LATEST FISHING - MARLIN SEASON SEPT 08

Just finished yesterday our 2nd heavy tackle charter for the season with a new team of kiwis and caught 7 fish for the 5 days. Our first "big" fish caught for the season was on the 26th September at an estimated 950-1050 lbs. The majority of the action was had in the first couple of days of the charter in the middle of the Ribbon Reefs. Thanks boys - was a great trip.

Am now out today for 5 days with US angler Tim Roache and his nephew Stephen and debating whether to remain in the middle or move South, whilst a large portion of the fleet head North to fish the Lizard Island Tournament. Back to port on Saturday the 4th October.

LATEST FISHING - MARLIN SEASON SEPT 08

Headed out this morning for our 2nd heavy tackle charter of the 2008 season. Winds are up and swinging to the South with good fishing conditions ahead predicted and calmer weather in a couple of days. First trip was a good one, where we caught 7 over the 5 days with largest marlin estimated @ 350lbs. We were tailed by a couple of larger fish, though no bites from them. Fished predominantly the middle of the Ribbon Reefs and looking to head that way again, returning to Cooktown on Monday.

LATEST FISHING AUGUST / EARLY SEPT 08

Despite the windy conditions, July and August fished exceptionally well. The juvenile blacks and sailfish have been around in good numbers. We've just returned from a 3 day charter with 4 great guys from the Gold Coast on a surprise 50th birthday bash and a fantastic introduction to light tackle marlin fishing, with them catching 15 for the 3 days, - their best day was 8 from 13 bites.

August saw us fly fishing for a good portion of the month. American anglers Jimmy, Larry and Mark came all the way to Oz to catch their black marlin and tick off another species of billfish on a fly. We raised an average of 4-5 fish a day and caught 4 for the trip which was excellent considering the challenging conditions (20-30knots).

We also fished with 2 first time marlin flyfishermen from South Africa, Brenton & Roland for 4 days in late August and caught 1 on the fly and 3 billfish on conventional tackle.

I am heading off today for Ninnian Bay (north/west of Lizard Island) for 6 days of barra fishing and bait fishing before commencing the heavy tackle marlin season from Cooktown next weekend.