Tag Archives: Blackmarlinfishingblog

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

FIRST TRIP FIRST GRANDER.

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.

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.

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.

2nd November 2012 Tournament results Swiss client battles with the big girls

Greeting folks.

Another catch up on whats been happening on the reef with Viking 11. The lizard Island Tournament has been another amazing success, especially with the number of big fish Caught. A total of Seven black marlin over the Magical 1000lb number were released during the tournament, My client Jim Wild who was my angler when we won the tournament for the 5th time in 2010, caught his second black marlin over 1000lb. It was not our year this time and Top shot with Ross Finlayson at the helm taking out the the major award, But again we were on the podium with Champion boat day 1 and runner up Champion Angler.

Swiss client Johan Christensen has had a great trip so far with 6 marlin up to 900lb, he is keen to keep a real Giant and 2 days ago we had her on, the big gaffs were made ready but she knew all my tricks, the serious drag was put into play, and Johan was amazed at the power of these fish.

Alas it was not to be, another fish went though the line, while under maximum drag and it was over. We have one more day to try and make Johan Dream a reality, and with some sea monsters out there hear,s hoping.

Capt Billy Billson

4th Grander Tournament Torture.

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.

lady battles Giant marlin into the night.

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

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 workshop, and succesful teanage girls

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.

Frustration has a whole new Meaning

Hello Folks

The first weekend of 50^th 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 50^th anniversary Interclub will be one to remember. Stay turned.

Marlin, Red emperor Coral trout Grand Slam November 12th 2011

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.

28th October 2011 There having a rest.

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.

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.

11th November 2009 Back on the bank.

Hello Folks

Been a few days sinced my last blog, To be honest Just getting a little to tied some nights. Have been fishing Brent Morehouse for the last 5 days and averaging a fish a day, Today we had 4 bites on Opal Ridge and got 3 to 850lb, Brent is no newcommer to catching nice marlin having caught 3 up and over the 1000lb mark since he has been with me, in 9 years. He also reminds me that he has’nt missed catching a nice one in the 9 years he has been coming to the reef. Brent is from the states and loves Australia and the GBR.

I am getting quite excited as in 5 more days, or as my son Kai tells me 5 more sleeps I will be seeing my whole family for the first time in over 2 months. It will only be for 3 nights untill I go back out and do the last few weeks before heading home. Holly, My eldest daughter, Emmie- Rose, and Kai, and of cause the wonderfull Kimmy, will be staying in the Shangra la hotel for a week, complements of the owners. The job does have some great perks. But being away from the family for so long is very hard and I miss them very much. This may not be a Marlin shot but means so much more to me .

much.

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.

3rd November 2009 Catching up.

Hello Folks

I know been a while since my last blog, Been up at Yonge Reef out of range but let me catch up. Firstly the Lizard Island Black marlin classic has been run and won. With Sharky Miles on the Mauna Kea, having a hot day on the 6th day, finding a nice little pod and getting 4 from 6 in 2.5 hours, And gave the boats in the hunt a little bit of a slap in the face .

Mauna keatook out Champion Boat with 11 tags, Spartacus runners up with 9 tags, and Joe Joe 8 tags, and Viking 11 with also 8 tags, Congratulations to the winners, and to Bob Low and his team for another outstanding Tournament.

One of the big Highlights of this tournament was the fact that, 10 fish over 1000lb were tagged and released.

My good friend Beau Quokand his lovely lady Ying, from The Shangra la hotel group, are back for their second trip of the season, this time doing a live aboard, Beau loves the livaboard deal withjust him and his lady, and plays second chief with his amazing abilities in the galley.

We always spend a big part of the day light tackle and bottom fishing, and sneekout for a few hours Heavy Tackle in the afternoon, we are loading up the freezers and have still managed to keep in touch with the marlin averaging 1 a day.

CONTROVERSEY CORNER

Had quite a few enquires as to why my Boat and a couple of others, get so little mention or not listed as the Cairns Charter fleet, on another Major fishing Blog. Well I am not in a position to speak for the other guys but hear is my side of the story, and happy to let it be known.

As many of you may not know, to legally operate a charter boat in NSW, you have to have a NSW Charter boat licence, these had to be obtained by showing history in the industry in NSW as the licences were capped at around 200. They did not issue them easily, and the other option was to purchase a transferable Licence, at a considerable sum of around $20,000.

Being a Owner operator and 3 kids to support, It is easy to get frustrated when you find that operators who live in Queensland take there boats to NSW and operate and market themselves as being available for charter out of Port Stephens NSW, without the proper licensing and Documentation.

The boats in question are run by the father and fiance of the author of that other marlin blog,

In a industry that is hard enough to keep your head above water, when you are the Man who also pays the Bills, I will not accept The fact that Charter boats, who are owned by wealthy owners who have employed full time Captain’s do operate illegally and are competition in a market place, that I have spent large somes of money to operate legally.

On my last trip to Port Stephens, I let the operator or one of these boats, That he should address the fact of becoming legal, and I was less than impressed with what he and his future father in law had done and were consistently doing.

In retaliation, I was removed from the mighty blackmarlinblog, by the wife to be, and of cause she finds great difficulty in having to mention Viking 11 on her blog.

As my Father well and truly drummed into me as a youngster, some things in life just can’t go unchecked. And I will never back away from expressing myself, and doing what is ever necessary to look after my family, and If I see the other businesses operating unfairly, and potentially taking food from my children’s mouths, I will be very happy to express my points of view, again!!!.

With close to 30 years in this industry, and a Client base and friends from every corner of the Globe, This foolish move in retaliation for my Honest and just comments, will only help my business in exposure, and let honest hard working people, in other lines of work know a true storey.

By all means do not stop tuning in to Kelly’s blog as she has much more time and skills, to keep you in touch with whats happening on a day to day basis. But you may have to click on another site to get the full story.

Looking forward to comments, and if Luke, Kelly, and Jim would like to discuss this further, I am always available.

PS. Should get the mobile phones ringing on the reef.

Capt Billy

what he and his future father in

29th October 2009 Keeping in contention

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

The monkey hopefully off the back

Hello Folks

After 2 days without a bite today, the monkey hopefully has left my back, the 3rd day of the tournament, we managed to catch 3 and get us on the board, The pace is 5 after the 3rd day so I need to pull a rabbit out of the hat to get in contention. The boats at the top of the ladder are Spartacus, Joe joe, Hatitude, Top shot, with 5 and 4 repectfully, then a few boat on 3 including ourselves. Today is a important day.

25TH October 2009 Lizard starts

Hello Folks

Before I start, I received a comment from my friend and crewmen on Castille Kenton Geer, and he informs me that the Captain who said the fish they were fighting a very large fish, had been sharked was misstaken, the fish was in good condition when released, Damed if I know how much missinformed information goes unround this industry, But I am glad to hear that what I was told was not the case. And good going to the boys on Castille.

Talking about Castille the first day of the Lizard tournament today, saws them blitz the fleet, with 3 tagged fish, out of a heap of bites, Plus one they called 950 lb. A great effort well done guy.

Boats with 2 fish for day 1, include Hattitude, Little Audry, and a number On one fish.

I had a shocker with out even a bit, Hoping for better luck today

Billy

Big fish Bonanza 21st October 2009

Hello folks.

Well the flood gates opened yesterday and the big Girls came rolling in. We had a day to remember releasing two over the magic 1000lb figure, and jumping another fish off. The last big fish was released at 6:00 pm and the boys were jumping out of there skin. I witnessed the Watch dog also doing battle with a nice one, and in the distance could see other boats fighting big Girls, It was a day to remember for this season, and my new crewmen Peter Twiner leadered his first grander, and did a out standing job.

A few days ago I was complaining About not staying attached to big fish, these clients have now caught 1 over 900lb and 2 over 1000lb in 5 days fishing, and they still have 2 days to go.!!!

20th October 2009 wind peaks at 38 knots.

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

Wind Blows again and the fishing goes insane

17th October 2009.

Hello Boys and Girls Greetings from a Windy No 10 ribbon Reef, Great day today the extra wind has bought the fish on the chew big time, we had 6 bites pulled the hook out of a big one and caught 2 around 400lb. We have had a few very big fish bites this season and must be getting close to our number comming up soon. We are only fishing half days as the clients are enjoying the Mothership in the mornings

17th October 2009 Still mothership luxuary and consistant fishing

Hello folks

Been a little time since my last report, had a bit on with keeping the operation functioning, Our second group of clients for the Atlantic Princess arrived by seaplane today, been a while since I have had clients arrive this way, It was quit common in the early years but due to excessive insurance primeiums, it is quite expensive. But my new clients wanted to experience the sights of the GBR from above. Only one fish for our first of seven days, But it jumped on in the first 5 minutes on a lure and gave a great performance, a solid day on No ten Ribbon failed to produce another bite. The rest of the fleet are also getting amoungst the fish with some nice ones being logged Tim Dean on Calypso let do one on the number, and I heard of another big fish from the bank .

More tomorow folks

12th October 2009 The frustration of marlin fishing some days

Hello Again

5 bites one really big fish, and lost them all. But logic says that if you can lose one you can lose 5, the luck factor comes into it. And all this action happened in just I hour. Other reports up and down the reef were mixed but Good friend Peter B wright on the Sea baby IV has had to excellent days with a 900lber a 800lber and a 400lber and than followed up with a fish over 1000 lb the next day, Now thats what we call on fire.

More tomorow, have to go and catch some Red emperor

8th October 2009 Finally a nice one

Hello Beautiful people

We worked down from No 10 to the middle grounds yesterday and spent a couple of hours catching huge spanish mackerel on live scad at top of No 7. We fished down to top of No 5 and worked it for the rest of Day Finally a nice fish appeared behind the scad bait, with a couple of male companions. The nice fish had no trouble in engulfing the scad and young Jake was hooked up to this black beauty, the fish gave a great performance, and was released, at 750 800lb. The baits went out again and almost straight away a bivgger fish came in and looked like it would eat for sure, when a large wahoo came in and won the race to the Dinner table. Another raft up with Iona 11 and socialising with friends and clients will known angler Jon Paul Richard from FRENCH LOOK fame,

My buddy’s from sydney Neil and Jake francis who bought up there own boat DEALNE this year to the reef, are having a ball and have already caught a 800 and 900lber with Capt Tiger at the helm, Linden bank was the hot spot.

It is my last day today, of this 7 day charter, and hoping for a grander to make a great trip even greater, than onto the Mothership Alantic Princess for 14 days, 7 With Beau Quok his father and companions, regulars and Grand Poo bah’s of the Shangra lai chain of hotels, and 7 with new clients Brian Shingle and friends from the states. It will be a nice break from the liveaboard programe for us.

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.