- On the West Coast: The Broome Billfish Classic is over and Broome GFC president Jeff Cooper reports that they had their challenges with the weather. Over 106mm of rain fell during the week’s competition and on one day the temperature barely reached 18 degrees (not quite the warm sunshine competitors are used to!) As for the fishing, sailfish numbers were down a third but they raised twice as many marlin. Significant catches include a 180kg range black marlin on 10kg for a junior angler which was tagged and released. Full report to come.
- On the East Coast: the upcoming Townsville Billfish Bonanza and Yorkey’s Knob Light Tackle Tournament (members only) should finally give us some indication if the little black marlin have arrived in the north. Read more about these tournaments on the new Tournament Calendar page.
- Of the few boats that have made the most of small breaks in the weather, Capt. Scott “Bat” Taunton and crew on Imagine released their first sailfish (picture) of the season off Cairns last week. Capt. Tim “Too Nice” Ryan reports that he’s heard of a couple of small blacks released mackerel fishing as well.
- Team Hardcore and Askari took a trip up the Ribbons to the Big Rock (Lizard Island) last week and the boys enjoyed introducing owner Shane’s 5 year old daughter Monet to game fishing. She ended up with 6 scalies and a nice Spanish Mackerel and showed some pretty nice form in the chair – a certain future junior angler. She also kept on asking to catch a big Marlin (Shane you’ll have to bring her back in September!)
- Owner John and son Jye joined Capt Troy Dallman on Cool Runnings for a day off Opal Reef on the weekend and got stuck into the yellowfin. John tells me they were everywhere!
- More tuna news: Craig reports that the bluefin are still thick at Bermagui right now. Double D fishing last week had their bag limit by 8am (photo) and spent the rest of the day videoing fish at the back of the boat. All boats have seen plenty of fish, mostly wide of the 30 line.
