Cairns trip October 2011

[twoutes]

Hi guys
I thought l'd share a report and some photos of my recent trip up north. I knew it was going to be a good day once l saw the sunrise over Tullamarine Airport, and knowing that we were about to encounter some awesome conditions as we made our way up to Lizard Island for the 25th Black Marlin Classic

I was greeted by my good friend Talina at the other end at Cairns Airport, and we made our way to the 'Cock and Bull' For some lunch and refreshments. The heat hit me hard and l just had to stay hydrated

As per usual we left the Cairns Marina in persuit of some fresh marlin baits that we collected over the next couple of days, as we made our way north to Lizard Island, and also some other tastey speciments that made their way on the dinner table. I just love eating fish caught that day, especially when its Job fish,Spanish Mackeral, or Coral Trout

As l mentioned, we encountered some great weather, and enjoyed the run up north, with stop overs on the inside of the reef for some overnight bottom sessions, and a swim and a snorkle before we headed off again

This 'Blufin Trevelly' Is one of the prettiest trevelly's in my opinion.

I had a ball using handlines on this trip, as you can really feel connected....and l have a few line burns on my hands to show for it.

We arrived on Lizard Island in time for me to watch the AFL Grand Final, which l though l might miss this year for the first time in many years, though the big black marlin hanging along side the big screen was a real distraction especially in the last quarter when things were not looking so good for my magpies.

The marlin bar was all set up ready for that night's briefing for the tournament, and catch up with good friends on the other boats.

Andrei from Russia was our angler once again, and it wasn't too long before he was in his favorite chair doing battle with some big marlin.

Also this year 4 satelite tags were donated, and we were given one to deploy over the duration of the tournament. They cost around $4000 each, and once the marlin is tagged with it, and it reaches a depth of ten metres, its self activates. The transmitter fitted with a small pin which corrodes, pops to the surface after approx' 120 days and sends information like water temp', water depth the fish travelled to and location etc. We managed to deploy it on the 3rd day of the tournament in a Black Marlin that Dan estimated at 900lbs

During the tournament Andrei caught 5 marlin over the 800lb mark one being around 950lb, a couple at around 300lb and a smaller model of about 150lb, all released in good condition, which what makes Cairns the best black marlin fishery anywhere in the world. One of those fish mentioned we self disqualified as it took 2 baits, and another we caught after 'stop fishing'.

Some by catches during heavy tackle fishing included a couple of 50lb Wahoo (would have LOVED to catch it on a 15lb outfit), and also plenty of Yellow Fin Tuna, which we hung around looking for what was feeding on them.

My good friends Lydie and Peter from France were fishing on 'Tradition' with Capt' Tim Richards this year.

On the last day on the island l did the hike back up to Cook's Lookout to enjoy the spectacular views.

Capt' Dan's fiance joined us to do the run back to Cooktown, and enjoyed her first trip on Moana, and enjoyed takeing part in some light tackle fishing

Back in Cooktown and with a few day off the heavy tackle scene, we rang Shane from 'Cooktown Barra Charters' (07) 4069 5346 mob: 0408 036 887
http://www.facebook.com/people/Cookt...00001554300279

A real top bloke with lots of experieance and loves his fishing, and was a good choice to enjoy some fishing on the Endeavour River. We did both live baiting, and lure fishing with lots of misses, but we did manage a few fingermarks.

My last stop was Townsville where l caught up with my good mate Todd, and wife Kelly, and the kids. Todd's been hitting the barra hard in a river south of Townsville, and just had to take up the invitation to do a full days session with him.

We trolled most of the time, and l also got to see how good his Lawrence depth sounder with side scanning was. On a few occations he called the fish before the hit. Amazing stuff.

It was great spending time in North Queensland. The weather was good, the fishing great, and the company even better. I can't wait to get back up there again real soon.

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[rammx]

wow twoutes as always very nice catches and places you visit....must admit I envy you

10x for sharing with us!

[J_Z]

Awesome trip and fantastic catches!!

[The_Gaffer]

Joe - What a write up and visuals to compliment it.  Simply amazing!

[benri]

Fabulous writeup Twoutes!! Thanks for sharing.

[robby017]

you make us dream again :,-) very well done

[fishfinder]

Thanks for Sharing with us Twoutes. You bring us hope that there's still something to catch in our planet . Can't understand why we're on the empty side

[shanook]

must be the heavy tax!!! fishfinder...............Thanks twoutes fantastic as usual.

[SteveGB]

Amazing twoutes....your a lucky man!

[twoutes]

Thanks for the positve feedback guys. Makes me want to go and do more trips to share with you all 

[Jonathan]

Fantastic write-up & amazing pics. Many thanks for sharing!

[malvizzu]

Thanks for a fantastic write-up and awesome photos. Much appreciated. Keep it up. What we can't catch here at least we can dream

[Swordfish]

I do not write much in the forums but how could I not post a word about this....

This is what i call a real dreamers fisherman's experience and wow those fish look amazing. Especially that Marlin. Very well done King, Hats down and thumbs up!!

Regards

[baghira]

Simply amazing....
No words could describe the feeling unless we try it......
Thanks for sharing with us, and for the patience in writing this writeup.

[twoutes]

Thanks again for the comments guys. I'm glad to be able share some of my experiences with you all. Feel free to ask any questions about the destinations, fish, or fishing methods, and l'll do my best to answer them for you.

Cheers.

Joe