ON 30th January 2016, the anglers aboard Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC boat Billistic caught and tagged an estimated 40kg black marlin whilst fishing the inshore reefs off Port Stephens.
After being released, the fired up billfish was not deterred by its first encounter with the Billistic crew and returned 10 minutes later to eat another bait.
The fish was recaptured and was released once again in excellent condition to potentially be re-caught again!
Over 15 black marlin were recaptured during the 2015/16 season, this fish clearly took the the prize for the shortest time at liberty!
For more information on the NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program visit the website.