Townsville Tournament Wind - Up

Well, the annual Townsville Billfish challenge has come and gone for another year. This year the fishing was tough and the weather even tougher at times. We managed only two juvenile black marlin for anglers Brett and Todd, although both were caught in the same day and won us champion team for day 3. Captain Jim on the Reel Chase came through with 6 billfish tagged for the tournament to take out champion team with Captain Dave on the Kanahoee runner up with 4 fish tagged. Although the fishing was slow and the weather unfavourable, a great time was had with yet another succesful presentation night put together on the big screen by Mark Louez from Win TV.
Tomorrow I steer the boat back toward Cairns and will take a few days aiming to fill the bait freezers in preparation for the coming heavy tackle season.

2007 Marlin Season starts

We welcome back our skipper Ben Bright to take in control of our vessel Wild Turkey with his 1 up crew man Lee. A quick check of the boat - they packed their bags and headed south to Townsville for the Billfish Challenge.

Good luck to Todd and his brother both part of the Whitsunday Game Fishing Club and fished this event before.

Captains Log of Coral Sea Trip

Finally here is the daily report for all to read about with our 20 day trip to the Coral Sea.
Captain Ben Bright with Greg as crew

20th Nov
Depart Yorkeys at 12.30
Arrive Opal Reef & met up with "The Boss' mothership for charter
Rafted up

21st Nov
Light tackle fishing behind Opal Reef and then Marlin fished afternoon

• Mahi Mahi
• Yellow Fin
• Scaley
• Turrum

22nd Nov
Light tackle fished Opal Reef 1/2 day and then Marlin fished afternoon
Departed for Holmes Reef at 2100 hrs and travelled through the night at 7knots in 15-20 knot S/E seas

23rd Nov
Puttered through the night and arrived at Holmes Reef 1430 hrs
Fished last couple of hours

24th Nov
Fished Holmes Reef

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Red Bass
• Blue Fin T/V
• Blue Spot Trout

25th Nov
Fished east Holmes Reef

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Long Nose Emperor
• Green Jobfish

Departed towards Willis Island slow chug through the night

26th Nov
Slow chug till dawn then ran to drop off trolled edge
The Boss arrived in afternoon and fished till dark

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Yellow Fin Tuna
• Jobfish

27th Nov
Trolled teasers on E edge of reef - not many bites but eventually 18lb Dogtooth on fly

28th Nov
Towed tender to The Boss to N sand cay where clients John Ted & Michael fly fished in shallows
29th Nov
Ran to W edge of reef and trolled just teasers N

• Dogtooth Tuna
• T & R Sailfish

30th Nov
Ran to west side & trolled teasers ended up on east side

• Dogtooth Tuna on fly

1st Dec
Teaser fished S/E side

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Sailfish

2nd Dec
Fished N edge with fly - slow - teased a couple but no results

3rd Dec
Ran S and fished S/E edge

• Dogtooth Tuna - 1 40lbs on fly

Teased 15 or so - good conditions

4th Dec
Fished til mid afternoon and then ran to Herald Cay

5th Dec
Dept Herald Cay and ran to Heralds Surprise - teaser fished
Fished down to sand cay and Flinders

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Red Bass
• Blue Fin Trevally

6th Dec
Dept from sand cay at Flinders Reef - ran to middle of E Ribbons Reef.
Ran to top of Ribbons and Marlin fished

• 700lbs
• 400lbs
• 150lbs
• Scaley's
• Rainbow runners

7th Dec
Dept from Flinders Reef and trolled lures to Dart Reef
Ran to Mc Dermott Bork, then Flora Reef

• Black Marlin T&R 300 Ib

8th Dec
Trolled lures

• Jobfish

9th Dec
Dept from Flora Reef, trolled Lagoon, ran to Sea Mount, Jenny Louise and Flynn Reef
Dropped of passengers and headed home to Yorkeys Knob - arrived 8pm

• Blue Fin T/V
• Mahi Mahi

Merry Christmas & Big Marlins for 2007

The Wild Turkey team of Rob, Bernadette, Greg, Michelle & families would like to wish all those involved with our vessel Wild Turkey during the great 2006 year a very Merry Christmas.

This involves all crew though out the year, all the people behind the scenes making sure all was working and in running order at all times, and of course all those who fished with us.

Thank You to Captain Ben

NORAPMIS PTY LTD - Wild Turkey Charters

Would like to Thank our Captain for 2006 - Ben Bright for his services with us for the Heavy Tackle Marlin Season. We have bid him farewell as he heads back up to Weipa in Northern Queensland - back to the Barramundi country.

Ben has been a great asset to our team and helped ensure that all day to day runnings of Wild Turkey were at a high standard and maintained this way by himself and his professional crew. With the boat heading out from Cairns for long periods at a time - this was quite saddening for members of our team but knowing that Ben would care for Wild Turkey as if she was his own was very reassuring and to which we are very thankful for.

On a personal note: For our youngest member of the Wild Turkey Team, Ben has played a huge part with her keen interest in fish! With first ALL fish being Marlins - even the guppy's - to her knowing the difference between and pointing out Marlin, Trout, Tuna and Sharks and saying their names. This showed us a different side to Ben, but he may tell you he doesnt like kids - we think she won his heart ! !

2007 News: We are pleased to advise that we will be welcoming Ben back for the 2007 Heavy Tackle Season to once again be running our vessel Wild Turkey. In the mean time we are hoping that he will add the odd entry every once in a while and give up some up dates on his fishing adventures - especially with the Marlin Chase in Port Stephens - Jan, Feb & March.

Out in search of Marlin

With most of the fleet back in their southern home ports after being handed back for the season - Wild Turkey is still heading out and seeing what fish there are yet to be caught. Stories have it that there are still some large fish of the coast and that the chances of hooking up something big are in the 90% factor at present.

Today we have got a family of 7 on board - 4 adults and 3 small children - this will make Wild Turkey feel right at home.

Was scheduled for a relaxing day including lunch on the reef with a snorkle and fish added in there.

Wild Turkey is Home !

Wild Turkey has returned home safely after 20 days

in the Coral Sea thanks to Captain Ben & crew.

She is tied up, washed and clean - and the boys can relax ! !

Stories to follow !

Welcome home guys ! Well Done Ben !

Winds are up as Wild Turkey heads home

Some time this week-end I am expecting an SMS with contact being made from Capt Ben and Greg to say Wild Turkey is in range and heading home.

With the weather being overcast, rainy and some what windy, I thought I should just check the weather. I think Capt Ben will be ending his season with us in the same manner that he started it - STRONG WINDS ! ! Wow what a season for the winds and rough seas.

UPDATED North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:

Friday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots.
Saturday: SE winds 15/20 knots, increasing to 20/25 knots during the morning.
Sunday: SE winds 25/30 knots.

They will be glad to tie Wild Turkey up after punching home in larger seas once again. I am sure they will of had a great life experience but I am also sure they will be pleased for a solid non moving shower with unlimited hot water, to lay on the couch and to sleep in a still bed !

Updated Friday night:
Message from Captain Ben is that they are heading home - at Flora Reef 120 miles out still with the ETA being the early hours of Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Highlights from 2005 Season

Thought I would up load some of our great pictures from last season - since this site has only been running since April it will give those who dont know a chance to see some great fish caught.

Ribbons Ladies Tournament Results

The Ribbons Ladies Game Fishing Tournament is held the 1st Saturday in December every year. It is Australia’s only Bluewater Ladies Exclusive Game Fishing Tournament.

This year they celebrated their 23rd event and unfortunately due to work commitments Wild Turkey was not part of this for the 1st time since being launched. Our team was passed over to Mistress and they were in great hands to take out 2nd place – Well Done ladies.

Results as follows:

1st Mystique Over 7m
2nd Mistress Over 7m
3rd Corsair II Over 7m
1st The Edge Under 7m

Well Done to all those who fished and well done to the great women behind the fleet who put in a huge effort to make this event one of the most enjoyable and fun features to end the season.

Wild Turkey heading out 2005 with our then new slogan

"Get Hooked on Wild Turkey"

Bookings for Dec & Jan

Being a local owned and operated Game Boat of Cairns - Wild Turkey is very fortunate that we are not heading south or having the boat handed back over at the end of leasing periods this time of the year. Instead we are still taking bookings and out fishing ! ! ! As we love...

This gives us the opportunity to head out and continue to fish for the Marlins off the waters of Cairns for as long as they are around. Giving us the chance to not only be fishing for Black Marlins but to occasionally pick up the odd Blue Marlin on its travels as well as Wahoo and Dolphin Fish.

Interested parties give us a call as dates especially between Christmas and New Years are quite busy for us.

Group out in the Coral Sea

Well I must say that with all the comings and goings life gets a little busy especially as the season hits full swing and I cant wait till charters like this when I can have a sign of relief and wave good bye to Wild Turkey and the crew for 20 days..... but I must say when you dont have direct contact with the boat or the crew those 20 days become very very long.

The old saying is " No News is Good News ! ! So here's hoping to them.

This crazy group from all parts of America include the following:

• Hal Chittum
• Chris Cooper
• John Kipp
• John Donnell
• Mike Monier
• Robert Trossett (R.T)
• Michael Schwartz
• Buddy Sowers

I hope I have the spelling right.. I am looking forward to their stories and to see some great pictures in about 5 days or so.

Possible 3rd RECORD IN A ROW BROKEN ! !

Wild Turkey Charters is proud to be one of the major sponsors of the South Gippsland Game Fishing Club for their 24th All Victorian Gamefishing Tournament.

Report as follows:

"This event was held last weekend at Port Welshpool with 51 boats and 153 Anglers competing. This tournament marks the beginning of the fishing season, and allows fisherman to compete for limited species, in a safe environment, with radio skeds and coastal patrol on hand. Juniors and small fry are encouraged to be out on the water and are well supported by sponsors. Tag and release is promoted at this tournament and throughout the year.The most meritorious gamefish captured was a 222kg Mako shark caught by Tim Stockdale. The fish arrived at the weigh in station at 12:40am Sunday morning with a crowd of 100 people turning out to watch it be weighed. This fish is a pending Victorian record for 24kg line class. Other outstanding catches over the weekend were a 14.8kg gummy caught by Mark Daly, a 7.5kg Snapper caught by Garry Turner and a 1.95kg flathead caught by Charles Ward. Everyone that participated over the weekend had a great time with a social evening Saturday night and free cooked breakfast on both mornings. This event is growing in popularity every year."

Well done Tim on this great catch - Wild Turkey Charters looks forward to having you fish with us and bring in some other great catches...

Potential World Junior Fishing Record

Well Done to Cairns local Alex Johnston, 14, proud dad and skipper Graham and the Team from Shikari on setting a new world junior fishing record.

Weighing in at a great 1,093 pounds - 496kgs

This Giant Black Marlin was caught while fishing at Linden Bank 80 kms off Cairns.

CONGRATULATIONS - details via Cairns Post & New.com.au
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Qld-teen-nets-world-record-496kg-marlin/2006/11/27/1164476129686.html
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20833210-3102,00.html

Potential New WORLD RECORD on Fly ! !

A very quick and sketchy phone call has delivered the latest good news from our group in teh Coral Sea ! !

There is the potential of a NEW WORLD RECORD on Fly with the following fish being caught:

• 77 KG DOG TOOTH TUNA !
• Caught on 15 KG line
• Caught in the Coral Sea Between Holmes Reef and Willis Island

Unsure which boat the catch was on or who the angler was that caught it.. Was a bad line - I even had to confirm these details so that I haven't reported incorrectly.... These are photos I cant wait to see !

I guess when you take World Champions out to fish there is always the chance that a new World Record could be set. Hooray !

WELL DONE

WILD TURKEY, THE PIRATE & DONT ASK ME

It has to be one of you - Keep up the great fishing - I am sure all those reading are jealous ! ! Time to hear about the new World Record marlin I am thinking.

Weather Update - All getting better

TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTLOOK

for the Coral Sea West of Longitude 160 East Issued at 2:49pm on Saturday the 25th of November 2006

X-Tropical Cyclone YANI is continuing to weaken in the Solomon Sea was regionand the low-level circulation is drifting NW and weakening further. This system is not expected to redevelop in the forecast period.

All getting better in the cyclone world ! ! Weather at Willis Island is showing readings from 18 - 21 knots so just a little stronger than our coastal weather. It is believed that the 4 boats are situated around Holmes Reef - somewhere...

These are some pictures taken from Holmes Reef on a private trip last season

Heading EAST and EAST again!

Advise just through via a super quick Sat Phone call was to say that all the boats were heading out to the Sea Mount ( hope this is right ). This is EAST by EAST - straight out and more. All the boats will be travelling through the night and will be together. They were doing battle out there with the terrible seas - makes me sick just the thought of it!! They are heading closer to the awful weather but they must have a plan that taking it on is better than waiting till it comes to you - some would say MAD.

Totally forgot to ask about the fishing but did hear via Kelly from Reel Chase the following:

"Jim reported that The Pirate got one about 300lb on Opal today, Dont Ask Me got a big one at Linden Bank and poor old Wild Turkey got 0 from 3 - at least they are there - our time will come. Jim got a small one also on Linden with Reel Chase and Luke on Kekoa got at least one on Number 8. I love it when all the boys are catching fish :-)"

It is great having sources like this to report direct from the seas - Thanks Kelly.

Quick weather update shows the following

TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTLOOK - taken from 3 day forecast

for the Coral Sea West of Longitude 160 EastIssued at 3:12pm on Wednesday the 22nd of November 2006At noon, Wednesday 22/11/2006, the Fiji Met service named Tropical Cyclone Yani in the Solomon Sea near 12.3S 162.5E [995 hPa] some 1800km east of Cairns. All of our computer guidance in the long term shows that Tropical Cyclone Yani is no direct threat to Queensland owing to the lack of any strong steering current andthe static weather pattern in our hemisphere.

http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/cyclone/
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/tropic.html

Nasty weather in the Coral Sea

Eyes are at watch on the weather in the Coral Sea at present as there is a nasty Low that could turn the seas even rougher than have been. Hold on Wild Turkey.

TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTLOOK
for the Coral Sea West of Longitude 160 EastIssued at 2:30pm on Monday the 20th of November 2006
At noon, Monday 20/11/2006, a 1000 hPa tropical low was centred well out in the Coral Sea near 12.1S 161.6E and moving west southwest at 10 km/hr. The low has a moderate to high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone during the next few days. At the present time, the low is not influencing Queensland's weather.

Here are also a few pictures taken from Ben's camera before he left for you to enjoy. Photos have also been added into some later entries so scroll through to catch some of our action up to date.

1) Brad & Michael with one of there catch on the 3 days 2) Our Russian catch
3) One of Brad & Michaels that didnt come in 4) Bringing in the catch !

20 Day Marlin Hunt has begun

At a relaxed pace this morning, all four boats - Wild Turkey, The Boss, Dont Ask Me and The Pirate - battled out through the rolling white caps that were heading into Yorkey's Knob Marina. Destination being the Coral Sea in search of Giant Black Marlin.

There may be a chance that over this period that we receive updates via the Satellite Phone or we may receive the odd Fax updating us on details - so fingers crossed with that happening.

1) Getting ready to go 2) The Boss & Don't Ask Me

3) Wild Turkey & The Pirate 4) Wild Turkey heading out.

Calm Before the Storm

Wild Turkey is tucked up snug in the berth at Yorkeys and getting the last of the jobs done and things ticked off the endless lists before heading out into the Coral Sea Monday for 20 days once again in search of the Giant Black Marlin.

With seas back up to 25 - 30 knots again the next few days (the normal this season) we are not missing the pounding.

Since Wild Turkey will be heading a fair way out with definately no phone rang, Captain Ben has got strict instruction that while away to write a few lines about every day and this will be uploaded on his return about the 10th Dec for you all to read and see.

I should know more tomorrow; but the short tale is that we are one of 3 boats heading out and working with The Boss Mothership - on this Giant Black Marlin Fly Fishing Expedition. Also as part of the team will be Blue Water magazine and great photograher David Granville. Other boats with us will include Dont Ask Me & The Pirate.

Day 3 with the bite still on

Reports this morning are that there is a strong wind warning coming up for this afternoon and setting in for the next few days, this may make things a little lumpy this afternoon heading back.

It was a quiet morning as it has been with the bite happening later in the day, but once again there were marlins to be caught and Wild Turkey found them - Well done Ben. Reports have it that it was of a smaller size but VERY active.

Other catch reports are Tim on Calypso caught a couple of nice ones, Tim on Little Audrey caught one 1/2 hour out of Cairns, Kanahoee caught a good size one north at No 2 Ribbons - also in the action was Reel Ripe - known in our family as "The Apple Boat" and Kim on Diamond Girl. Good Fishing All.

Day 2 - in search of Black Marlins

Hopefully the crew and anglers are well rested and ready to take on battle with yet other Black Marlins out there in the wide ocean. I am also hoping that the nasty winds that were coming in late yesterday afternoon have swung around and making things a little better.

Very quite day today out wide - Wild Turkey saw a nice 900 ish pound Black Marlin get caught beside them but for them it has been steady.

With the shadows coming over the reef and the sun coming down - the bite came on - tagging a nice Black about 200 lbs. Catch also included a couple of good Spanish Mackerel both about 30 Ibs and about 7 Mac Tunas. Well done - nice way to end the day.

Ben has Wild Turkey anchored up with Tim Ryan on Little Audrey and Kim Andersen on Diamond Girl at North Opal for the night. A nice way to enjoy life on the Great Barrier Reef.

3 Day Charter in search of those Black Marlins ! ! * Updated

This morning Wild Turkey welcomes on board both Brad and Michael in the building industry from NSW. Their main aim is to relax and enjoy themselves on the wonderful Great Barrier Reef and if possibile pick up the odd Black Marlin or other species along the way.

Coverage may be a little limited as it quite often is on the reef but will do the best to keep you up dated.

They caught a few fish this morning on their way out - the most impressive of these being a 24 kg Spanish Mackerel - very nice size ! !

3.30 - Report from Captain Ben was that they had just hooked up and been fighting for the last 1/2 hour a very nice 800 - 900 pound Black Marlin - Go Wild Turkey! As fortune would have it - the sharks must of been on a late lunch and they soon helped our angler finish the battle..
:( Has to be more to come.

The plan for Wild Turkey tonight may be to catch up with the likes of Jimmy Dalling on Reel Chase and see how their season north has been. All dependant on the weather as there is a nasty wind out there causing a small amount of chop about. Kelly runs a blog site for Reel Chase keeping the entire fleet updated - Sometimes this is how we find out what Wild Turkey is actually doing and what the guys are catching when out of range - Well Done Kel - Worth a look www.blackmarlinfishingblog.com

Late this afternoon - our other angler - not sure in which order they did the catching - but they tagged a 250 pound Black ! How good it must be to be out there on these live aboards and not coming home when the bites are happening in the later afternoon hours.

Even later news - also tagged was a very nice 200 pound Black Marlin..

Well Done all ! Rest up in that nice new air- conditioning and lets see what tomorrow brings.

Japanese Group out on the Reef

After jetting into Cairns this morning at 4.15ish we had a keen Japanese group that headed to the great Barrier Reef today. Due to their schedule it was quite a brief trip how ever they did manage to pick up a few fish along the way.

Out to the Reef with the Russians today

A keen family of 7 on board today on holidays from Russia.

This will be the last of our day trips before heading back out to live on the reef and be among the Black Marlin action.

Will keep you updated on todays events as they come to hand.

Italians Head to the Reef

Heading out today is Rob with a group of family members from Italy.

In search of Black Marlin - so see what Ben can find.

Fishing report for the day was a little slow but found the following:
1 small Black Marlin but jumped him off
Tagged 1 Black Marlin about 150 pounds
1 1/2 good size Wahoos - 1 was sharked !

Well Done to Rob as these were his first of both species....



Great News to Kim Andersen on Diamond Girl weighing this seasons largest Black Marlin - 1291 pounds ! ! Kim uses our vessel Wild Turkey during the Light Tackle season.
Making todays front page of the Cairns Post.

5 Day Heavy Tackle Marlin Fishing Package for 2007

This is your chance to Book Now and Fish for Giant Black Marlin on the Ribbon Reefs, off Cooktown and Lizard Island – “Get Hooked” on the Ultimate Fishing Experience !

Special Offer:

5 Days Heavy Tackle Live Aboard Marlin Fishing $10,000 all included

All Heavy Tackle Marlin Bookings with 25% deposit taken prior to the end of February 2007 will be able to claim the following:

5 Days Live Aboard Black Marlin Fishing for the rate of $10,000 in total
No increase in price later in the year due to fuel costs
Saving of $1,000 to help get you here

Conditions:

Must be booked prior to 28th February 2007 with the accompanying deposit of 25% of total charter rate
Must be in the northern Cooktown or Lizard Island waters
Must be taken between the months of September – November 2007
Min 1 Max 3 people per charter
Will be subject to dates available
Charter payment is Non – Refundable unless cancelled by operator

If you would prefer to use a mothership with your charter we can organise the right one to suit your choice and budget, getting you the best 5 star accomadation and service on the Great Barrier Reef.

Call us on 0400 015902

New Zealand Team on Heavy Tackle Day trip

Heavy Tackle Day trip - out again

With Wild Turkey on another day trip - today we welcome aboard Marty & Kerry. Capt Ben will be heading to the Bank and hopefully be back in amonst them again today.

Yesterday's footage was great to see via Bens hat cam - and trust me very soon I will have to hold him down and get him to up date these posts with the great pictures that follow.

Good luck today Ben and Crew..

Today didnt show much luck a very slow day in fishing out on Linden Bank. You never can pick it sometimes - one day is good and the next brings up nothing... That's Fishing!

Heavy Tackle Day Trip

This morning we welcome day tripper Grant on board in search of the Giant Black Marlin.

With the bite on at present - fingers crossed that Captain Ben can get them hooked up today with a big one on ..

Todays report:
Great day today, weather was kind and the fishing slow but we did manage to catch the only marlin we saw - a fish of about 300 pounds on the 50 pound tackle.

We also caught a Spanish mackerel, a Wahoo and a 40 pound Yellow Fin Tuna. These being all first time fish caught by our angler.

Well Done Grant and well done Ben and crew.