Sunset on Blue Martini
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our FNSF-NOMAD FAQs but please do not hesitate to contact us for further queries or information

How do I make a booking?

Please email or call us on +61 499 105 880 to make a booking. We will then provide you with a booking form to complete and require payment of 30% of the trip cost and transfer fee as a deposit to confirm your booking. The balance of the trip cost and the transfer fee is due 60 days prior to departure.

What is included?

All mothership packages include meals, accommodation and non-alcoholic drinks. A range of high quality Shimano rods and reels are provided throughout the trip for heavy GT lure casting, light lure casting, trolling and jigging as appropriate for your trip.

What are the additional costs on board?

Lures are an additional cost. We offer pre-purchase bluewater and river/estuary lure packs at 10% off RRP or you can purchase lures as you go on board. Alternatively please feel free to bring your own, however, please be aware of the 15kg luggage limit on the charter flight.

Alcoholic beverages including beers, wines and spirits are an additonal cost. Our mothership, Blue Martini, is a licensed venue, so BYO is prohibited.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking to cover any weather-related cancellations. FNSF-NOMAD can only operate in conditions deemed safe by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and do not take responsibility for a re-schedule or refund if the weather conditions are outside of AMSA's operating guidelines. This is the industry norm given that charter companies will have already incurred the costs of relocating the fleet, buying supplies and paying crew, whether the charter goes ahead or not.

There are many companies that offer suitable policies, but please do ensure that the company you choose covers offshore fishing trips and covers the full cost of your trip in the event of a full weather-related cancellation. Please call our office on +61 499 105 880 if you would like some provider options.

What is the maximum number of guests onboard?

The majority of trips run with a maximum of 6 anglers. Selected charters will also include our 40ft game boat (Black Magic) - in this case the maximum will increase to 8 anglers. On all charters, there will be a maximum of two guests per twin cabin.

For whole boat bookings, we can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 anglers onboard, with exclusive use of the mothership.

Can I book as a single angler?

All advertised dates are available for individuals or smaller groups to join at the per person price. We fish two anglers per boat on the centre consoles and have twin share accommodation facilities on board the mothership.

Can I bring my son or daughter? Is there an age limit?

Definitely. Over the years we have had many of our guests bring their children with them on charter for an amazing bonding experience. We find that children 10 years and over are absolutely fine on our mothership trips, and we can cater the fishing options to suit you and your child each day. Twin share cabins are available on all charters. Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

How do I get to the mothership?

Our mothership spends most of the year out at sea. In order to join one of our trips, guests will need to fly up to Cairns and then transfer to one of several different departure locations to meet our fleet. Guests are required to book their own flights or make their own road transfer arrangements to Cairns. We will then arrange a private charter flight from Cairns to the departure location. The cost of these transfer arrangements are not included in your trip cost. When applicable, transfer fees vary from trip to trip depending on the logistics involved. When you choose your dates, we send through a full itinerary for you with flight times and departure points and any relevant transfer fees. Please note that any transfer costs listed for the 2024 season are based on our 2023 rates and may change. We will advise of any pricing variations as soon as we are made aware by our suppliers.

Is there a weight limit on the charter flight?

Yes! There is a strict maximum luggage allowance of 15kg per person. This includes any carry-on luggage. We supply towels, sunscreen, insect repellant, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. There is also a laundry service on board. This may assist in reducing your luggage weight. Prior to your trip departure, we will also ask for your personal body weight to calculate the total payload for the flight. 

Can I take fish home?

We aim to encourage catch and release fishing onboard our vessels and discourage taking fish home. Our transfer logistics and weight limits on the charter flights can make it very difficult to bring anything back to the mainland. Please also be aware that Blue Martini is not a processing vessel and we do not have the facilities to transport fish; we are proud to be recognized by Tourism Australia – Great Fishing Adventures of Australia as practicing sustainable fishing.

What fishing gear is included?

Each guest will have a variety of rods and reels available to them for use on all of our trips, including spin gear for popper fishing, light jigging, light tackle trolling and light tackle lure casting. We use top of the line Shimano rods and reels and supply all of the terminal tackle required. We also have multiple gimble belts/cushits onboard each boat for guests to use. Lures are not included in the price however we have a wide range of lures on board for purchase or you are welcome to bring your own in line with the 15kg luggage limit. 

How will I be charged for lures on board?

We ask anglers to pay for lures used because this is such a variable cost from trip to trip and it is very difficult for us to factor this into the pricing. We believe this system is much fairer for all guests, as we have many guests who bring their own lures out with them. Onboard our vessels, the skippers and guides will have all the lures you need for each day. This will be professionally rigged and ready to go when you get onboard every day.

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

The mothership is a licensed vessel and under the conditions of our Liquor License, BYO alcohol is not permitted.

What sort of meals can I expect on board?

All meals onboard the mothership are catered for by our chef. If you have any food allergies, or any special dietary requirements we need to be notified of them at least 6 weeks prior to departure for your trip, otherwise we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate these special requirements. If there is a chance that you may require an EPIPEN in the event of an allergic reaction, please make sure you bring one with you, and that you alert our crew as to its location and use.

Breakfast usually consists of a selection of continental and fully-cooked options. Lunches are available to be eaten onboard the mothership, should you choose to return for lunch, or a packed lunch is taken onboard each fishing vessel, usually consisting of a main lunch item such as a chicken and salad wrap or a pasta dish, plus morning and afternoon snacks. Dinner is a 3-course meal every night, and this is where our Chef shines. An entree, main and dessert will be served, and the nature of these dishes varies from week to week. All non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water are supplied while onboard.

What is the configuration of the accommodation on board?

There are three guest bedrooms in total – one triple-share room with an ensuite bathroom, and two twin-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities. All linen including pillows, sheets, blankets and towels are provided onboard the vessel. 

What should I bring with me?

We recommend you bring plenty of long-sleeved shirts, and sun protective headwear. Wide brimmed hats are a must in the often hot, sunny climate. Polarized sunglasses are also very useful for fishing around the lagoons. Suitable footwear for walking around the rough coral found on the sand cays and islands is also essential. A raincoat or spray jacket is recommended for all trips, as well as a supply of sunscreen. Please remember to bring some warm clothes for any trips booked between April and September as it can get a little chilly at night out on the water. Please bring all of your own personal sanitary items, toothpaste and toothbrush. Earplugs are also a good idea when sharing a cabin with potential snorers. A daily laundry service is included to help reduce the amount of clothing you bring with you. Please be considerate of the 15kg luggage limit when packing.

What happens if I need to cancel or move my trip dates?

Deposits are non-refundable. However, you can transfer the date of your trip if there is a legitimate reason, and we are notified of the request in writing more than 100 days prior to departure for the trip.

Please note that if you cancel or want to move your trip, less than 100 days prior to the day of departure, for any reason at all, you will be liable for the full price of the trip including the transfer costs if applicable. This amount will be payable 60 days prior to the scheduled departure for the trip. It is unlikely that we will be able to fill the vacant position at such short notice, and this is the reason for this policy.

If you notify us more than 100 days prior to the trip about a cancellation or rescheduling, and we are able to fill the position you will be charged an administration fee of 6% of the total trip cost, including transfer costs if relevant, and the remainder of your deposit will be refunded.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip due to personal or business reasons?

Deposits are non-refundable. However, you can transfer the date of your trip if there is a legitimate reason, and we are notified of the request in writing more than 100 days prior to departure for the trip. Please note that if, for any reason at all, you cancel or want to move your trip less than 100 days prior to the day of departure for individuals, or less than six months prior to the day of departure for whole boat groups, you will be liable for the full price of the trip including the transfer costs if applicable. This amount will be payable 60 days prior to the scheduled departure for the trip. It is unlikely that we will be able to fill the vacant position at such short notice, and this is the reason for this policy. If you notify us more than 100 days prior to the trip about a cancellation or rescheduling, and we are able to fill the position you will be charged an administration fee of 6% of the total trip cost, including transfer costs if relevant, and the remainder of your deposit will be refunded.

What happens if there is a weather-related cancellation?

We make every effort to conduct all trips on time and to the proposed itinerary, however we are unable to take you fishing in the event that a tropical cyclone warning or a strong wind warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for all or part of your trip, and in the event of any other natural disaster that prevents us from running your trip, or if wind speeds exceed the safe operating limits specified for our operation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

Cancellations / delays due to weather are at the discretion of the skipper and the owners of the vessels involved in the trips. Guests will be notified as soon as possible regarding any delays or cancellations due to weather. In the event that a trip is cancelled / delayed, usually only due to exceptionally strong winds, the travel insurance you have taken out will need to cover cancellations or reductions in trip length, any rescheduling of flights and accommodation.

FNSF-NOMAD do not offer a trip refund for weather cancellations, or reductions in trip length, but we will do everything possible to ensure that you have everything you need to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Do I have to be an experienced angler?

No! We welcome all experience levels on board. 

Can I bring my own rods and reels?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own rods and reels however please be aware there are size and weight restrictions on board our private charter flights to our mothership. There is a luggage limit of 15kg per person. Please call us regarding rod sizing as allowances can change from flight to flight. 

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend booking as early as you can as our schedule can be booked up as far as one year in advance. We are currently now taking bookings for our 2024 schedule. If you have queries regarding a specific trip, please call us for further information.

Do we fish using bait?

We mainly fish using lures throughout the trip however during the evenings, we may fish off the back of the mothership using bait for some night-time fishing! 

What happens if I have to cancel my trip due to COVID restrictions?

Terms relating to COVID-19 illness and travel restrictions: if you have paid your final balance while borders are closed - if borders are still closed over your travel dates, the cancellation policy will apply.

If you have paid your final balance while borders are open: if there is a sudden border closure within the 14-0 day period prior to travel, we provide either of the following terms - we will amend your travel dates without penalty and reschedule the booked charter to a later date (using the amount paid to offset against a future booking cost), or refund of the 70% balance payment with the 30% deposit being retained by FNSF-NOMAD as a credit for a future booking.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, we offer gift vouchers for any occasion whether it be for a birthday or Christmas or if you simply just feel like treating that someone special! Please email or call us for further information.