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Many skippers have been enjoying some well earned R&R over the holidays, and after another busy Cairns season – and over 3 months jam packed marlin fishing – and who can blame them! While things have been quiet on the blogging front of late, you can still check out the action in the blog archives for September, October, November and December. And while many boats are now gearing up for (or already fishing) Port Stephens for striped marlin and blues and blacks, many have also been keeping the reels turning still at the home port. The northern fleet have been hammered by rain of late (and a cyclone overnight) but when they can get out there, are enjoying the light tackle fishing. Capt. Ross on Top Shot has been targeting the blues and popper-fishing for GT’s and dogtooth. While Wild Turkey has been getting in on the light tackle action too including some good sized sails, like these off Linden Bank. Triton has also been busy light tackle fishing on the Sunshine Coast, still catching a few little blacks in a late run though they have mostly moved on now. The Phantom, visiting from the Sunshine Coast won the recent Gold Coast Riviera Light Tackle comp with two black marlin, making the most of the adverse conditions. Iona fished the Port Macquarie Golden Lure where a good number of blue marlin were caught during the week. Meanwhile KEKOA, Reel Chase and Viking II, Gold Coast season over, are now preparing for the trip south to Port Stephens. (Update: Capt. Bill is already there and Capt. Luke has likewise popped down for a week before heading back again next week.)Blogging is about to start up again in earnest. Someone just needs to tell the fish down there we are ready. Stay tuned. Or if you’re down there already, send in your reports~!Some season recaps videos are done (more to come after Port Stephens). You can check them out in the post below. That should get your excitement levels up for another fantastic marlin season in 09. All the Captains are already at work filling their 2009 Cairns seasons, so if you’re planning on fishing, get in with your booking fast.