WE took the lead on day one of the 26th Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic with regular angler Jim Wild back on board Viking II. It’s an event we’ve won on five occasions – once with Jim along for the ride.
We headed out on day two full of hope after day one and we weren’t disappointed. A huge fish smashed the bait on the right ‘rigger and Jim was hooked up to an active black marlin well over 1000lb. Jim was doing well on the rod and it wasn’t the first grander he’s been attached to from Viking II.
After trying to fight us down deep the fish surfaced with an amazing jump for a fish of its size. Moments later we sunk the tag and Jim had another grander to his name and our fourth 1000lb plus marlin for the season. At the end of the day it was smiles all around on Viking II and once again it was a real pleasure to have Jim on board.
We went on to tag another two fish on day 2, but the boat Top Shot was having a blinder to take out the day. We were still up there though.
Then we thought we must have killed an albatross … all the bad luck lined up for us. First, a 650lb breaking strain leader broke upon hooking a marlin. Then while hooked up and fighting a fish, we got the bait back as if it had never been touched … unbelievable!
At this time one can be excused for pulling his hair out, but it’s never over till the fat lady sings as they say, so all we needed was a little luck to peg back Top Shot and Little Audrey… unfortunately in the wash up it wasn’t to be.
All up there were seven black marlin over the magic 1000lb tagged and released during the 26th Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic.
Champion Boat: Top Shot; Runner Up Champion Boat: Little Audrey.
Champion Angler: Tominori Omi on board Top Shot.
Runner Up Champion Angler: Jim Wild on board Viking II
Full results are available at www.lizardislandgfc.asn.au
