Fishing Reports 2007/ 2006 / 2005

"ON THE HOOK" with Captains Ross and Glenn Hunter
5th June 2007

Having just returned from four days trout fishing at Jindabyne with my good friend and compatriot in crime Gordon Johnson. Some say to me "Why would you want to go fishing when that's what you do for a living?" My reply is always "There is something beautiful and totally contenting in wandering a pristine stream like the Thredbo and polarioding a big brown trout".

A fish that has great eyesight and senses and did not get to be a big trout from being silly.

It is the guile and cunning in the presentation of a fly to a wary fish and then the satisfaction if you actually do it well enough, you may even catch it"

It's one of fishing's great challenges.

We have trudged the River for many years and we know that if it rains in the mountains then look out because that's when the big boys bite and bite well.

Both Gordon and myself fished in gale winds on two of the days, winds so strong that you could hear the onslort coming like a freight train roaring down the river, we would brace ourselves and wait for the blast to pass and then continue fishing. One gust all but blew my beanie off my head and after catching some of those big browns I was getting pretty big headed I can tell you.

We bagged out most days on big browns to 6lb and really did have a wonderful time.
All fish were caught on nymphs above a glow bug.

A wonderful trip and a big thanks goes to our new acquaintance "Mud Eye Mick" who taught us a couple of fly fishing tips that helped us to catch fish in the strong winds.

We also met up with our annual friend Lowther from Victoria This guy is a great fly fisherman and once again we hang on every word of advice he gives us. One of the great things about any form of fishing is that it always pays to listen to others who know more than you do….It is a quick way to learn ( see Lowther's photo of his huge brown trout)

A fine Thredbo brown	Cold Yes! It's freezing but who cares when your catching brown trout like this. A great reward for Roscoe
Concentration plus It was the fish of the trip and we wanted to land it	Gordo crossing the Thredbo.
Gordon's brown	Louther's big brown
Mud Eye Mick with a nice Thredbo Brown.. It was released	On the Thredbo It was a great year with some big fish
Ross's two browns caught on a nymph in the Thredbo	The magnificent Thredbo River

THE OCEANIC SCENE (A LITTLE QUITE BUT READY TO FIRE SOON)

We are still waiting for the yellowfin run and whilst we did catch a few 30kg tuna two weeks back, the past few weeks have been fruitless. There is light at the end of the tunnel however as the tidal currents really are looking better for the next few weeks. We are most confident that the tuna will show and show with a vengeance in the next week or two.

The isotherm that is not far away now should hold fish  The last few trips has seen hundreds of striped tuna and although cubed until dark did not turn a reel on the yellowfin.

We did have the best season last year for a decade and I cannot see why the fish will not be just as good this year .(see some of last years photos of great days on the tuna We really did exceptionally well for our customers rarely missing good catches).

Winghams David Bartz..Getting into the blood and guts of it	Joes fish gets close Soxie gets ready with the gaff

GREAT CATCHES OF SNAPPER

There has been some really good catches o of snapper to 4.5 kg from the southern waters Pat Diasnos on his boat Yum Yum had a good catch last week. The fish were caught on floaters in 60 metres of water off Pt Hacking.

The shallow reefs off Coogee have also yielded some nice reds last week Once again from the 60-metre depth and fishing light line and floaters.
I have fished the Georges on the tides over the past weeks and have not missed a feed of blackfish, some days better than others Next week the tides will be better and the Georges and Pt Hacking will produce well.

Snapper like this can be caught on floaters from now through Winter

TIPS FOR THE NEXT FORTNIGHT
BLACKFISH IN THE GEORGES, SNAPPER OFFSHORE ON FLOATERS AND DEFINITELY YELLOWFIN TUNA OUT WIDE.

BOOK NOW FOR TUNA TRIPS

For those wanting to catch yellowfin do not wait until the word gets out book now and get the run up to the full moon that puts you in the best window of opportunity to do well.The fish are just around the corner and will be on soon.

We have some share trips $250.00 per head or the full boat is $1500.00 per day for groups of 7 maximum.

"ON THE HOOK" with Captains Ross and Glenn Hunter 16/5/07

As both Captains have had a well earned two weeks off after a long and successful Pt Stephens marlin season, but the rest is all but over.

As both Captains have had a well earned two weeks off after a long and successful Pt Stephens marlin season, but the rest is all but over.

THE RED HOT NEWS is that Glenn Hunter caught two 35 kg yellowfin this week so the holiday is over and the yellowfin tuna season is with us.There was an excellent blue marlin caught on Stickface Gary reported the big fish took 4 hours and was around 200 kilos
Once the word gets out that the tuna are running the rest days are well and truly over for us
The fish were both trolled on bibles minnows out very wide

Not to rest on his laurels the very next trip BILLFISHER caught a 90kg striped marlin The lads from ATARI had never seen a marlin before and were amazed at the performance that was to follow.

BOOK NOW FOR YELLOWFIN BEFORE THE RUSH STARTS
Our advise is to book now before the frenzy, that way you can pick the best moons and give your crew maximum chance of doing well on the fin.

We have posted a great HOW TO CATCH on yellowfin …Visit FISHING TECHNIQUES SECTION on this site you may get a few ideas and there are some great photos.

If you want a most exciting days fishing with your friends, yellowfin tuna will give you all the action you could ever imagine They simply are the best sportfish that swims and they're not bad to eat as well.

Having caught and released the marlin it's thumbs up all round.	The Atari team hit the jackpot with a great striped marlin.
This is how it was every trip last season Yellowfin fever.	Yellowfin fever it's here ...smiles on tired dials.
On the trace and still fighting.	The big striped close to release.

COSTS AND DETAILS ON A TUNA CHARTER

We take a maximum of 7 people at $250.00 per head or $1500.00 per day for the boat
We supply all Shimano tackle, a crewman and captain and the duration of the day is 10 hours.

TO BOOK RING 95342378

TIPS FOR THE NEXT FORTNIGHT
Blue and striped marlin on the shelf and the wild start of the yellowfin tuna season.

For details and great photos on last years season look in this column FISHING REPORTS and scroll back to May June, July August thru to November last year.

IT WAS GREAT SEASON AND THIS ONE WILL BE THE SAME

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CATCH THAT "FISH OF A LIFETIME" then do hesitate to book
now.

THOUSANDS OF ANGLERS HAVE ACHIEVED THAT ON BROADBILL AND BILLFISHER OVER THE YEARS.

"ON THE HOOK" with Ross Hunter - 30/4/07

The offshore scene for the past fortnight has been a little tough, the water has stayed warm at 23 degrees but has little in the way of piscatorial inhahidents. We have raised a couple of marlin but apart from the 240kg blue caught three weeks ago it has been dolphin fish and striped tuna keeping our customers happy.

The dolphin fish have been small (50 to 60 cm) and have all been caught around the fisheries FADS
Live bait however is a must, without it you may struggle.

The good news is that there is a great head of fabulous water coming down at the moment and it should bring some improved fishing with it, maybe some yellowfin tuna.

This time last year we were catching tuna on our boats and caught them right through to November giving us the best yellowfin season for a decade.

Yellowfin tuna are everybody's favourite, they fight like schoolyard bullies, and they eat well and are without doubt the toughest fighters that swim our oceans.

Read next weeks "How To Catch" series featuring yellowfin tuna
Look in………." Fishing Techniques and Hints"

It is not all doom and gloom though as the offshore fishery closes down a little then the inshore reefs spark up.

The Botany Bay charter fleet fishing the inshore reefs are catching good catches of morwong, snapper and kingfish. I was surprised yesterday when we had a reef fish for an hour and caught eight snapper on the drift and whilst we returned the majority (we had a group of USA anglers who could not cook them at the hotel) the fact that the fish were there in numbers had me thinking that a good session anchored and fishing floaters would work well and would certainly produce some bigger fish. The best grounds are off Coogee fish the 55 to 65 metre reefs and use fresh or salted striped tuna. The current is light and running slowly north. We are going to try this technique and will let you know how we go.

A very wet roscoe holds up a couple of the catch.The number plate says it all.	They were'nt big but great fun.
Snapper like this can be caught on floaters from now through Winter.	Some big Sydney dollys caught early in the season off the FADS.
Water spout off Botany.	A water spout last week off Botany This first photo shows it about to form.

We are running a "HOW TO CATCH SERIES" on this web site See Fishing Techniques and Hints Section.

In the series we feature blue, striped, blackmarlin, yellowfin tuna, kingfish, dolphin fish, salmon, cobia, snapper and more. It is worth a look, lots of great photos and hints from some most experienced fisherman.

I had a fish for blackfish with good friend Stewart Case in the upper Georges River. He and Donna are owners of the very popular fisherman's web site www.fishraider.com

I don't know what it is about black fishing that I enjoy so much, maybe just the serenity of the whole scene and the fact that they are one of my favourite fish to eat.

At our spot we met up with another friend and blackfish legend, Norm Jefferys who had caught 5 for the day. We ended up catching a dozen but only kept four. There were a heap of throwbacks and we had a great afternoon even if we were fishing in the torrential rain.

The beaches have been fishing well for salmon, tailor and bream a little bird told me Wanda beach especially

HOT PRESS a 45kg yellowfin was caught on Saturday at the "mountain" maybe our predictions are right…lets hope so but that report sure is encouraging. The fish was trolled. We have seen small fish jumping out very wide and did catch some so all the signs are there.

BOOK NOW FOR THE BEST MOONS ON BROADBILL OR BILLFISHER FOR YELLOWFIN TUNA For MAY/JUNE

Costs $1500.00 per day for up to 7 anglers

Last year hundreds of our anglers caught their first "FISH of  LIFETIME" when they boated their first yellowfin so why not give it a go (scroll back in Fishing Reports for some great photos of some big tuna)

"ON THE HOOK" with Captains Ross and Glenn HUNTER 17/4/07

We are back in Sydney after a long and most successful marlin season in Pt Stephens
.Broadbill and Billfisher's charterers caught and released 189 marlin for our two and a half month sojourn.

There were many happy anglers who realised their dream of catching "That Fish of a Lifetime" and that is most satisfying for us professional skippers.

The mix of species were black, blue and striped marlin, we managed one "Grand Slam" the blue, black and striped in one day with the boys from Maroubra headed by Anthony The Winch Chaffey and Johnny "Boo" Cartlidge.

The lads caught 16 marlin for their stay; many of them were marlin virgins prior to their trip, they are now seasoned veterans after their three days at Pt Stephens.

The early part of the season in January and February was fabulous with catches of 7's and 8's every day, however it did slow down in March. and April, back to ones and twos but that is still great fishing in any ones language.

It is what we have come to expect of this amazing fishery. We also caught some excellent wahoo, yellowfin and mahis.

"THE HUMAN BOLLARD" CATCHES HIS FIRST MARLIN
It was my Deckie John "The Human Bollard" Giles who enjoyed the trip home from the Port.

We trolled two lures and in latitude 33..12 off Bird Island, we had a striped marlin on, it subsequently fell off after a 10-minute fight …then another strike and it did not hook up.

Then at last John got lucky when a 70 kg striped finally stuck on the lure (giggle stick).

After a 30 minute battle John tagged his first ever marlin, it's a fact he's traced 180 of them working as a crewman, but never caught one personally so it was a great thrill for him.

It was a nice way to end our Pt Stephens season, that marlin rounded our tally to exactly 90 marlin for the season, a nice round number and a most successful season.

READ BRAND NEW SERIES BY THE HUNTER BOYS
"HOW TO CATCH AUSTRALIAN SPORTFISH"
GO INTO FISHING TECHNIQUES AND HINTS ON THIS SITE
For a full report and a series on "How To catch Australian Sportfish" visit our web sit "Go into Fishing Techniques and Hints" It is worth a roam through, lots of great photos and stories and some useful hints.

Back in the "Big Smoke" we have caught striped tuna and some small yellowfin out wide .on recent trips.

We had a good blue marlin hooked up last Monday. The big fish (240 kg approx) climbed on a Bloodshot lure and peeled off a few hundred metres of line in no time flat, it was all hands on deck as the big fish time and time again screamed around the ocean.

Unfortunately we lost it after a while and never saw another for the day.

A blue marlin on the rampage.	Beside the boat.
I back Broady up with great urgency as the big fish extracts copious amounts of sting.	Wow! what a fish everyone said.
John Vassala had caught some great fish on the lighter gear but the blue gave him a work over on the 37kg he reckoned.	ohnny Giles Broadbill's deckie has traced 180 marlin but never caught one. That changed when we were heading back from Pt Stephens last week.
Johnny holds the marlin as we push water through the gills before release.	Johnny the human bollard after releasing his first marlin Happy you bet!
Johnny Vassala on the bear gun The big 80 wide screamed as the big blue tore line off at an alarming rate. johnny Boo Cartlidge is very happy.

REVENGE OF THE BLUE MARLIN…. BROADY HOOKS A BIG LINE BURNER ON SUNDAY
However it all changed for us on Sunday, we were still smarting over the loss of that fish, so we went back out to try again to make amends, this time with the 37kg gear.
We spent all day trolling lures, live baiting around the masses of mackerel schools for a swag of striped tuna but "Diddly Squat" on the blue marlin.

At 3.30 I decided to run a brace of Bloodshot lures, John from Bloodshot had just given us a new one in the range and it looked great so out it went first, we trolled back into the shelf with a brace of big lumos, fizzing and smoking away behind us.

We had been working the 150-fathom line.with no strikes so we decided to try our luck in the shallow er purple 24 degree water.

Blue marlin have no manners, they are the Bluewater bullies, they hit with the speed of an F-18 hornet on full after burn and punch like a school yard bully. This fact was driven home in no uncertain terms when we got crash tackled by 220 to 240 kgs of blue muscle in 83 fathoms at 4pm.

The old Shimano beastmaster 80/130 screamed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz "Get the gear in" I yelled "And get it in fast".

The big fish removed 250 metres in 20 seconds and then burst out of the water like a Polaris submarine much to the cries of all in the cockpit "Wow! did you see that that was wild"
but it was just the start as the big boy jumped another twenty times.

I was on the gas in reverse backing up as hard as I could push Broady then after 10 minutes with a cockpit half full we had got back a couple of hundred metres.

Johnny Vassala was on the rod and hung on to the big 80 for grim death. He commented later having never experienced the heavier tackle (John caught some great stripes and blacks with us at Pt Stephens all caught on 15 and 24 kg).

He said "Man that heavy stuff lets you know you're fishing I thought I was going to get pulled out of the chair".

John did a great job on the rod and the big fish was released at the end of a great tussle and a great memory for all of us of those wild jumps.

There were a couple of yellowfin caught and a short billed spearfish The water is purple and 24 degrees and running lightly out wide to the south., however the inshore currents are stronger to the south at 2 knots.

On the reef snapper have been caught…Gary Park's"Patch Two" caught some good plate size snapper at the Hump last week The currents are still a little strong for really good snapper fishing but they will back off soon and then watch out there will be some great fish caught.

Predictions for the next fortnight Yellowfin out wide as well as blue and striped marlin
Snapper on the inshore reefs.

Captain Ross and Glenn Hunter's boats BROADBILL and BILLFISHER are available for charter on 9534 2378.

“ON THE HOOK” with Ross and Glenn Hunter
April 1

Our Pt Stephens season is sadly now all but over. I always find that a little melancholy After all BILLFISHER and BROADBILL have fished in excess of 118 days between them and have caught 191 marlin We have worked hard and not missed one days charter, seen many happy angler’s faces with the realization that they have just caught their first marlin, wonderful memories to savor and whilst the work load has been immense we have loved every minute of it and do not want to leave.

However as my dear old Grandfather told me when I was a child “Sonny all good things must come to an end” and next Thursday as Broady steams southward that will have happened.

THE PT STEPHENS 07 SEASON …..A SEASON FULL OF GREAT TIMES
Summarising the ’07 season we have caught some fabulous marlin, Blues to 160 kg , stripes to 140 kg and blacks up to 100kg add to that A “grand slam’, wahoo to 20kg, yellowfin to 30kg and a few big dollies and that has the ingredients for happy faces and stretched arms.

There were some small fin out wide	billfisher late march 003
Johnny Cartlidge The Legend with his Honker of a snapper caught on a soft plastic off Broughton Island Pt Stephens	Billfisher at work at Pt Stephens
Micko and the Triton team.	Big Dave Port Stephen's son and shark ace Sings Shark Fishin' with Ross
Chris Herbert and roscoe.Skipper of Absoulute They fished so well in the Northern Waters	Glenn Hunter's Billfisher team Fished very well
Scotty Thorrington and Ross at the Northern Waterr Preso night... a beauty with few sore heads the next day.

Unfortunately the later part of the season did quiten off, but even one marlin a day in normal person’s expectation would suffice but at the Pt Stephens marlin fishery we are spoiled so much and expect big numbers each trip.

I have fished these waters since ’73 and have experienced the good and the bad over those seasons, however the goods always outnumber the bads . My favourite season was without doubt ’97 when The Bat(my crew man of 9 years and great mate), myself and Glenn released 248 for the season inc. many 10’s and 12’s in a day, then in April 3rd the same season, we tagged 18 in a day.

It was a season of small blacks so much so you had to hide in the toilet to put the baits on.
We sat on the gunnels of Broady on that last day in April, toasted each other with a coldy as the sun set created a vision over Swan Bay and I commented then “That perhaps we had just fished the greatest marlin season ever, may be we had, time will tell.

We then fished the February of 2005 and on the 11th tagged 21 marlin in a day a day I will personally remember this for a long time, a tough day where double headers were the norm all day, it was that much more special because the fish were all big fish a mix of stripes and blacks up to 140kg a busy day where Rob Soxie Cox and myself were running all day to keep up with the non stop action, a day that I personally will remember to my grave but have no desire to repeat. I will retire “Hurt” on that one.

So many wonderful memories of this Pt Stephens marlin fishery that is in my opinion one of the best fisheries in the world and I will argue that with anyone who would challenge the fact.
My son Glenn on his famous boat Billfisher too has had some great days in 2005 I recall 17 flags up the rigger He one champion lady in the Interclub and champion boat day four

Hey look what I just caught	Grant Patterson on his marlin 006
Donna's striped before being released	Donna on her striped marlin A proud Stewy helps.
A great black on Billfisher Caught by Jamie Mackay	Happy You bet
A black flies high off Broughton Island Billfisher caught three that day	Flags were common in the Jan Feb. months Muliples every day

Many times I have watched the Billfisher puffing black smoke and hot on the tail of a rampaging marlin, always a hint of pride from his Dad, when I see the Billfisher backing up on a hot fish, there was a lot of that going on in January and February this season and a lot of black smoke from BILFISHER.

PT. STEPHENS ’08 book now
We ask all our customers who have fished the season to think about their dates for ’08 and book early as we are already getting hammered it bookings for that January February period.
So do not delay get in early Ring 9534 23 78 to book.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS
Both boats have targeted the inshore fishery and with some groups we have been luckier than others, but most have caught marlin.

On Billfisher Burmah constructions had day and saw some great action catching a couple of great fish that turned it on.

Jamie McKay too caught three in a day and emailed us some fabulous photos of their day. John Farley fished a couple of days and whilst they saw a few lookers the fish proved difficult to keep attached to, still caught a couple of fish out of it all. Greg Naris too caught marlin for their visit.

That took us up to a 40 knot southerly so no more fishing for Billfisher who is now back in Sydney.

On Broadbill had the great pleasure of fishing with my lifelong friend and schoolmate Ray Patterson.

Patto and myself went to Narwee boys High to gether so it was a special thrill for us both to have a fish to gether and laugh about some of our wild growing up times.

We struggled on the fish a little but it was a great experience when Rays son Grant ( a champion water skier and winner of this years Bridge to Bridge Grant Paterson) who was to experience the thrill of his first marlin fight when we hooked a big striped.
Grant did a great job on the rod and was all smiles when we released a 90 kilo fish.

He reckoned it was easier holding onto a ski rope at 100 miles and hour than the fishing rod with a wild striped on the other end. A trip I enjoyed immensely with Ray and his family and friends.

Big Pt Stephens striped There were plenty of them all season	A black marlin flies high off Broughton Jamie McKay pic..Island
Jamie at work on Billfisher	Another black marlin off Broughton Is
They don't all have bills A great Jamie McKay photo	Guess what Mum I'm on my second for the day
The result of a previous encounter. A lost bill... note it is starting to heal and grow back	Hooked up solid and still loosing line
We fished a few choppy days with Patto

Then came Stewy and Donna and the Fishraiders what a great bunch of people who were.
Stew and Donna own the best fishing site around www.FISHRAIDER .COM .AU and we are proud to sponsor the site. To fish with these people was a joy with Stewy never letting things gets dull with his constant humor and banter.

He is a funny man and had us in stitches during some quite times we caught a couple of marlin from a lot of lookers that were not in a feeding frame of mind.

It was Donna who fought a great black marlin of 100 kg on the first day only to have the trace break, not to be disillusioned by the bad luck she stuck to her guns and caught a beaut. striped on day three. “Outdoor Dan” was to catch a very active black marlin that circumnavigated the boat in no time flat, Dan Cooper reckoned the experience was wild His first marlin will stay with him for life.

So the season has all but ended with some great experiences, fishing with some great people who will take away from the Port a memory bank of fabulous times on

BROADBILL and BILLFISHER .
I know that it’s wishing ones life away but we cannot wait to return and do it all again in ‘08

BILLFISHER AND BROADBILL BACK IN SYDNEY
The marlin fishing is reported to be good in Sydney and we will look forward to the yellowfin tuna season starting soon.

Our trips are $1500.00 per day for groups up to six people. Ring 95342378 to book.
We do have some time over the Easter period Individuals welcome at $250.00 per head...

Next report from the BIG SMOKE.

“ON THE HOOK” with R0SS and GLENN HUNTER……….14/3/07

KEEPIN’ THE DREAM ALIVE AT PT STEPHENS
Marlin fishing at Pt Stephens has gone quite but we are still managing to find a fish or two Every group since January have caught fish , some maybe only one or two but most have had a great fishy time fishing this fisherman’s paradise.

It all started in late January for us, we went out bright eyed and bushy tailed not knowing what to expect and caught five stripes for the day We then had three days of eight and several sixes and sevens and took it for granted that this was how it will be all season……….wrong… it slowed down and the fish became scarce….why, it was all to do with the oceanic currents.
If it gets too hot here the fish disappear over night, I talk now of the stripes.

striped on the trace on Billfisher	The heat is on
Men at work on Billfisher	John Bloodshot lures traces another on Billfisher
Hey get back in the water	Traces up

The delicate balance of the right temp and current flow is critical to good fishing When we were catching the hell out of them the temps were a perfect 24 degrees and running slowly into the nor west. The hot water 26 degrees then ran and pushed all the 23 to 24 degrees water away and the fish went with it.

As a result of the slow fishing out wide we then turned our attention to the inshore fishery and whilst it has been steady pickings we have been catching blacks and stripes in the 30 to 50 fathom zones most days.

THE WODONGA /.ALBURY CONNECTION…….FISH HARD FOR GREAT TIME
The lads from Wodonga / Albury arrive and from that moment on we knew we were going to have a great couple of days fishing with these lay back blokes.

Mark Schlink was the organizer of the trip and as result we had a friendly competition between the two boats Broadbill and Billfisher.The first day it was Billfisher who caught the first marlin we had one bite but no fish. The Billfisher team had their tag flag up as they passed us but my crew were busy “admiring the white bellied sea eagle on Little Island” and would not acknowledge that their were any flags flying anywhere.…………much to the horror of the Schlink crew, who whilst only 50 metres away and yelling at pointing at the marlin tag flag to really rub it in, my crew were intent to admire the imaginary sea eagle.

Day two and it can turn around we were one marlin behind we needed a break and a bit of luck.
We fish a 20 knot southerly in rough conditions at 11.30 the right rigger goes off and we are up tight on a nice striped marlin. It was Brian “Glassy” Glass’s first marlin encounter and did a great job on the rod in the rough conditions.

There has been some small fin out wide Scott Williams holds his catch	Johnny quickly pulls Craigs black through the door and removes the parasites on its back
Craig Kermod releases his black without parasites	Cons marlin at the boat
Con gets a good bend going on his black marlin	The lads from Albury... Wadonga We had a great time.

We released the 75kg fish and got the baits back in. Glenn then reports over the bradio that he had one on and it jumped off. Phew! we live again and there was no real compassion on our boat as the boys went through the rules asking "Is a striped better than a black?" and also that in the event of a tie, we would win the trophy.

At 4.30 Glenn hooked a hammerhead, but it bit the leader through and got off.
The roars from the cockpit below was deafening when they heard the news over the radio.

Minutes later we hook up a hammerhead and Graham Jones catches it The trophy won by the Broadbill team………..The boys couldn’t get the flags up the rigger quickly enough, however as we went past Billfisher the crew were observing the sea eagles on Little Island. A great bunch of lads who we enjoyed fishing with very much we hope we will see you all back again one day.

The winning fish Graham Jone's hammerhead	Glassy on his striped marlin
Another day in Paradise Heading out.

Craig Kermod's team had to be most patient with us also to catch two marlin and a few dollies for their trip .Craig’s black marlin was covered in parasites when caught so we slid through the door and cleaned them off. These parasites that cling to the black marlins skin are like dreadlocks they must affect the dynamics of the fish by restricting its speed when chasing food. We cleaned all the parasites off the little black and returned it back.

It looked as though it had just had a “short back and sides haircut’ Well done Craig Then it was Con’s turn He released a 60 kilo black marlin after a great effort on the stand up gear.
The lads had been most patient with it all during a slow few days of fishing and behalf me and the crew we thank you for your company.

THE WATER COMES GOOD 24 DEGREES IN CLOSE AND PURPLE.
The water in close has gone purple and is 24 degrees…We jumped a black off yesterday and Reel Chase caught one beside us. My gut feel is that the fishing inshore is about to hot up. We caught two blacks the other day and Tim Dean caught a striped and a black We have a couple of RDO’S so I intend to get some land lubber time up until Friday.

We will be back into it after that. When we see a water change like this and when we know that the fish are being caught pretty well at Forster, just around the corner from Pt Stephens…………………………………… so it is going to happen we feel.

WE HAVE THEFOLLOWING DAYS AVAILABLE AT PT STEPHENS
(Cost $1700.00 per day for six anglers or $290.00 per day each)
March 19th, 20 Th 21st
Or 29th, 30 and 31st March

Individuals or groups welcome we caught 18 marlin in a day in late march in ‘97 so it could be well worth the trip. Ring 0418 462 476 or 0409 047 727 to book or for details .

“ON THE HOOK” with Ross and Glenn Hunter…. 5/3/07

Fishing at Pt Stephens has certainly taken a downturn, whilst this will not last; it is a little disappointing for us all. Some wise man once said “You can only catch what’s swimming in then ocean”but considering that our tally of marlin tagged to date between Billfisher and Broadbill is 170 marlin I suppose it would be rude to complain too much.

NSW ’07 INTERCLUB BEEN AND GONE
The largest fishing event in the southern hemisphere is over for another 12 months.

Over 200 boats fished and for most the fishing was pretty slow.

The Interclub has been and gone and life will start to get back to normal, no more sharing the ocean with 200 other boats in close quarters when the bite is on.

Tony plays a 70 kg black off Broughton Island on day four He went on to win champion angler on the day.	Broadbill at the weigh station handing in our marlin tag cards
Interclub winning boat Born Free It won most marlin tagged with 9 for the tournament Full credit to my good mate and fellow skipper Captain Tim Dean	Broadbill's winning team in the Northern Waters The boys from Nivea Are they happy I think so
My favorite anglers Tony One Tonne Ceccatto , Mike the Ace Rowe and Gavin Aqua Monster Sharp	Bill hooks up on a good black marlin on Broadbill

This years Interclub was probably bigger and bolder than ever. It was a low scoring event with champion boat “Born Free” winning with 9 fish and that’s over four(12 hour) days fishing…My hat comes off to my friend, Captain Tim Dean who skippered Born Free to victory. A great effort to find that many fish when it was like finding a needle in a hay stack.

Broadbill’s long time angler Tony Ceccato was to win champion angler on day four.

We had a quiet Interclub with four fish but it was better than most that caught zip.

In between the lack of billfish we have caught yellowfin and some great mahi mahi.
The lads from Honeywell. Headed up by Steve Isaac’s Honeywell team caught six marlin for their stay. On Broadbill Danny Eokrojac, Scott Custard and Allan Boyd caught marlin.

The Oberon connection did a one dayer. David King caught a great mahi as did Jeff Pringle No marlin was raised on a particularly bleak 25 knot day... It was a particularly rough day so the shelf was out of bounds We managed to catch a couple of dollies but did not see a marlin for the day.

The next trip it was a share charter and Nick Farruga and Mick waters also got lucky .releasing marlin.

My crew fishing the Interclub with us, Mike Rowe, Gavin Sharp and Tony Ceccato all caught marlin as well as a great mahi on 15 kg.The lads have fished the interclub with me for the past 12 years they are all very experienced anglers and a good bunch of mates to fish with. We have enjoyed the jubilation of winning tournaments many times as a team together and as all good fishermen should think. We have to take the good times with the bad times and the goin’ half mad times. There is never a truer saying when you are a marlin fisherman.

Pt Hacking boat Triton in the sail past	Danny had been feeling a little ordinary until a 80 kg striped marlin took his mind off it for a while
Interclub on billfisher Scott Williams 009	The mighty Broady in the sail past on Intercub day
The lads from Honeywell caught six for the stay Mixture of blacks and stripes A great bunch of guys and good fun to fish with.	Deckie Dave and local fisho Gary Shirley traced them up on Billfisher (2)
Good tucker We have caught some good mahis this season	Another marlin tagged and released

PT HACKING GFC PRAWNS ON THE PEIR……. ARE GREAT AFTERNOON
Each year my great club Pt Hacking GFC have a John Durkin memorial day We celebrate with a feed of prawns washed down with a white or a beer Good conversation , a few songs by Gavin Sharp and myself with everyone’s favorite shark Fishing always popular especially the crew on Outlaw

It was great to get together with all the members on a lay back good conversation afternoon with some great friends. Congrats. to Pam Talbot for catching a silver gull that had a fractured wing The little bird had been sitting on the beach for a week and accepting scraps Pam somehow ran it down and caught it then rang wires Well done I here the bird is doin’ fine.

All crews that have fished on our boats have rebooked for ‘08 and that’s a sign that every one has had a great time.

The fishing although quieter than early Jan. to mid Feb is still good and will get better as the water from up north improves.

Billfisher steams out to the grounds	Rob Soxie Cox photo
Black marlin have been great all season Rob Soxie Cox photo	A striped jumps high Rob Soxie Cox Photo

DAYS AVAILABLE AT PT STEPHENS ON BROADBILL AND BILLFISHER
We sill have some share charters available at The Port

Costs $300.00 per head max six people……. Days Tuesday 13th three people. Sat 31st four people. If you are in individual and you would like a share charter then this is a great opportunity for you.

Ring 0409 047 727 to book.

“ON THE HOOK” with Ross and Glenn Hunter 20/2/07

Fishing has quitened a little at Pt Stephens...we only caught five marlin yesterday.

Since our last report we have had some great days with our charterers.

On Billfisher Scott Williams one of our loyal long time angler caught the hell out of them He caught multiple marlin with some big blacks and stripes amongst them Scott is a most proficient angler and loves his fishing The weather was kind to us and the fishing red hot. Meanwhile on Broadbill our share charters Steve Waters and crew v caught a striped marlin and some tuna. It was a day when we went to the normal grounds but the fish had moved north. We trolled northward eventually finding them late afternoon and catching one and losing one.

BROADBILL WINS CHAMPION BOAT IN NORTHERN WATERS IN A CLOSE FINISH.
We then had a day off to get ready for the tournament that we run The Northern Waters Invitational.

This year we had 14 boats (that is our limit) the tournament was fished hard and tough by all boats.

The following boats fished BROADBILL, BILLFISHER, TRITON, ABSOULUTE, HAKULA, PACIFICA, BLUE MURDER, OUTWIDE, OUTER EDGE, ALLURE, DUTCHIE, and INYA DREAMS AND FREEDOM.

Day one on the Friday saw the lead change between Billfisher, Triton and Absolute constantly I mostly watched the lads going backwards all day but could not catch one on Broadbill.

Big mahis are all part of the Pt Stephens scene	John gets ready Gloves on
A great striped on Billfisher	Simon levings and crew fished and partied hard
They kept jumping all day	A great action shot on Billfisher Simon Leving's crew caught 6 in the Northern Waters

We eventually caught a big striped which gave first time marlin angler a great work out A big fish of 120 kg on stand up, a fish that we half filled the cockpit on Broady in an attempt to chase the fish which by now was over the horizon. I about faced and chased the fish forwards three times before we gained on him.

The giant striped was released much to Rodney’s relief after an exhausting 45 minute full on battle in the choppy metre and a half conditions. At the end of day one it was Billfisher, triton and Absolute pretty even on two each with Pacifica and Broadbill on one each.

Day two and nice weather greeted us all Light nor east and a lazy ocean all looked good for a great days fishing The fleet all met up at the grounds and it was on Chris Herbert Captain on Absolute was in striking form catching four on Skipped slimy….shooting him to the lead in no uncertain terms.

Glenn Hunter on Bill fisher was constant with three fish Keeping absolute in his sights Pacifica soared well Ken Madison keeping everyone honest with another great striped marlin Allure dropped a couple and caught a great Wahoo which went on to win heaviest other game fish. Inya Dreams trolled up a couple of yellowfin, one going 40 kilos that took out heaviest yellowfin for the tournament.

After day two it was Absolute and Billfisher neck and neck for the lead with Broadbill on three and Triton and Pacifica on two.

Day three arrives, once again great weather greeted us until we arrived at the grounds where tropical rain squalls were evident most of the morning. In amongst the deluges and rain bows Broadbill got lucky catching a striped on a pitch bait on the way out and then catching two blacks and two stripes at the grounds We somehow come back from the dead with five for the day giving us the lead for the tournament

Tess putting the heat on a 100 kg black	Scotty and Tess after a grueling day catching big blacks and stripes
Scott Williams caught a swag of great marlin over his three days on Billfisher	On the last day it did rain
Johnny Giles The human bollard hangs onto a great fish on Broadbill	Broadbill's winning team in the Northern Waters The boys from Nivea Are they happy I think so
Flags up the rigger always a welcome sight by the anglers and crew (2)	Broadbill hooks up an early striped at the end of the rainbow on the last day

Absolute caught another and was right up our tailpipe as was Simon Levings team on Billfisher when they caught a great black. The day was slow but somehow we found the right bait school which had a few fish on it and for Clinton Bartholomew and his team from Nivea, they managed to sneak through on the last day to win champion boat with some dedicated fishing on Broadbill.
My personal thanks go to them and my dedicated deckies Johnny “The Human Bollard’ Giles and ‘Emu” Steve Fielding for their hard work all day.

The Northern Waters Invitational is a tournament for friends, a bunch of mates fishing together with no regimentation Three days of fishing a relaxed atmosphere which works well for all boats a tournament where the motto is “cheating is not encouraged but if done with flair may be accepted”.

Out wide won heaviest snapper and Rod Wails won Most Meritorious effort with Gordo Leigh on Absolute winning Champion Angler with three marlin.

My thanks to THE SALAMANDER SHORES, SHIMANO AND SOLDIERS POINT MARINA for their support, all boats had a wonderful time and we look forward to your company in ‘08
More reports after the Interclub which starts this weekend and runs all week.
Any group or individual wishing to book at Pt Stephens.

This has been one of the great seasons our boats have now released 112 marlin since arriving long weekend in January add to that some big mahis and wahoo and that’s pretty good fishing.

We do have the following days available in March Ring 0409 047 727 for details….March 13,14,15 27 to 31st.

“ON THE HOOK” with Ross and Glenn Hunter 10/2/07

KEEPIN ‘ THE MARLIN DREAM ALIVE
“WE DID NOT THINK IT WOULD GET BETTER BUT IT HAS”

Well the dream only gets better from the cobalt waters of Pt Stephens .
Our last report we suggested that fishing had gone gold but this week it became platinum.

BILLFISHER and BROADBILL have constantly driven away from the grounds with up to 8 and 9 marlin per day. We have scored a Grand Slam as well as the joy of experiencing some great battles with huge stripes and blacks with the occasional blue marlin.

Our anglers have all booked for next year with goodbye handshakes and comments like ‘Wow!.That was the best three days fishing of my life”.

Making our job that much more pleasurable and satisfying us professional skippers and crews.

Playing a few songs back at the wharf The bearded burbler warms up with a bit of Shark Fishing for local natives	A Great Striped in action
flags per day Three times Broadbill achieved this so far and there's more to come	Happy snaps Hooked up again
Wanda Surf Club's fishing team Headed up by Brad Harris the boys fished hard and released 13 marlin in their two days. Agreat crew!	John Pace watches a high flyer rampage past

Our regular anglers Wanda surf club’s Brad Harris, James Sears Big Al, Roscoe and crew scored remarkably well with 13 marlin releases on Broadbill and that’s in two days.The boys walked off then boat with arms like apes after their epic battles with some exciting marlin.

Then it was the boys from the bush headed up to Hugh Llewellyn they scored 4 fish on their one day charter which meant that none went back to the scrub as marlin virgins.

Then on BILLFISHER ..’
‘“Emu” Steve Fielding, John Vasalla and John East also wallowed in the amazing fishing by releasing 11 marlin and a huge mahi Once again champagne fishing also angler’s first marlin encounter.

The Luddenham fishing club caught a swag of great fish...Do they look like a wild bunch	Another soon not to be marlin virgin
Heading out to the grounds as a low cloud shrowds Yaccabah	All the fish are big fat healthy and powerfull A big striped being released
Heading out past Mrs Murphys at Tommaree	Captain Glenn Hunter on the gas on Billfisher after a hot marlin. He was doing it all day
On the trace	Johnny The Human Bollard at work again

Scotty Williams was never going to leave the other crews when he caught three marlin 2 blacks and astriped yesterday Scotty still has two more days to fish on BILLFISHER so there will be many more tales and battles I am sure.

WE HAVE BEEN LEAVIN’ ‘EM BITIN’ ON MOST DAYS
The boys from the Sally Shores and Victoria’s best. Leigh Gordon’s relos had a busy day with 5 marlin for the day.
Our tally of released fish since January 26.’07….. Broadbill 53 Billfisher 51
I don’t care where you come from that is world class marlin fishing.

Having caught 21 marlin in a day on 11/2/05 we have more great fishing to enjoy , however whilst it was great fun to beat our previous record of 18 marlin in a day in ’97. I personally have no desire to ever do it again…It was fun but I will rest on that laurel.

The Maroubra boys and Gazza Smith say farewell for another season They caught heaps as well	Johnny traces a big black
Another great fish is traced and released	Get those flags up Jonny 8 for the day again
25 knots and a striped gets 350 metres out We chase the fish forwards. Gavin Strong on the rod	A 25 knot Nor Easter and a bit of rough water did not stop the Maroubra boys
Yummy	Johnny East Lovin it.
Deckie John Skalleki traces up a nice black on Billfisher	Johnny Vassala socks it to his first marlin encounter.
There has been some big mahis as well As the boys on Billfisher found out

If we can catch one or two per angler, that to me is great day I’m sure most would agree.
Marlin, whilst we release them all and generally catch them reasonably quickly, they do suffer a lot of stress during and after the event, some may even die so treat these beautiful fish that give us so many hours of heart pumping excitement carefully

Will report again soon “Bye Now Gotta go Fishin’’ ……….check out the photos.