I'm gearing up to join Capt. Jim and the boys on board Reel Chase for some trips ex-Yeppoon next week, including of course the trip out to Bugatti Reef. A sure way to shake off those winter blues! Speaking of blues, while its been a while since the tournament, I had a good chuckle on the weekend to read Capt Tom's report of fishing the Vanuatu Blue Marlin classic at the end of June - you can read the report on Ultimate Lady's website here. It sounds like they have been having some pretty good fishing again this year.

Up north, we're still waiting for word that the little black have moved in in numbers. The Bat reports are few off Cairns thus far and more sails with reportedly a few more down Innisfail way. Many of the southern based fleet are making final preparations for their journey north and are looking forward to some good fishing along the way. Hopefully it will not be too long before the regular reports start coming again.

Lastly a big congratulations to Capt Greg Edwards (Muddy) and his new bride Lin on their marriage!

The boat directory has been updated - Please take a look. If anyone is thinking of making a trip north this season, please consider giving your business to any one of these fabulous boats and crew. Many have dates still available.

Due to a late cancellation, Capt Jim on Reel Chase has a couple of spots open on an exploratory trip to Bugatti Reef in early August. Departing Yeppoon on Saturday 8th August for 7 days finishing in Mackay. If you're interested, contact Capt Jim on 0429 778 524 or by email. The trip is going ahead regardless of the final number and so if you're by yourself, you're more than welcome. Capt Dan on Moana III has October 13 to 23 open, some of the best fishing time on the Great Barrier Reef.

Update: Watchdog is also looking for a team for the Townsville tournament. If anyone is interested in fishing this fantastic comp, contact Brett directly. And if you're thinking of fishing the 23rd Shell Cove Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic on 24 to 31 October, a few boats including Shaka (contact John) and Tradition (contact Capt Tim) have it free.

Bluewater editor Tim Simpson has filed a record claim for a new IGA World Record wahoo on 4kg tackle after 4 years of pursuit. And it's a beauty – a whopping 31.6kg (69.66lb). Congratulations Tim! Once ratified by the IGFA it will smash the old 4kg world record of 25.71kg, which was caught off Bermuda a decade ago.

Tim was fishing once again aboard Bite Me from Matava Resort in Fiji with Capt Adrian Watt and well-known US angler, photographer and Bluewater contributor Bill Boyce. The area is renowned for monster gamefish and so to fish it with 4kg tackle is just the type of challenge these two gents seek out. Having also dealt with some seriously bad weather on previous trips, it was a relief to enjoy some calm weather for a change.

Tim’s record fish was landed after more than an hours battle and came as part of the second triple strike of the day – the first all all sliced off by fish crossing lines, or through lines being bitten off by other wahoo in the pack. Look out for the full details and plus all the secrets of how Tim achieved it in the next issue of BlueWater 75 on sale in early September.

Some news from Jeff a welcome change from the winter doldrums here on the east coast:

Jeff reports the sails are still going off. They have now moved out from Barred creek and are extremely aggressive. Sunday saw some greedy sails eat the bait and then come back on to the teasers for another shot. And the marlin also made their presence felt with one Billistic raising 9 and getting punished by three that came into the spread at the same time. The majority of boats had encounters with marlin - the biggest reported in the 180kg range. The weather is fantastic with light off shore winds in the morning and glass offs for the afternoon.

Good news for those planning to fish the upcoming Billfish Classic!

Jeff Cooper photo. Thanks Jeff!