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After a big night celebrating the start of the comp there were a few sore heads running out for the 7am start fishing. The Gold Coast turned on the weather though after a rainy start the skies cleared and it was magic on the water. And after a slow start in the AM, the fishing turned on as the day progressed as well. On Kekoa, I fought a estimated 30kg Black Marlin for about 15 minutes before the fish came unhooked just out of tagging range. Team-mate Tagpole made up for it soon after releasing a 20kg Black on the pitch bait to put us on the board. In all, there were more than 50 fish tagged or captured (other game fish) on the second sked of the day and I am counting about 20 billfish tag flags here at the Marina. However, Tournament Base is remaining very tight lipped on the current exact standings so I will have to endeavor to find out more tomorrow instead. More Satellite Tagging News: Capt. Laurie on Sir Reel tagged a Bull Shark off Number 10 Ribbon Reef in early October that released its tag in a creek in Upstart Bay (just south of Townsville) at the end of November. That’s a pretty good distance for the shark to cover – and to go from the pristine waters on the Ribbons to muddy mangrove creek! Must have been keen for a feed of mud crabs 
This post was imported into WordPress from my old Black Marlin Fishing Blog website without any accompanying photos. If you’d like to see the original post, with the accompanying photographs, go to the original Black Marlin Fishing Blog site and navigate to the post using the archive navigation links on the right-hand-side.
Greetings to all. I hope you had a fantastic holiday season and a great start to the new year. We are back and fishing this weekend’s tournament – the Riviera Light Tackle Masters – here on the Gold Coast. The fishing has been reasonably consistent with small Black Marlin caught close inshore, straight in front of the spectacular high rise coastline. Although the fish are small and not in particularly large concentrations, most boats have been catching in the region of one or two a day. Cape Morton has been producing a reasonable Blue Marlin bite for those who venture further afield. I’ve also heard reports of excellent Blue Marlin fishing off Coffs Harbour and Smokey Cape – reports of trailer boats catching up to four a day. Blue Marlin are also biting well off Port Stephens and Newcastle.Speaking of Port Stephens, not too long before Reel Chase will be heading that way. Joining the boat down there I will be keeping regular reporting going for the Striped Marlin season though am sure that we will also release our share of Blacks and Blues.In the meantime, both Reel Chase and Kekoa will be joining the fleet at Hope Harbour today with the tournament kicking off with the briefing tonight. Reports and pictures to come. I will be fishing on board Kekoa with Capt. Luke. We are all fired up to give (Dad) Capt. Jim and team on Reel Chase a run for their money Picture: Dolphins frolic in the bait schools at the fishing ground just off the spectacular Gold Coast coastline.
