Endeavour River · Great Barrier Reef
Fishing charters and private tours with Tom Nevins, who has spent over thirty years fishing the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. Barra in the mangroves, mackerel on the reef, and a fillet knife at the end of the day.
Charters and private tours
Tom caters for clients who have come from the USA specifically to target a particular species on saltwater fly rods, right through to kids who have never caught a fish before.
The weather in the tropics is always changing. Thomas will work with you to make sure your party always has fun, regardless of tropical downpour, tradewinds, or impending cyclone.
30+
years fishing the Endeavour and the reef
4
people max, so everyone gets a go
Kids welcome
First fish? Sorted.
River 2 Reef
Half day, full day or afternoon on the river. Tell Tom what you're after and he'll put you on the fish.
Endeavour River
Light gear in the mangroves, chasing barramundi and mangrove jack through the Endeavour River estuary. Afternoon sessions on the river are a favourite, and first timers get just as much out of them as old hands.
Great Barrier Reef
Line stripping action out on the reef. Spanish mackerel, coral trout, red emperor and nannygai, with bait always ready and Tom rebaiting you so you can get straight back into it.
Off the foredeck
The boat is set up for fly fishing off the foredeck, which gives you unrestricted backcasting. People have come from the USA specifically to target a species on saltwater fly rods.
More than fishing.
Your own boat and your own plan. Tom organises private tours around what your party wants to do.
Trips can include overnight stays and bush camping. One review still talks about Tom's camping adventures years later.
Not everyone on board has to fish. Scenic tours of the river and the country around Cooktown.
Ask Tom about hunting trips when you call. He'll talk you through what's possible.
Target species
01
Needs no introduction really, Cape York's iconic river fish. We regularly land barra approaching 1 metre in length. On light gear in the mangroves you won't be short of adrenaline in your system. Barramundi live in fresh water but move into saltwater estuaries for breeding each year.
02
Also known as the Mangrove Red Snapper, well known for their initial explosive run for cover resulting in many lost fish, and a few lures as well. We often pick up a few mangrove jack whilst targeting barramundi in the Endeavour River. They are a great test of concentration and fishing ability. Thomas will be looking over your shoulder offering advice, but the fishing is up to you.
03
Many people come to Cooktown just to target this iconic species. Renowned for their take and fighting ability. Also a fantastic table fish. Every year several are taken by people fishing from the wharf in Cooktown. Cooktown Barra Charters has a much higher hit rate than that!
04
This is the fish that many fly fishermen come to Cooktown to target. We are well set up for fly fishing off the foredeck of our boat, allowing unrestricted backcasting.
05
Golden trevally grow up to 37kg and 120cm locally, and on light gear can be a fight of a lifetime for many anglers. They are heavy, strong fish and seem to know how to use cover to break the line.
Also coming over the side: coral trout, red emperor, nannygai, giant trevally and queenfish.
Your guide
Your guide Thomas Nevins has over thirty years' experience fishing the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're after a one metre barramundi or line stripping action on the reef, he takes parties of up to four people on his 6 metre boat.
He has been running Cooktown Barra Charters under that name since 2012. The boat is rigged with Shimano gear, the bait is ready when you are, and the fish get filleted before you head home.
“Thomas will be looking over your shoulder offering advice, but the fishing is up to you.”
Straight from the boat
“Went out for half a day fishing last Saturday. It was brilliant. Caught some great fish. Tom new all the spots and could not have worked harder for us. Excellent value. Will be booking again!”
“Went out with Tom for afternoon fishing-he knew all the spots, we caught fish he was really professional and we would highly recommend him”
“Tom is a very easy going chap. Gets you organised well on the boat. We fished 4 up. We all got a go at realling in the mackerel. Even for those at haven't done this Tom was right there helping. Bait was always ready the fish where taken off quickly and had you rebaited to catch another. To top it off Tom filleted all the fish. Thanks for a great trip. May see you next year”
“Can't beat local knowledge Tom is up there, the conditions weren't favourable but we still got a couple of solid Jack's. Tom is a good fisherman and certainly reasonable prices for a barra guide. Would definitely jump aboard again. Cheers Tom 🍻”
“A great afternoon fishing on the river. Tom knows his stuff! We had so many bites and managed to catch some delicious trevally, stickle fish and biddies! After hearing Tom’s hunting and camping adventures, we know we want to come back for more exploring. Two very happy amateurs who now feel like pros! Thank you Tom!”
Off the boat
Real fish, real people, real days out on the Endeavour and the reef.
Plan a trip
Charters leave from Webber Esplanade on the Cooktown waterfront, right by the mouth of the Endeavour River. Give Tom a ring to talk dates, tides and what you want to catch.
Book a charter
The quickest way is a phone call. If Tom doesn't pick up, leave a message or send the form and he'll get back to you.
