Hello Folks
Heading for the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow, still mid December keep turned for regular blogs and up dates on www.australianmarlin.com, Both shots below are from the reef but two species.
Tag Archives: Black marlin fishing Cairns
24th October 2013.My best run of big fish ever
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
Another lizard tournament and another Grander. 21st October 2013
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
13th October 2013 3rd charter 3rd Grander.
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
Daughter shows she is a Billson
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.
Port Stephens a mighty place.
Hello folks
Viking 11 is currently at Port Stephens, and as predicted the amazing small black marlin fishing on the East coast of Australia this year has spread down to this fishery. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Port Stephens, It is a got to go there place. My first true experience of Game fishing still in primary school, was at Port Stephens, and memories of giant fish hanging from the Shoal bay weigh station in the late 60’s are still in the depths of my mind. My first ever marlin I caught off Port Stephens, and later in life The largest tournament in this country The NSW Interclub held off Port Stephens we won, and as history would now show have won a total of 4 times. It is also a destination regularly mentioned in the IGFA world record book many times for outstanding Captures on light, Ultralight, and Saltwater flyfishing tackle, The largest fish ever to be caught on flyfishing tackle ( 138 kg Blue Marlin on 10kg tippet ) was caught out of Port Stephens on Viking 11.
So as you can see, it holds as a special place for me, and many others who have experienced the sort of fishing this place can produce. Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin Grand slams .
Days of double figure striped marlin are not uncommon, and this season with the large influx of small black marlin, so much fun on lighter tackle, Both species big number days, will be possible.
The few days that I have already done out of Port Stephens, have produced some big number days, with the clients having a ball, some of this excellent fishing is only a few miles out the front of the Bay, making it very easy, The big tournament month of February is upon us, and itis peak season hear now, so come aboard for the Viking experience, off Port Stephens .
Capt Billy Billson
2012 Giant Marlin Season wraps up.
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.
Water running uphill
Hello folk.
Just finished a three and four day charter, Rodger and Barbara Cunningham, from NZ had 3 days of Glamour weather, and some good action, a 500lb and 300llb marlin were caught as well as some nice yellowfin on the bait rods to 15kg that gave them both some good entertainment, and the extra oversize spanish mackerel kept coming.
You may remember Dave Mcpherson from last season, Dave was lucky enough to catch 2 huge marlin in the one day. The first I called over 1100lb and than another that I don,t know but it was much bigger. Dave luck was not as good on this trip, the current had turned to be running uphill and the action slowed, but we stillo got a couple of smaller fish to 300lb for him, Dave is one of those Guys who loves it just for being out there and he has certainly seen the highs and lows.
The wind is kicking in and we have a few rough days ahead, but it will more than likely bring them on, I will keep you informed.
Capt Billy Billson
Great tournament Plenty of big fish.
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.
14th November 2009 Another nice one for a new client.
Hello folks
Started with new clients, from Brisbane today. Scott Watson, and friends. I was going to troll lures up to Escape reef as the water on Linden Bank went off the day before. But after an hour of heading north, I had a feeling that things were changing, and a new run of good water was coming in. Should I stay or stick with the game plane.
I selected to give it another day on the bank, and it was the right call. Workiing just inside the wide trench at the top of the bank. We had 2 bites out of nice fish, one we jumped off, But the second stayed attached and with scott in the chair, The Viking 11 was in hot pursuit of another nice fish for our season, This one had a huge head and shoulders but very very short, so was released at 850lbs. Scott was still a very happy man and the boys who have only fished for small blacks and sails off Brisbane, could not believe the size of these creatures. 
7th November 2009,
Hello folks
Started new charter with regular Brent Morehouse, this morning. And Caught his first fish, only a small one by 300pm his second bite came soon after, and this was a nice one, But after severel attempts at crashing the bait and totally missing it , it gave up and left. God they Can be funny creatures some times. Little wind and rain at present.
Capt Billy
Our Fouth Grander for the season.
Hello Folks
Yesterday was a special day. Beau Quok owner of the Shangri la Group of hotels Caught a special fish on a lure after a special fight. The fish eat a lumo Spocket, which was the same lure I have caught Many giants on. The biggest weighed being 1134 lb, This fish I feel was larger.
I did not see the bite, and the fish was wound to the boat as if a 15kg Wahoo, I good see the lure and a little bit of colour and called it a wahoo as the angle of light was playing tricks on me.
The so called wahoo took off, ripping line off the reel with 20kg of drag, and I started backing out to see chasing this 15kg Wahoo. 15 Minutes later a very large fat Marlin started jumping all over the ocean, Many times reassembling a blue marlins performance, It was a outstanding fight that left us all breathless, It was a serious battle and Beau did an outstanding job, the leader was taken after a solid hour of the most amazing big fish fight I have ever witnessed.
On the other matter, I do not make such comments without justification, and the grand poo Bah of the NSW Charter boat licencing Mr James found no record of the mentioned boats, Having a Charter boat licence to operate in NSW IN 2009.
As he pointed out to me all boats with a CFB No must display the number very visibly on the vessel, Or this vessel is deemed not to be a licenced NSW charter boat. Just as any commercial vessel. This No is to let the public and other operators know that the boat, is legal to operate in NSW.
As for the legal action that I have been threatened with, bring it on!!
I will not enter into the personal mud slinging that was seen on the other site, No one is perfect and yes I have regrets. The most important thing to me is not what certain boat operators think of me in this industry, But how my clients think of me, Mr Beau Kuok for example, and the other regulars who fill my boat up hear year after year, and have been doing so for 23 years now. And I am only out hear supporting a family, and at 52 that is the most important thing to me. I will not be drawn in to mention any of the Past history of one of the Capt’s of the boats in question, to compete with the mud slinging on me, But remember people who live in class houses should not throw stones.
2nd October 2009 No world record but great fishing
Hello folks
Well moto has finished his charter, looking for a 700lber for eight kilo, but no cigar, we raised 10 fish on the teasers all eat the hookless baits, But nothing over 400lb. Moto attempted to get the blacks to eat a minow popper but they coud’nt be fooled, He was very satisfied with the amount of fish he saw. Catch up more tomorrow.
30th September 2009 No 10 Ribbon
Hello Folks
Currently fishing regular client moto from Japan, Targeting the world record on 8kg, 631lb and the smaller fish he casts a popper to after the tease, and if its a grander he will have ago with the 130lb tackle. All fish are teased and switch baited. Yesterday we raised 3 and had 2 bites on the switchbaits, One we coud’nt get off the teaser and the other woud’nt come in. Another boats fishing No 10 released a nice fish of 800lb and The release went 2 for 2.
17th September Linden Bank North of Cairns
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
.