A few more of the fleet have begun their 2010 seasons over the last few days and ex-Cairns, headed straight to Linden Bank.  Among them Captain Tim Dean on Calypso who may have only dreamed of a big fish eating his very first bait on his very first day of the season.  But that’s exactly what happened–an 800lb-er climbing on within the first couple of hours of start fishing. Unfortunately the fish broke the leader but a great start to the season.  Tim reports the water looks good and the current is running south – conditions ideal.

Capt. Tim Richardson on Tradition saw 3 and had 1 bite for no conversions. Gavin “Groover” New, also at the Bank on Pirate, reports they raised a couple of fish including a 400lb-er. And the 78 foot Garlington Dreamin’ On, on their world marlin tour, got stuck into the yellowfin and mackerel but no marlin yet.

At Port Hinchenbrook, Capt. Chris “Sharky’ Miles reports the annual billfish comp wound up yesterday with much the same results we saw in Townsville.  Local knowledge paid off for Mudda who took out the win with a 200lb reef black marlin and a sail, followed closely by the Mackay boys on Aquamack also with two fish.

And a little further down the coast on the Whitsundays, there are still a few sails around.  Ash Warland caught 2 sailfish and had a bite out of one of the illusive light tackle blacks yesterday as well.