2012/13 Wrap up!

Well it's been a while between posts - apologies but in reality the fishing really hasn't been all that much to write home about! Until late 2012 anyway. The Phantom headed out to the light tackle grounds off Moreton Island on December 1st and managed to tag 3 from 4 black marlin - two for Rene and one for Jess on 6 kg line, after overnighting at Bulwer we headed back out and pinned another one for Rene before heading home. This was the beginning of a big couple of months, with The Phantom tagging 23 black marlin for the season to date. This includes a couple of great days, 7 in a day, 6 in a day, two 4 fish days and a couple of 2 fish days. It all adds up to a lot of fun for the anglers and crew!

This sport isn't without its dangers however, we had a visitor on board on Saturday, thanks to quick action from the deckie (Daniel) and some quick reflexes no one was hurt, it does highlight the importance of staying alert, particularly when these little black marlin are going crazy... video link to come soon, but here are some photos!

Beautiful one day....

35 knots the next!! After an absolutely magic day on the water yesterday, the weather turned nasty this morning. When I heard from the skipper at lunchtime they were headed back to port in an attempt to dodge a nasty weather system.

Sounds like they have all had a great time in this quick overnighter. Linden Bank was like a carpark yesterday but very few fish between boats. The guys aboard managed to get a couple of mahi mahi and had fun.

This morning they finshed up with a mackeral each and were very happy customers. Unfortunately there are no guarantees in fishing and the pointy nosed ones weren't biting, but this trip was a perfect example of the fun that can be had!!

This was our last official charter for the season and we thank the guys for coming aboard. Ian and Rene have a few days left up North, with Caitlin heading up to join them for a few days, before heading home!

Wining and Dining!!

After a quick turnaround The Phantom has headed out again - this time with Sean and some clients from Angove's wines. Angove's are a family run business who produce some exceptional wines. They also sell Stone's Green Ginger Wine and Stone's Ginger Beer - as you can see from the pic of them heading out!


Angove's generosity is appreciated and I can personally speak great words about their McLarenvale Shiraz!

With the quick turnaround I haven't had a chance to catch up with the guys about how their last day went - I'll fill you in when I know! It looks like another couple of days of great weather and with the Ginger Beer going down well - no sea sickness!! We all know ginger is a calmative! Good luck guys - can't wait to hear the reports!!

The perfect getaway...

With a few days off between charters Daniel decided to get a couple of his mates up to chill on the reef for a few days. A fishing charter really is the perfect guy's getaway - after all - they are stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean - they couldn't possibly get into any trouble! Archie and Grant joined Daniel, Ian and Rene on the reef for a few days away, leaving their very understanding better halves at home - hi to Mel and Camille!

For once they have been blessed with good weather and of course have had a ball! A couple of marlin seen but as yet no conversions, however the time spent catching other pelagics and reef fish has made it worthwhile. Snorkling on the Great Barrier Reef - catching mahi mahi and the rest, relaxing with a few beers - why aren't I up there!?!

Here are a few pics of the great last couple of days..

Better late than never...

Apologies for the delay in getting this report up - Rene and I have been gallivanting on MV Oriana travelling from Auckland to Brisbane - if the boys thought it got rough on the reef - we had 6m seas and force 9 (49 knot) winds for most of our crossing of the Tasman - this called for many empty deckchairs and this shot of waves breaking in a pool on the 12th level!!


A different kind of boating but we had a ball... the last charter in Cairns was good training for Rene in dealing with the conditions and the 2 of us fared better than most!!

A shot of the ship from the air while at port in Tauranga NZ


This boat makes Phantom look like a tender!!


Anyway - while the girls were away the boys went fishing - and on to the REAL report (care of the skipper)!!

The Phantom's charter was a 6 dayer with Johnno, Mikie, Arnie and Ron. Day 1 was spent running up the reef and collecting Spanish and shark mackerel from Evening and Morning reefs.

We stayed behind Ribbon 4 for the night and the boys got into the bottom fish, all species again and releasing them.

Next morning we collected bait (more scalies and tuna), threw some poppers in and had a jig and then moved out to chase the prime targets, Big Girls.

We have an announcement, Dogtooth Johnston, formally known as Johnno, caught his fist Dogtooth Tuna, changed his name, and claimed ownership of the reef, all in all a pretty momentous occasion.

Things only got better from there, putting Dogtooth's son Mike into the chair to capture and release his first GBR heavy tackle black at 350 lb.

We spent the next night in the mid reefs and set out for more marlin the next day but, even though we raised them and had them light up they wouldn’t eat.

The decision was made that night to move down the reef back to Linden Pressure Ridge so next morning out came the heavy tackle lures, out went another 2 130 outfits to make a set of 4 and off we set. What a fantastic change of plan, snaring a great 450 lb fish for Arnie, we are working on uploading the video.

We spent the rest of the time raising fish at Opal and Linden without any more captures.

Day 6 after spending a night behind Opal the boys voted to run into Cairns to watch the Melbourne cup and have lunch before their flight home.

Summary, great weather, couple of good fish, great company, top trip.

Charter wrap up..

After battling the seas and wind the boys returned from their 4 days away saying they'd all do it again - that's a good sign! No marlin but PLENTY of reef fish and other pelagics made the fishing worthwhile. It was a pity about the weather - but you can't pick it sometimes!! Here are a few pics of the catch..


Another use for the live bait tank..


Obviously this one was more important to a shark!


Nice one!


Nothing beats snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef!


Not bad for by-catch!




Some of the catch..


Red Emperor



Thanks for coming along guys and we look forward to having you back on board!

Congratulations Frank and Simone!!

A few pics of the big day... sorry it's late!!