2002 Fishing Report
2002 Marlin Season
2002 was an awesome marlin season for us, with a total of 83 marlin caught over a 70 day period (15 were 800lbs plus). The SEA BABY IV caught the only Grander of the season - 1177lbs for a regular Japanese client and raised up to 50 Marlin over 5 days of fly fishing - 2 of them teased were est. at 1000lbs.
Season Highlights …………
16 - 22 September
Raymond Doody Party
No. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 Ribbon Reefs
We caught 6 marlin for the 7 days and our largest was a great fish estimated 950lbs and to top it off Raymond caught her on standup 80lbs. The Wahoo were thick and ranged from 50-80lbs. Had some great sessions on Dogtooth tuna using live and skip baits with the fish ranging from 50-100lbs.
23 September – 4 October
Martin & Elaine Hirsch
Lizard Island
A great 12 days of fishing where we caught a total of 26 marlin – 5 big ones between 800-950lb. We broke off another 2 big ones as well. One of these fish Martin fought for over 2 hours off Carter Reef. Saw plenty of fish tailing and also raised pods of fish up to 8 in some groups. One of my favourite times of the whole season.
6–11 October
Omi Tomonori
No. 10,9,8,7,6,5 Ribbon Reefs
Plenty of fish once again with lots of tailers amongst them. We saw between 6-12 each day and caught as many as 3 a day. We landed Tomo’s best fish to date and the only grander weighed from the fleet for the season. – ……………
It was late in the afternoon on the 8th October at around 5.30 pm when we hooked up. An awesome 40 min fight ensued with the big black jumping an estimated 25 times close to the stern of the Sea Baby putting up a spectacular fight on the leader making it one of the most memorable captures I’ve been involved with to date. The cool heads and professionalism displayed by both crewmen, Glenn Johnston and Colby Fish made it all look too easy. The fish later weighed on a mothership pulled the scales down to 1177lbs.
The next day Tomo once again found himself connected to a grander only to lose the fish after a tough 1.5 hour fight.
12-16 October
Mr Ishikawa – Fly Fishing
No. 5 & 4 Ribbon Reefs
We were fishing at Number 5 Ribbon, where we raised and teased 14 fish up to 600 lbs with quite a few double headers amongst it. We got 2 bites but no good hook ups.
This is the norm for the next couple of days with around 40 plus fish teased in the first 3 days of the trip, 2 are over a grand with one I estimated at 1100lb. On the last 2 days of the charter the weather came good and we hooked and fought 2 fish estimated between 200-400lbs. We broke both fish off after coming close to gaffing them.
Overall we estimate that we raised 50 fish in total over the 5 days of fishing with most fishing coming in the first 3 days.
31 Oct – 4 Nov
Adrian Gornall & Martin Keeble
From No. 5 Ribbon to Linden Bank
A great 5 days of fishing. Not many numbers but some good quality. We caught 2 800lb fish and lost a nice fish over a grand after a 40 minute fight on a black & purple Super Chugger.
23-30 November
Greg & Gretchen Pilkington
Linden Bank & No. 5 Ribbon Reef
We started at Linden Bank and got bites from 2 big ones on the first day. We caught a few small fish but saved the best till the last 2 days where we caught an 800lb on the afternoon of the 29th off Opal Ridge. She performed like a beauty then on the last day we caught a double header - 900lb & 300 lb. As soon as the baits go out again and I get back to the spot - we catch another fish around 750 lbs.
What a way to finish the trip and can off a terrific season.
For further details on Ross and his career highlights please go to Capt Ross Finlayson
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