Been very slack with the blog report, as you would know, Just getting a little tied.

Had a couple of days off with my family, who came up from the Gold Coast for a visit. It was a very pleasant couple of days. We started a new charter on the 19th with Steve and Jo Tatham and friends from WA, They have had a great trip so far with Tim Perry catching a grander, and Steve catching one also very close I called 950lb, with 2 other smaller fish as well, the group have exceeded all expectation. This makes our 5th fish for the season over the 4 figure mark, and with many other top end fish our season has been a special one. About a week to go now and its all over for another year, and looking forward to a break. 

Hello Folks

Well I made the call to run to Linden Bank this morning, and it payed off, in the first hour of fishing Jim wild in his 8th season to Cairns finally got a grander, Jim did a outstanding job, but was a little overwhelmed by adrenalin.  We had another 2 big fish bites but did not eat properly, but after a bit of luck in the last hour we got another 2 fish up to 400lb. This gives us 6 for the tournament and I think close to the pace.

3 More days to go, and it is very close. I will be asking for some special help from above Keep turned on todays results.

Capt Billy 

Hello folks

The strong winds that have been on us for the last couple of days climaxed last night to 38 knots, anchor watches were put into place on the mothership, and the fishing day was looking a little doubtful.

But after the action we have been having the last few days, my clients were still keen to give it at least a couple of hours, so after a late lunch aboard the Mothership Atlantic Princess, at 13;30 the ropes were thrown and out we went.

Fortunately the wind was backing off, and it was’nt any worst than the day before, we managed 3 bites and caught a 400lber and jumped two similar size fish off. It was hard work for the crew down below and my clients really apreciated the effort.

The winds will lay off in the next couple of days, and the fishing will now be more consistent after the blow. 

Capt Billy

Hello Boys and Girls.

Reports from the boats that have started, shows that a sprinkling of fish are turning up, with the odd nice one amoungst them, but all and all still a little slow. Boats are still getting a bite or two a day, and the current especially were I have been EUSTON AND JENNY LOUISE SHOAL is running at 1.5 knots to the south.

We had a nice fish swipe a lure close in off Euston Light, but did,nt come back, and that was about it for us yesterday, Client Rodger Cunninghame and wife Barbara celabrated Rodgers birthday yesterday and last night, behind Flynn Reef 25 meter visability showing its true beauty. It was a great night and rodger is hoping for a big fish present today.

More boats are moving out today so keep tuned for all reports.

Billy 

With the south east trade wind of 20knots pushing against a 1.5 knot southerly set, perfect conditions for the big blacks but not so perfect for Client Chris Egan, who had a little trouble keeping his breakfast down. So a run into south Opal for a regroup and debriefing plus a swim, had him keen for another go at 2:30. By the time we got the baits in the water at 3:00, we were limited in time to work back to the bank, but once there things looked promising with a big fish marking on the sounder, up came her small companion and grabed the big bait and pulled it out of the rigger, the small fish could not eat the yellowfin tuna skip bait,  so a shark helped himself to the fresh offering and after a short fight the mono leader got bit off.

With another bite by a small fish and a few others marked, our first day finished looking very promising, and Chris had a miricle recovery so a bigger effort will be put in tomorrow.

Firstly folks sorry for the lack of updates, the laptop finally stopped all together, so lets catch up. Overall it was a great season with some mighty fish with many boats getting amongst the giants, Viking 11 ended up with 3 definitely well over 1000lb one of which could have been over 1200lb. My log also shows that I called two 950lb, and 5 over 800lb, we also let many of my clients get amongst some great reef fishing with red emperor, and coral trout, in the evenings and early mornings, and the large spaniards were in abundance.

We ventured far and wide, when the fishing on the edge became slow, we were out with the tuna long liners getting amongst big yellowfin, big eye, and Black and Blue marlin and there was some monsters of both species there. One boat did battle for 7 hours, only to have the line break.  Clients that have been with me since viking 11 was launched, got to experience the boat with the new QSM11 Cummins engines in it. What a machine it is now, so responsive, so clean running, even well seasoned crewmen were amazed how the boat can stay with a fish on the leader, I am always proud to hear the statement that its the best marlin Boat in this country.

Although we did not come close to 110 fish as per one of my big number seasons, we were well on our way to 60 fish when I greated Kim my wife and my 3 beautiful children, Holly, Emmi-Rose, and Kai, at the dock in Cairns at the end of the season. Marlin fishings great but nothing beats the feeling of seeing your family after a long season, and the pleasure they give you.   I will put up a few shots of the high lights, To all my clients a big thank you for your support, and the great times we had together, to my crew Jay and Andy, You guys are the best Thanks for the hard work and your abilities. I wish all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.