Hello All
Our success is still continuing, Just finished 6 days with Graham Mitchel, Son of pioneer angler from the early years out of Cairns Basil Mitchel, Graham got 7 in his trip including a nice one that could have been well over the mark, He is enjoying getting back into his fishing again, after a long stint of being out of it. He has son wonderful Movies, stills, and of cause stories from the early years. The lizard island Tournament starts Tomorrow hope luck stays with us.
,.
Hello Folks
26 years of driving Viking and Viking 11 in the Cairns Giant Black marlin Season, I have never had a run like I am having with the big fish, we have fished 25 days so far and have caught 10 fish over 800lb and well I believe that 6 of those fish were over 1000lb and pushing 1100lb. Now some of you might think that my years are starting to play with my judgement, but my seasoned crew are also amazed at the results.
Just fished new comers Paul Harper and Matt Smith. for just 3 days, straight out of the Box we caught a 300lber, but the baits back out and a double header the smaller of the 2 fish earned its freedom and the 850lber was Matt’s first ever Marlin.
Day 2 the action started at 2.00pm when a classic big fish bite on the left tuna bait had us all screaming half a hour later Paul Harper let go a beauty, again over 1000lb was my call. Another high light of that big fish it was caught on one engine, as a electronic issue put my port engine out of commission. It put a new meaning to crazy boat driving.
Day 3 things seemed a little slower, and a lost rare blue marlin for on the edge of the reef which eat a lure while heading up the track for some bait fishing, was our only action. Than when I was just about to call wind up, another real nice one climbed on the left bait again. After some great action explosive runs and aerial performance we let the big girl go.
What a finish to a amazing 3 days, the boys were blown away, and so was I.
2 over the number a 850lber a small 300lber and 3 other jump off of smaller fish.
Can this continue. Put some pictures up soon
Capt Bill
Hello folks
Just to wet your appetite hear is a few great shots of the last fish of the tournament I called it 850lb the Iona 11 boys were along side and my mate mustard got some shots thank Mustard.
Another Lizard Is Black Marlin Classic has been run and won. Congratulations to Capt Ross and the boys on Topshot. As for Viking 11 we had a wonderful tournament with the big fish again. Day 4 Heart break corner worked for me and a larger than large fish engulfed the bait, than her male companion also decided to have a feed, a double header one angler in the Chair and one the stand up harness. Jim wild who was in the stand up gear with a 130lb chair rod lost he’s footing and the Rod hit the covering board so had to be disqualified, No point in wasting time so I told the boys to cut him off, so we could go after the big Girl. We tagged our 4th fish over 1000lb for the season and Rick Pollock’s first grander, so far we have had 4 charter groups and a member of each of these charter groups has caught a grander. Ricks day was not finished and 2 hours later he was into another nice fish we called 850lb it was also tagged and released and gave as the daily award most fish tagged Day 4. We were back in the hunt.
Than our luck turned still finding the fish and getting the bites, everything that could go wrong did, a big backlash from a crazy bite certainly had the frustration building, than I was amazed when I watched a another nice fish eat a tiny scad and somehow the circle hook missed its mark.
Our luck turned with only half an hour left to fish in the tournament. Another good fish great action on a big day as the shots contest, Jim wild got the 850lber in the pictures good to end on a high note gave us 5 for the tournament, but happy to be in the top 10%, we had a wonderful tournament and the big presentation night at lizard Is was one to remember, Thankyou to my great crew Westy and Carl and anglers Jim Wild and Rick Pollock. Out again this morning 25 knot trade wind should be fun.
Capt Billy Billson
Hello folks
Well its been a interesting week to say the least, a motor shut down on the way back in from the last charter so a couple of days fishing on one engine, working back to cairns for repairs and a lost day in port while all strings were pulled to get a new high pressure fuel pump up from Brisbane, which somehow got lost in transport. No stress in this job.
Any rate all ended Ok and we were off very early the next morning, and I headed straight for the Ribbons. We managed only a 300lber on that day, the next day I had a feeling about No 8 Ribbon so I worked up there and gave it a solid day another small fish and a few marks keep my interest, but at 5 30 it was looking like the small fish was going to be it, Than it happened a truly very large fish left a whole in the Ocean as if a bomb had exploded on the stinger bait, Half an hour later we let a third grander for the season go this was the largest so far, and I had no Hesitation in calling it well over.
The Texas clients were amazed at how huge it was having only seen fish up to 750LB and they achieved what they travelled all this way for, the broken boat on the first few days was well forgotten.
On way at present to lizard Is, for the prestigious Lizard Island Black marlin Classic, Keep turned to see how we Go.
Capt Billy Billson
Hello folks
Just finished a 5 day charter with the boys from private Boat JAG that they left home this season. Mick and Deano, we had a ball great fun guys, although the fishing was a little slow, luck was on the boys side, with a couple of small fish to wet the appetite on the third day we jumped off our first nice one for the season, the last day off the trip arrived and we got started, only 30 minutes into the day and a very large fish had a soft bite on the tuna, the second bite was a bit more aggressive and we came tight.
The true size of the fish was not realised, than she did a set of amazing jumps down the side of the boat, a real nice one I saw enough to make me believe that we were hooked up to our first Grander for the season, within 30 minutes we had this beautiful fish on the leader, a couple of great jumps on the leader, and she was released. Jubilation all round, Big Deano had caught his first grander and although a little out of breath, the smile was from ear to ear.
Than once we got set up again, I went back to my mark and again another nice fish jumped on, This time Mick was in the Chair and a solid 800lber was released, what a last day. The boys got into the celebration drinks, and myself and crew Westy and Carl joined them in Cooktown that night.
Hello folks
Well as forecast the little marlin dominated the fishery out of Port Stephens this season, although some larger species up to 150kg were encounted,which were testing on the 10kg tackle, the small blacks were around in big numbers this season, the striped marlin as of yet have not turned up in the large numbers as previous years, although on some days, we had some great fishing with larger than normal striped marlin, but unfortunately the consistantancy was not there. The Viking 11 is still in Port Stephens until around the middle of this month, and still working and getting as usual great results, I am having a little break and will known Port Stephens Captain ShaneWilson is at the helm giving the clients some Great days. The South Alligator River is where I will be chasing Barra.
Speaking of Barra, I got a call from my eldest daughter Holly, 19 years old a couple of days ago. Daddy I just caught a 1.16 meter barra was her opening words, I was so stoked and proud as punch, Rhys Moore Holly’s Partner put her on the fish, and from all reports gave holly a hell of a fight, until the net went under the fish.
Hello folks
Sorry for the big delay since last blog, The boats wireless system had a hick up, so comunication has been hard. The viking 11 arrived back on the Gold Coast on the 10th of December so playing catch up with every thing, including my Children.
As per some previous years, the fishing moved a little out from the reef edge, during the later part of November, and besides marlin to entertain the guests ,we were also ambushed by some big yellowfin tuna. To move around and find the pods of fish, lure fishing was the go. One special day we had out wide we had all of the 130lb outfits screeming at once, marlin in the air as well as yellow fin over 100lb, it was mayham to say the least.
The giant blacks were amongst all the comocean, and some very large fish were encounted by some lucky anglers. Giant marlin on lures are a blowout!, and the water that these huge fish move when chasing down a lure, resembles a submarine, arriving to the surface.
Our season was spectacular, some mighty fish, great times with my clients and crew, and Viking 11 ran like the machine she was built to be.
Our score
Being conservitive we released 4 marlin over 1000lb plus one of these over 1100lb plus, 2 marlin 950lb to 1000lb, 3 marlin 850 to 950lb Total just below 50 fish for 62 days, we had other days were we were not chasing marlin.
I will be working out of the Gold Coast untill the middle of January, than off to Port Stephens, untill April.
May I take this oportunity to wish all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. And look forward to seeing you aboard with us real soon.
Greetings to all.
Johan my new Swiss friend finished his 6 days on board with another big fish to his name, A little earlier start due to his last day and earlier finish saw us catching some nice fresh Bonito. They were put in the water at 10.00 and soon after a very active 200lber was released.
Another fresh morsel was put out, and a quality 8oolber grabbed it. Johan was more than impressed, with his trip, 8 for his 6 days a 900lber a 800lber and came close to keeping a fish well over 1000lb.
Beau my partner owner of the Shangri la chain of hotels, Started his trip on the 4th, Beau this time bought along his daughter for the first time and regular young couple Susie and Eduardo. A nice lunch on the Mothership Galaxy, and we started fishing at 13.30. What a after noon we had.
Sussie was put on strike first by Beau, and a hot hour of fishing began. Susie who has never caught a marlin before was hooked up to a very active 600lber, than Beau’s daughter who also has never seen a marlin, got a 400lber, Beau jumped in the chair for a 300lber all in a very active hour.
Things settled down, and Eduardo was wating his turn, and at 17.00 it happened a nice 800lber grabed the long bait, and the fun began again.
What a great afternoon Beau was ecstatic, He yelled up to me” Bill back to the mothership to celebrate ” Which of Cause I obliged!!
Love this job.
Greetings my friends.
Some time since a blog, busy days for this Old captain. To Catch up Sarah and Scott Smith from the USA. finished there trip with 4 fish in the 5 days and Sarah’s big girl we fought into the night. Good going during a slow time and we had a wonderful diner at the 1770 Resturant to say our goodbys to very lovely pe0ple
The 26th lizard Island Black marlin classic has just finished its 5 day, We started well winning the first day, and regular and past winner Jim Wild is back again with a special friend. We are in the hunt but l
ead boat Top shot is having a blinder, one special day we got three and Jim got another grander to his name, But some good luck has been mixed up with weid bad luck. Example 650lb leader breaking on the strike somehow!!! Hooked up and fighting, than the bait coming back like it has not been touched, unbelievable. Easy to start pulling your hair out. But we are having a great time, and again enjoying having Jim wild aboard.
Never over till the fat lady sings so we will see what happens in the wash up. But No complants Jim’s Fish well over the mark is our 4th for the season, Very happy to have that result, and my clients have being a total pleasure.
Greetings all.
Well after a slow trip with my old friend Paul original owner of the original Viking. My new Clients Sarah and Scott Smith from USA, joined us in Cooktown, Sarah was a very keen angler and in the sport now for 3 years. After a early lunch and Chair setup specially for her, we were underway. We worked No 8 Ribbon Reef most of the day, hooked a fish but it got off, I had a hunch to try a spot on No 9 Ribbon that has worked with the current runing this way before, and at 5.40pm my hunch paid off.
The right rigger went off with a crack, and Sarah was hooked up solid. The fish was making all the moves of a large one, and than she showed herself, another very large fish Viking 11 was hooked up to.
I was amazed at the energy and natural ability that sarah had in the Chair, with the very heavy tackle, and what she lacked in size she certainly had in strength and determination.
The fish had all the tricks, and showed herself fully many times, believe it or not sunset came and Sarah took on sunset drag without a problem. Our oportunity came and Randy Baker got the leader, The fish had been caught, Randy did his best to keep a hold but the big seas got us at the wrong time, and the leader got pulled from his hand, we fought the fish into the Dark, and with sharks starting to show on the Furuno, I made a call to cut her free.
A tricky trip back behind No 9 Ribbon in the dark, and I climbed down the ladder to congradulate a very tied lady
Hello Folks
Day 4 of Joel Pallaster and team started as usual, the boys climbing out of their bunks looking very ordinary after the preceedings the night before. They have been still celebrating stuart wright grander.
A lunch and swim behind the reef, got everyone back in shape. Baits in we headed down the ribbons, the water turned nice at the top of No 5 and it was already busy with other boats working. A look around myself reveiled some good marking, I stuck it in to see if I could get a bite amounst the pack, and not to long before a fish took the stinger bait. The size was not clear, but it was showing all the sighs of being the extreamly large mark that got my attention on the Furuno.
Shane the angler fist time marlin fishing in the chair, was getting pulled, but the fish was lazy and than not far from the boat she came up and did a couple of large lunges towards the boat, Randy Baker grabed the leader, and this very large fish laid their for all to see, the screeming and yelling again was crazy, I called the fish 1100lb, and the atmoshere was electric.
2 more bites for the day, got the boys a 500lber and 350lber another amazing day on the GBR.
Capt Billy Billson.
Hello Boys and girls.
Jus tfinished my second workshop for the season out of Port Stephens, and from thefeed back I got it was another great success. It was nice to have a couple o fthe female gender on board this time. The Two girls were keen to lean all the tricks, and were soon tying all the knots and rigging like seasoned crew. The day at sea saw us spending allot of time with bait and switching technique, as the strong current on the normal grounds had the fish stocks spread out, the class got very excited when they saw how the whole concept worked, when we teased a striped marlin right to the back of the boat and switched it to a skipping mackerel. It is without a doubt the most spectacular way to fish, and as well as highly successful when one becomes accustomed to it. Another marlin to a first time angler, and with one lost during the day and a few other sightings,the students were kept entertained as well as occupied.
You may remember lucky Steve Pennisi, who caught the 836lb blue Marlin off the Gold Coast earlier this year. Well Steve decided to get his family interested in his new sport, and got me for a couple of days charter out of Port Stephens recently. Steve put his young teenage daughters up on strike first. I don’t know what it is with the Pennisi’s but would you believe a blue in the 180kg to 200kg class climbed on the skipping mackerel,and the young lady did a amazing job on the 15kg outfit to land her very first marlin. Later in the day her sister also caught her first marlin, a very active stripy of around 80kg. The girls are now hooked, and on to Dad to get them out.again, God I love it when a plan comes together.
Frustration has a whole new Meaning
Hello Folks
The first weekend of 50th anniversary NSW interclub tournament is now history,and as I ponder on the wording for this blog, I realise how much the luck factor can play in the sport of game fishing.
We were on the Board with one of the first tag and realises of the tournament, a solid black marlin, then with in another half an hour, we were again hooked up to another over size black for this fishery. This fish well over 200kg gave us a early chance with the Tag pole, but it did not find it’s mark, and it realised that it better keep as far away from that screaming engine noise as possible.
The hours ticked by and another couple missed opportunities, and then after four hours of what I could only call now wasted time the inevitable happened. Obviously feeling a bit flattened we were back on the spot, the sked report made me aware that we had wasted too much time and the pace was getting away from us.
When it rains it pours and again within minutes we were hooked up again, this time to a very large Striped marlin that took us all around the fleet in hot pursuit. Then it took off down sea at top speed for what seemed an eternity. Again when the opportunity arose, the tag shot went astray and made contact with the line. I remember saying something like bad luck or maybe something along those lines.
We had been hooked up most of the day and yet our result at the end of day 1 was one tag, well off the pace of 5 for the top boat.
Well with that day out of the way, you would think that, things could only get better. I arrived on the grounds at 0630 due to the crazy time they start fishing in this tournament. (leaving the entrance to Port Stephens at dark with another 170 odd boats of all sizes departing at
similar time is a navigation night mare, and it looks like they will not change this criteria until someone has a collision at sea, which could have a disastrous outcome. I only hope that this stupidity does not cause a loss of life.) The baits went in the water at start fishing 0700 and immediately we were hooked up to a double header, both going in opposite direction, and we were getting smoked, I made the decision to lock up one or lose both. With one fish gone I was just about to do chase to the other fish, and due to the amount
of line out the line parted. It appeared the Monkey had not got off my back.
Well my old mate Percy veer came to my aid, and our luck finally turned, after a shocking start we finally started catching. At the end of the second day we caught 5 striped marlin for the day, up there with a good result for the day, but our 6
fish total for the 2 days is well off the pace. The result for the Tournament so far in general is outstanding, good results both in marlin of all sizes and extremely large sharks. It looks like the 50th anniversary Interclub will be one to remember. Stay turned.
Hello folks
I arrived in Port Stephens a week ago and started fishing, and have done my first workshop and a charter day, The fishing has been nothing short of amazing, we have caught 14 marlin black and striped, and the students on my workshop experienced a phenominal day.
Sunday the 5th of February, was our day at sea for the students in the workshop, and what a day it was, it was also the second day of a tournament being held over the weekend, we started out letting the students use the rigging skills they got tought on the first day to present skipping baits, and also try there hand at switch baiting, it did not take long and we started marking fish on the sounders. The students could not believe how clear the fish marked on the large screen TV in the saloon. within minutes we were hooked up to 3 striped marlin at once, a bit of Chaos followed and we were soon unattached.
Due to the amount of boats fishing the same area and everyone else socking live baits, the fish were very finicky on the skip baits, but it was important for all to see all the technics they were taught the saturday at the dock. Soon after we released our first striped marlin on a skip bait, rigged by one of the class members. But it was becoming obvious that to truly maxiumise on the amount of fish in the area we would soon have to soak some live baits, down deeper in the water colume.
By lunch time we had finished all the tutorial with rigging skip baits, and teaser and switch baiting. The students were keen to start catching some number’s so with the help of the Viking 11’s excellent electronics, and our own specialised live baiting arrangement, we started catching in big numbers. By knockoff, we had caught 10 marlin for the day, not bad for a group of guys who many had never seen a marlin before, and were working the deck of a marlin boat for the first time.
Port Stephens is gong off this season so get aboard the mighty Viking 11 and experience a magnificent boat and unbelievable fishing.
Phone Capt Billy Billson on 0427183159
Hello folks
My season is finished and tomorrow we well begin the trip back to the Gold Coast. After my little holiday with my Children we had two trips to complete a overnight-er and a 5 day trip.
George Food shouted his Dad a 2 day trip, after we met in one of my workshops, The first day we were fishing off Jenny Louise shoal straight out of Cairns, fishing up till 5.00pm had been slow, and I was doubting my decision, when we had a bite on the scad, no hook up, almost immediately the big fish took the middle stinger bait, and we were hooked up to a solid fish. Young George did a great Job, and the fish presented itself early, we took the opportunity, and George released his first Cairns Marlin around 900lbs.
That day was over and after a very pleasant night behind Flynn Reef, and a beautiful snorkel in the morning we were back into it again. Again the action did not happen till late, and not until just before wind in, the scad again got the attention of a small fish, 250lb and George’s Dad Jeff was hooked up, to a very active fish. It was great to catch them a couple of fish and one nice one on a special father and son gig.
Word of some bad dirty water moving down from up north, had me a little concerned about our next trip. Good friend Joel Pallister, and friends were aboard the first day around lunch time the dirty water moved in, and the Action slowed right down. The next day we were moving back south to get in front of the water, which was found off Euston Light, with the good water came 3 bites on small fish, and 3 jumped off. The next day the dirty water was also starting to move into the southern grounds, so we went out a little wide with the lures, a decent fish had 3 goes at the Bobby Brown Lure, and than we nailed it. I am sure we were hooked up to a Blue around 750lb it did some great things, and had us giving chase to a real speed star. Stuart was on up to the task, and we were very close to a release when the hooks pulled ( bugger ) well we still got some good entertainment.
The next day we were forced to fish in the dirty water, and on a very slow day for most we still managed a couple of fish to 400lb, which I was amazed to catch in such water. It was a very strange current that had moved in and rarely before witnessed in these waters. with a early finish on the last day to see the sights of Cairns, we were finished for the 2011 season.
It was a magnificent season with all my charters have experience with nice fish, and many experiencing fish over the magic 1000lb
Hello folks
A little late with this entry, Just finished another 7 days with my Partner Beau ( Mr Shangri la) we utillised the mother ship Galaxy 1 for his stay, and i must say it was a first class operation, one of the best I have experienced. Beau,s trips are always a mixture of fishing, and we always enjoy putting him on some quality reef fish, this trip they had a ball and the quality of fish, including Red emperor, and Coral trout put a big smile on all of Beau’s quests especially his wife Ying who loves pulling on these magnificent table fish.
We marlin fished only a few hours each afternoon and still managed to catch a few Marlin, one around 800lb. and wife Ying got her first ever Sailfish while light tackle fishing behind the reef, Beau was extreamly happy and said it was one of his best trips ever.
Just finished my second day with regular client Brent Morehouse, the first day Brent managed two fish around 250lb and 350lb and on his second day a real big Girl game in on the skipping Tuna, she was a quality fish and certainly got my attention, She had a change of heart and switched to the swimming scad, which the big fish engulfed a hard tough fight with only a couple of jumps followed, Brent was up on the drag to sunset 88lbs of Drag early, as the sharks can be a issue on Linden bank, The heavy drag and Brents experience of 12 seasons fishing with me, had the big fish on the leader in about 30 minutes, We released the fish and I called it over 1000lb, Brent was ecstatic, and so were all aboard. There has been a great number of large fish around this season and we have certainly seen our fair share.
Hello Folks
The last 5 days we have3 been from No 10 to linden Bank, looking for the action, the water and current at No 10 was all wrong and although their was the very odd nice fish, alot of water between them, with a combination of lure fishing and baits to move around a bit we have caught 3 fish one being a Blue marlin, no size but a couple of fun fish. The big fish being caught at linden bank of cause shut down as soon as we arrived, They are still marking, and it gets a little frustrating running over these huge fish marks on the sounder and not being able to get a bite, it happens these are spawning fish, and they do some strange things.
It will change, they have to eat, and it is just a matter of time, yesterday we thought it was about to fire, when in the first 5 minutes of having the baits in the water, we got a very active 400lber, a little hard on Phill as he was still recovering after a little party on board the night before.
But not to be the rest of the day, I just watched them on the sounder and that was it, 90% of the fleet are at opal ridge and Linden Bank, and it seemed to be the same for all, just the odd fish, having a bite. the weather is now wonder full and we are all enjoying it untill next time.
Hello folks
Well after a substantial run of magnificent weather, the south east trades let us know that they still existed in a big way, the weather reports telling us of 25 to 30 knots kept coming, and the warnings that wind gusts could be up to 40% stronger than the average given hear proved correct. Rain yes that as well and during some night time sessions it was beyond belief.
We have been on the Mothership Atlantic Princess for the last week, with my partner Beau Kuok ( Mr Shangri la ) Beau loves his reef fishing and mind you, anchoring in 30 knots of breeze and trying to get on the right spot, puts a whole new meaning to the word a boat driver, and for my 2 Wassa and James they did a excellent job on the bow dealing with the anchor, Beau has a nice lot of Trout and Red Emperor to take back with him.
On the Marlin seen, well we were doing a few hours each afternoon, from the radio chat from few boats that were venturing outside the reef, it has slowed quite a bit, the strong winds have pushed the current to the north, which has not been proven to be the best scenario.From our small effort over 6 days we caught 3 Marlin from 5 bites no big fish.
At last the wind is laying off, into Cooktown for change over, the forcast is alot more attractive for the coming days, 3 lads from Western Australia will be joining us for 6 days Phill Perry and his mates are back after a great treip last year, Hope we can put it on for them again.
Hello Folks
Well Joe Golias and Austin Dishman from Texas, so far have had a trip of a life time, Joe’s encounter with the very large fish on the first day, was followed by a bunch of fish to 500lb on the second day, of ell thir trip. Over cocktails last night Joe asked me how many fish do you think we might catch tomorrow Capt Bill, of Cause my answer was Joe would be happy to catch just a big one after the day we just had.
Well out we went, and 10 minutes of having our lines in the water, we got the bite I was looking for, and 30 minutes later we released a fish just a little shy of 1000lb. Austin biggest ever fish, and a great way to start the day, well it was a little slow after that, untill I got to a spot I named hollies half way along No 10 Ribbon. ( My Wife at the time went in to Labour for my eldest daughter Holly white i was fish this spot, and i had to race to No 7 ribbon to meet seaplane to get back to Cains for the birth.
It is one of my favourite places to fish now, and it is well known by most captains who have been arouind a while, well it produced for me again and another big one jumped on this fish was spectacular and with some close handed jumps that showed her true beauty, the big fish was released, 2 big ones for the day, the bites kept coming from a couple of medium fish to also, to break up the day. The Texas boys after 3 days are blown away,and are already organising there trip for next season.
Hello folks
Just had 3 days, after the tournament, with a very relaxing group, we spent the mornings reef fishing, and swiming snorkeling, fresh fish lunch behind the reef, and got into the Marlin Fishing after lunch,the weather has been spectacular, for those sort of activities, we still managed to get our bites on the Marlin scene, and a fish a day for this relaxed group was not a bad effort.
Joe Golias and friend Austin from Texas Joined us today we quickle headed up to No 10 ribbon, it was,nt long before fish appeared behind the skad on the Tow Cam. The boys were all yelling from below but even in the Tower I could not make it out, they yelled when it bit, but after a few short jumps it fell off. Than less than 30 minutes later the fresh skipping mackerel on the short rigger got bit by a huge fish, the bite was amazing, well Joe was hooked up to a real tough guy, and after 1 hour 20 minutes we had her real close and getting tied, but after the heavy drag we were using to try and get a result with this fish, the 650lb leader finally gave up, I think the tail may have got to it.
It was a truly Great fish, and gave us a great fight, the fish won its freedom and she new all of my tricks to try and catch her.
Joe was more than happy just for the encounter, 10 minutes later we caught Austin his first black marlin 300lb, not bad for for a first day, and my new clients.
Hello Folks
Well after the 6th day of the Lizard Is Black marlin classic, The tournament has been another amazing example of this fishery, some quality fish have been caught and a few over the magical 1000lb and some maybe over 1100lb, the amount of big fish reports comming accross the Radio reports, has made it well and truly the best tournament for Big fish in the world. The current is running to the south in comparison to last season, and is strong and consistant, some boats have found some very hot, hot spots.
Askari is well and truly in the lead, and has had a super tournament, and will be hard to beat now, Little Audry has also done very well, we are still in the hunt for champion angler or runner up champion angler with 8 Tags for my little 14 year old. We are running around 3rd or 4th at present, unfortunately I had to fish with one motor for a part of the tournament as a clutch pack in my Port gearbox had a little hickup, it was a big night in Cooktown repairing the gear box half way through the gig.
The weather currently is georgous and the days and night on the reef our spectacular, The presentation of awards will be held tonight at Lizard Island. Always a big accasion and good to meet up with everyone.
We have to start a new charter the next day out of Cooktown so it will be another big night running down to their after the awards, better get to work by for now.
Hello Folks
The 25 th Lizard Island black marlin classic is under way, and a little slow at present, I think the pace is currently 2 fish which a handfull of boats including ourselves have, I have a 14 year old as my angler, Conner Craven has come with his Dad Glenn, they fished with me in a few tournaments down south at Port Stephens, Great people and Conner does a great job for a young man, with the heavy tackle, Got a bit on so short note today stay tuned.
Hello Folks
Little bit of wind last night up to 45 knot, kept me and and my crew on rotation for anchor watch, we have managed to keep in frount in the Lizard Tournament, after a 2 fish day yesterday, and winning another daily.
2 days to go and with some very good Captains in contention it will be a typical Case of its never over till the fat lady sings, My crew are doing a excellent job in harsh Conditions, new green Horn Hoggy is the best I have had for a long time, and long time friend and crewmen Wazza is one of the longest serving still in the industry is as always amazing, in more ways than one.
Capt Bill
Hello Boys and Girls.
Those who know me can contest that I love a red wine and rich food and Shellfish, Perfect combination for servere Gout, especially when you do not take the pro gout medication. Well just at the start of the Lizard Island tournament I got the Worst case of Gout I have ever had on my left knee. The tower got abandand and my days have been spent sitting on the helm seat on the bridge leg raised.
The boat driving on fish has been a testing time, and the double header we hooked yesterday was bound to happen under the circumstances,
We have now caught 5 in the tournament 2 900lbers and lost the Double header, we are leading but only by one fish, with 4 days to go, The great news is my gout is improving.
Hello Boys and Girls.
Luck was a little on my side, for the first day of the Lizard Tournament, My regular Jim Wid, from canada, opened our account with a great 900lber. and with a total of 5 bites for the day, and 3 tags put gave us the daily award, Rick Pawlek jim”s fishing buddy managed 400lber and Jim another very small fish. We jumped off another large one so all in all a great day.
Hello Beautiful people.
Well I must admit we have not been spending a huge amount of time Marlin fishing of late, a full bottom fishing programe before lunch Catching trout and red Emperor, of cause the clients wishes, has been eating a bit of the day light hours. the news was out that the big girls were about, so I was keen to get in on the action, At 5.45 pm after a day of only one bite out of a small fish, and feeling a little despondent, I was slightly energised by the two fish marks that appeared on my Sounder screen, Moments later the centre rigger got crashed by a very large fish, 18.45 pm the yells and screems from below lifted my spirits as the big fish jumped on the leader for the last time, and was released in perfect condition. How big Billy came the call, 950lb I said, but these days we just say a real nice one, and that she was.
Hello Folks.
Been out of action for a while with comunication issues, But the fishing has been slow, the current has been slow to the north or non existent, and no run no fun has certainly been what has been happening, But the last couple of days thinks are picking up with a couple of bites a day and catching 2 One medium fish and one small, will be more onto the blog in the Future with comunicaion issues resolved.
Capt Bill
22nd September 2010
Hello Folks.
Tim Lonesdale finised his 5 days with us yesterday, He caught 4 for his trip 2 big girls a 500lber and a small one, He also Had bites out of 2 other Big fish but they jumped us off. The 500lber was a beauty came in all lite up like a christmas tree, and when it finally ate and got hooked, it was off like a young boy on steroids, Not a huge fish but gave us all a lot of fun, Got some shots this time and will post them soon.
Paul kelly the original owner of my first Boat Viking is on board now, Paul, Doug and Rodney are my longest serving Clients, 23 seasons Now, They love there reef fishing so I went to one of my red spots for a drop before we got into the Marlin Programe, It was a hot bite and the boys had a ball with Red emperor, Large mouth Nannegai, Mangrove Jack, Coral trout. There fish box is full to take home, and dinner was a delight.
No luck with the marlin though, in the last few hours.
Capt Billy Billson
17th September 2010
Tim lonsdale first of 5 days was a cracker, Tim fished last year and you may remember that group Caught 2 over the 4 figures in a day, Tim came back as a loner this year, and again has already experienced what Cairns is famous for. I spoted the bite of a nice fish on the left bait, and it was so good to see, the circle hook caught the corner of the jaw, and after a great fight the nugget of the fish was released every one aboard was stoked as it was our first big fish for the season and on our 3 day of fishing.
Tim fished Both Azores and Madiera before comming hear and went 8 days without a bite, well as the day progressed we caught a small fish and towards the end the right rigger with the swimming scad came out of the clip like a arrow from a bow, another big fish started ripping up the ocean, and after 45 minutes I was looking at a fish alongside that had the length to be 4 figures I believe it was a bit lean from what I saw of the Jumpes so 950lb would be a safe call.
What a day the water is much hotter than normal for this time of year, and the water is purple and plenty of bait marking on my spots I love for the big ones keep tuned.
Capt Billy Billson
