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!!

Catch up...

Hi All, it's been a while between blogs but with good reason... Ian and Rene left the reef for a couple of weeks to attend Simone and Frank's wedding - congrats guys!! But they are now back on the reef and set off yesterday for a charter with the guys from Built.

Rough going, we had a few casualties, and I think everyone was happy when the decision was taken to seek shelter behing Opal Reef for the night. After getting steady the guys had a ball cleaning up on reef fish and I hear they have just enjoyed a breakfast of coral trout before heading out for some light tackle fishjing for the day. Unfortunately you can't control the weather but the team is doing their best to give the guys a great time!! Pics to follow - just thought we'd touch base!!

Reef fish photos...

A few photos below of some of the reef fish caught on the last charter.


Trevally


Spangled Emperor


Nice Coral Trout


Coral Trout


Cod


This one was never getting away!!


Maori Wrasse


Maori Wrasse


Even Daniel got in on the action


Daniel picked up this bat fish behind the reef on 6kg mono - good effort!

Winding down..

As we speak The Phantom is heading in from Escape Reef in perfect weather after a successful first charter. At least a fish a day was seen with most of the action happening Saturday afternoon. After fighting and releasing a 200kg Bronze Whaler, The Phantom hooked and tagged a healthy 450lb Black Marlin.

Rene tells me the charterers have had a ball, with giant Coral Trout being caught behind the reefs at night and lots of action on the fishing deck. No photos yet but I will get them up as soon as they come through.

Thanks to Johnno and the boys for joining us again on the reef - we are sure you'll tell everyone about the great times you have had. There is still time for you to book your fishing trip of a lifetime. Call Ian on 0418 190 639 or the Boat on 0408 153 765 so we can start planning your fishing adventure.