgettable way to start our adventure.
After a warm greeting and welcome, we were off to hunt for the iconic barra.
The fishing was unreal, we saw plenty of sea and wildlife, took in the changing scenery and enjoyed the fact that we didn't see another fishing boat the whole time.
The team were flexible, accommodated a vast array of fishing and we literally caught hundreds of fish.
Each day started early, rod and beer in hand, catching a heap of fish and back to the mother ship for a beautifully prepared meal. The delicious food, cold beer, hospitality up on the deck and 5 star service from the team were appreciated by us all.
Our journey with Australian Sportfishing Charters was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.

I have experienced the Iron Lady many times with Captain Dan and his crew from Bluewater of Cairns chasing marlin to the coastline of Arnhem Land and the Roper River. I have even joined the barramundi metre club! I found the team passionate about their fishing and work hard to deliver your dream which is great for someone who can’t tie knots! l love the big nature, fantastic experience! l just keep coming back! Well done Captain Dan look forward to getting on board again reel soon!

MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME.
If you’ve stopped on this website and are deciding who to venture out with then look no further.

Captain Dans extensive knowledge of the area puts you in the heart of paradise, with each location comes stunning views, big nature and fishing that’s unexplainable.

Not just putting you on the fish, each guide has a strong passion and interest in levelling up your game, I learnt so much and couldn’t be more thankful.

With great fish comes great food, all cooked fresh by the amazing Tustra, whose hospitality and cooking is immeasurable.

It’s not goodbye, it’s see you again next year!

Special thanks to Captain Dan, Anthony, Matty, Scoot, Tustra and Eli.

I have long suspected that Captain Dan is actually a barramundi, his knowledge and skill puts you in the right place at the right time way too often.
The amazing fishing is just one part of an unforgettable adventure, the remoteness, the beauty of Arnhem Land, the food, the laughter & the hospitality make a trip a once in a lifetime must-do. I would recommend to anyone to stop thinking about it and book a trip.

Having fished both blue water and barra hot spots with Dan and the crew for over 15 years, I can recommend Australain Sportfishing Charters to anyone who wants to nail those elusive trophy fish and extreme fishing experiences. If you can put up with the hardships of air conditioned cabins, hot showers, great catering and excellent guides to put you on the fish, I suppose you should join the crew onboard the Iron Lady ! Thanks again guys for making lifetime memories. Peter & Bernice.

I've done 3 charters with Captain Dan on the Iron Lady. All on the Roper River. The crew are always very accommodating and food really good including some unique local food. Sleeping is very comfortable in aircon, which is important in the tropics. The boys know where the barra are and can target the right depth. Highly recommend.

Fantastic trip had by all, luxurious boat, spectacular scenery, great fishing, great food, great company, this charter has it all, would highly recommend it, Dan and Scooter are fabulous hosts couldn’t ask for a better charter. Dans knowledge of the area is extensive.

Captain Dan is without peer in the big Barra area.
In numbers and size. Highly recommend.
Looking forward to a great season now it’s a good Wet. Better than pulling teeth😎

Great trip, great fishing in a great part of Oz. these guys really know their stuff, they think like a barramundi!! get on board and go there.

What an amazing adventure with this fabulous crew. A lifetime of experience, knowledge of this remote area & friendships wirh the locals meant great fishing, food & spectacular views! Well worth it & an experience you won't forget!

Great weekend fishing with Dan and his crew. The food Scooter cooked was amazing and we all had a lovely time.

Hi Dan, as you know I’ve been fortunate enough to fish in many different places around the world, but the experiences I’ve had with you are as good as any angler could hope for. Cheers. Max Graham

Thank you Dan and Matty,
The once in a life time experience 900 lb Marlin.
Thank you Mud

Great guides that really know there fishing.
Seen many meterys caught and released from the tenders on the Iron Lady.
Many memories that I"ll never forget.
Cheers Dan and crew

One of the best Barra trips I have done?15
A tight ship with a great guide as a skipper
Thanks Captain Dan
Doc Stuart