A quick report from Paul on Think Big in Cairns who also took advantage of the weather over the weekend to get out wide.  Within 20 minutes of putting the lines in the water they already had a couple of nice tuna on board and were connected to a 100lb black on 8kg, which they tagged and released 30 minutes later.
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Steve reports that in the week since the tournament the weather has vastly improved and the fishing is firing once again. On the weekend, 5 knot winds and 28 degree temperatures greeted the 20 plus boats on the water.

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Report courtesy of Steve Tatham – thanks Steve!

Competitors fishing the Dampier Classic over the weekend encountered very unfavourable conditions with the winds mostly 30-35 knots, peaking at 42 knots on the Monday.  Billfish numbers were down on the huge result from last year (291 sailfish and 53 black marlin in 2009), sailfish significantly, and this year there were more marlin caught than sailfish. But it was still a good showing considering the conditions with 46 black marlin and 12 sailfish tagged.

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Firstly on a serious note for Australian Voters: there is a plethora of information available to you to make smart election decisions this August 21. Like here, here and here.  We cannot make the mistake of believing others will take care of this most important issue!

• Capt Daniel McCarthy would like all fishos in Cairns to show their support for the launch of Dr. Mike Mansfield (Australian Fishing & Lifestyle Party) Senate campaign launch at 10am at the Pacific Hotel this Friday, August 6.  Questions? Contact Daniel on 0413 054 031.
• Capt. Tim Dean would like to make all aware that there is a meeting planned on August 14 at the Newcastle and Port Stephens Gamefish Club at 11am to discuss concerns and show support for those who will support us. Feel free to contact Tim on 041 1111476 for any further information.

Secondly, welcome to a new month — another little bit closer to start fishing!!

• TGFC President Anthony Florence has heard reports that a few sailfish and marlin have been caught at Cape Bowling Green now so hopefully more reports will start to trickle in. The Mike Carney Toyota Billfish Challenge (Sep 3-8) tournament brochure is now available online so check it out here or via the tournament calendar.
• The Dampier Classic wrapped up yesterday and so we’re expecting a report soon.  I’ve heard they’ve experienced similar to what was reported in Broome that there have been more marlin caught but not as many sails.

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Photos and report courtesy of Jeff Cooper, President of the Broome Fishing Club:

The recent Kingswood Marine Broome Billfish Classic was held in what was has been described by all competitors as the most atrocious weather possible for the event. Howling wind, torrential rain, and freezing cold conditions ‘blessed’ the competitors–extremely unseasonal weather for Broome during this time of year. Despite the conditions, the 19 teams stuck it out for the six days of endurance event to finish with a total of 128 billfish tagged.

Interestingly the sailfish numbers were down about a third on last year, but marlin tagged numbers were about double. There were some big marlin in amongst them too with an estimated 180kg model giving 13 year old Bryce Marinis a run for his money on 10kg.

The final stats were:
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