Australian Fishing Charters and Adventures

Located on the northwest side of Groote Eylandt, ET's Escape Sportsfishing Lodge is a paradise awaiting the independent angler or the corporate group looking for the perfect escape for a business planning and strategy week. This lodge offers world class fishing in diverse and contrasting habitats, from tidal coastal creeks to Mangrove lined estuaries and kilometers of coastline, islands and coral reefs.

Groote Eylandt is the largest of the islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 630km from Darwin by air. Belonging to the Anindilyakwa people, the island is part of the Arnhemland Reserve and is rich with indigenous cultural.

The area is also rich in marine and wildlife, with rare and endangered species such as the northern quoll, bush tailed rabbit and several species of marine turtle.

When it comes to the sports fishing the variety of species is what dreams are made of, with Barramundi, Sailfish, Marlin, Black Jewfish, Queenfish, Giant Trevally, Mangrove Jack, Red Emperor, Cobia, Coral Trout, Longtail Tuna, Threadfin Salmon and Golden Snapper all in large numbers around this sportsfishing haven.

Barramundi fishing is certainly one of the more popular activities up here, and each year numerous metre plus fish are caught - particularly in the warmer waters between September and April. Their aerial acrobatics is what makes these fish such a trophy, and there are plenty of fishing hotspots to target this iconic species, including the Walker River as well as the coastal reef, bommies and rock bars of the adjacent mainland.

The reef fishing is also spectacular with numerous hotspots around Groote Eylandt that offer the chance to do battle with a variety of hard fighting speccies, including the beautiful Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Mackerel, Large Mouth Nannygai and a host of Trevally. One or two of the boated fish that make for a delicious meal will be kept for a feast back at the lodge that night. The rest will be returned in a healthy condition to fight another day in their natural habitat.

A typical day at the lodge starts when you wake to the breathtaking views of the Gulf, before making your way to the Resort Restaurant for breakfast. From there you'll walk the short distance down to the jetty to meet your guide.

Dependent on the tides and time of year, you'll explore the pristine waters of the Groote Eylandt Archipelago or the Arnhemland coastline where you'll fish until your heart's content, whilst spotting dugongs, dolphins and the infamous crocodile. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will all be provided, and there's even the opportunity for a stop off at one of the many sandy beaches.

Haines Hunter Prowlers are the vessel of choice out here, providing maximum comfort , whilst allowing great manoeuvrability when fighting fish of your dreams! The 8 metre, laminated fibreglass Prowlers are powered by the Evinrude E-tec and are designed to get you out to where the fish are biting safely and with a minimum of fuss.

The lodge itself has excellent facilities in a superb location. The safari style twin or double cabins are raised to ensure minimal impact on the environment, and are fully air conditioned with ensuite and a private deck with stunning water views.

A wonderful central lounge and spacious deck has been designed to showcase this beautiful environment and provides guests with uninterrupted views extending across the beach to nearby Connexion Island and beyond. Here you can enjoy a cold beer after a hard day of fishing, before you enjoy a delicious a-la-carte dinner in the restaurant at Dugong Beach Resort.

The facilities at Dugong Beach resort are also available to guests and include a restaurant and licensed bar, swimming pool, conference centre and cultural centre. There's even a 9-hole golf course situated on Groote Eylandt, with clubs for hire.

ET's Escape Sportsfishing Wilderness Lodge is bested enjoyed as a six day six night package, but tours of three, four and five days are available. The lodge is available all year round, and can accommodate up to 24 guests. Tours are available for the private angler or up to four people per boat.

Prices

• 6 nights 6 days fishing from $5700 per person
• 4 nights 4 days fishing from $3995 per person
• 3 nights 3 days fishing from $3195 per person

Book ET's Escape Sportsfishing Lodge with FishingEarth

We want you to experience the fishing adventure of your dreams, which is why at FishingEarth we only offer the best charters and lodges, with the most experienced guides, in the most stunning fishing hotspots in Australia.

We'll help you select the charter that's right for you, as well as taking all the hassle and stress out of organising your fishing adventure. We'll make your travel arrangements, book your accommodation and even advise you on the best equipment to take and where to get the best deal.

All you need to do is freecall us on 1800 288 378 or email info@fishingearth.com to find out more