The Port Douglas Marlin Challenge is on for another year with 13 boats competing, and had the first day of fishing. Although I was on land for the day (see below) and missed the skeds, Heff sent me an update from the tournament fleet fishing mostly to the south on Linden Bank and Opal Ridge. Heff reports beautiful weather conditions 10-15 knots and moderate fishing and a quite a few hard luck stories and 11 hookups and 2 completed tags.
Currently leading is Capt. Daniel McCarthy’s Moana III with an est. 700lb blue marlin from Capt. Damian Collette’s Saltaire with an est. 800lb black marlin.
Outside the tournament, a bit of dirty water on the tides has slowed the bite but with better water coming through, most skippers are confident of the fishing’s return. In the Middle, Capt. Tim Dean’s Calypso released one from two at 300lbs and at the top, Capt. Tom Francis’ Ultimate Lady released one as well. And that is all I have! :-) We’re waiting for the switch to flip back to on!
Apologies for the lack of reporting yesterday – I had to drive to Cairns for the day and was out of service for much of it. But back to Cooktown last night and out again on the reef today!
