Tag Archives: Marlin fishing Australia

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

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.

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.

5th November 2010 Big fish Charter for Beau my Partner.

Hello folks

Yes everyone complaining my Blog is not up to date, little to much to take care of sometimes, and rather be catching than writing about it, so lets see if I can get a bit up to speed.

My Partner Beau had another 7 days which finished on the 5th we caught 9 fish from 15 bites, His first day we got the big one that as mentioned earlier gave us One hell of a fight we let it go at a conservitive 900lb, we caught fish up to 700lb on other days and had 2 three fish days.

On the second last day Beau’s generosity was shown again, when he asked the chief out for the day, and kept him on strike for most of it. Steve caught 2 one around 700lb and Beau got the last one for the day as Steve was a little worn out. What a wonderful jester from a beautiful man.

We had to finish at 2pm on the last Day and right on 2pm Beau was rewarded for his generosity, the previous day when a beautiful fish crashed the skipping Mack Tuna. The bite was impressive to say the least, and so was the fight, The fish was let go after some great jumps on the leader in 15 minutes, what a way to finish a great trip. The fish was over 1000lb and I have never seen Beau so happy, Great things happen to great people.

Pakula SPROCKET again gets eaten by Large fish.

20th September.

Fishing a little slower than our first. But we have had a hook up on another nice fish while travelling to another spot, Our Favourite big fish candy a Pakula Lumo sprocket did the job, But after a couple of outstanding first jumps the hooks fell out. Weather is beautiful now Hoping for some good shots today if we get lucky.

Hot water early and the big ones are here.

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

22nd November 2009 5th Grander for season.

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.

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

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

24TH SEPTEMBER 2009

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

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.

Season wrap up.

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.

Gday folks.

Another good day on the bank for Big Fish. We let go a solid 850lber and also hooked up on a fish that angler Terry and crew wanted to put in the Boat. Than a Bazzare thing happened we were about to grab the Leader when one of the following Male fish got the line caught in its mouth and started jumping next to the boat and got caught up in the whole program breaking our attachment to a donkey of a fish. The small fish was released while caught up in the line and leader. And the Big girl owed it’s male partner a big thankyou. In my 25 years up hear I have never seen anything like it .