Attached is a copy of the seventh edition of the Tag Times Newsletter produced by the NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program.

This newsletter provides information on interesting recaptures and other news on the Program.

In this issue:
» Top Taggers 2010-2011 Season
» SA SBT Recapture
» Recent PNG Recaptures
» Recent Dampier Recaptures
» Dolphinfish and Yellowtail Kingfish Research
» Correct Tag Locations / Types
» Top Taggers 2010-2011 Tables

All Australian tournaments can be found in our tournament calendar and flyers/entry forms can be downloaded where available. Tournaments on this weekend and into next week are as follows and results will be available after completion where available.

Australia:

'Mooloolaba Billfish Bonanza', Mooloolaba, QLD, Apr 27 - 29

'35th Viking Diesel Marine Port Hacking 100',Port Hacking, NSW, Apr 28 - 29

 'NT XXXX Gold Billfish Classic', Darwin, NT, Apr 28 - 30

'35th Port Hacking 100', Port Hacking, Apr 28 - 29

'Bribie Island Bluewater Classic', Bribie Island, QLD, May 4 - 7

'Port Lincoln Blue Water Classic', Port Lincoln, SA, May 6 - 10

International:

'Guana Cay Championship',Orchid Bay Yacht Club & Marina, Apr 24 - 28

'Bertram Hatteras Shootout', Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, May 1 - 5

'14th Annual Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament', Georgetown Cayman Island, May 3 - 6

'12th Steilager I'A Lapo'A Fishing Tournament', Pago Pago America Samoa, May 7 - 12

'Cape Eleuthera Championship', Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas, May 8 - 12

If you have any tournaments you would like us to include in our weekly list or the tournament calendar please send the details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There was a total of 33 boats entered in this years tournament comprising of  84 Male Anglers, 9 Female Anglers, 5 Junior Anglers along with 42 Crew.  The final stats were 76 Strikes, 55 Hook Ups and 17 Tags (15 Blue Marlin, 1 Black Marlin, 1 Spearfish) and 8 Captures.

The $5,000 'Most Tagged Marlin' was awarded to Zeus.

Champion Boat Overall and the $5K Heaviest Marlin over 150kg was awarded to CJIG. Well done and congratulations to Zeus skippered by Trent Knappick & CJIG skippered by Grant Thomson and furthermore to all the entrants for being part of such a great 2 days of fishing.

Champion Boat Overall.
1 Place. Zeus GCGFC - 20000 Points
2 Place. Rammpage HBGFC - 20000 Points
3 Place. Outside Edge SCGFC - 11000 Points

Champion Male.
Anthony Goulding - Num Nuts - SPGSFC - 10000 Points

Champion Female.
Claire Duke - Addixion - GCGFC - 10000 Points

Champion Junior.
Jai Tooley - Cabo 35 - GCGFC

Champion Angler 8 Meters and Under.
Claire Duke - Addixion - GCGFC - 10000 Points

Heaviest Fish Other Species.
Jai Tooley - GCGFC - 21.6kg Yellow Fin Tuna

Heaviest Billfish Over 150kg.
CJIG - Joe Bonnici - GCGFC - 160kg Blue Marlin

First Billfish Day 1.
Num Nuts - Anthony Goulding - SPGSFC - 10:44am

Last Billfish Day 2.
RU4REEL - Troy Winslett - SPGSFC - 2:36pm

Best Tag Person.
Rammpage - Chris Fallon - 2 Blue Marlin

Larva Lure – First Fish Day 1 & Most fish Overall.
Num Nuts - Anthony Goulding - SPGSFC - Blue Marlin

Larva Lure – Last Fish Day 2.
Sea Eagle - Cameron Rylance - SPGSFC - Blue Marlin

Thank you to Alisa Schofield from the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club for this years results.

If you have any tournaments you would like us to include in our weekly list or the tournament calendar please send the details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Captain Jeffrey Wilson on the Boobytrap out of Texas fished two days to go 21 from 23 on Swordfish catching 18 during the day and 3 at night. Below is a video from the Boobytrap.

All Australian tournaments can be found in our tournament calendar and flyers/entry forms can be downloaded where available. Tournaments on this weekend and into next week are as follows and results will be available after completion where available.

'Alliance Tag & Release',Bermagui, New South Wales, Mar 10 - 11

'Gamex 2012', Exmouth, Western Australia, Mar 10 - 17

'Back 2 Tanga 4', Tangalooma, QLD, Mar 16 - 18

'Zane Grey International One Base Fishing Tournament', Bay of Islands, NEW ZEALAND, Mar 7 - 10

'31st International Sailfish Tournament', Crocodile Bay, COSTA RICA, Mar 11 - 17

If you have any tournaments you would like us to include in our weekly list or the tournament calendar please send the details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As anglers, many of us are aware of the effect ocean currents have on fish movement due to the temperature variations, but another tool you can add to your arsenal is Altimetry.

Altimetry refers to the sea surface height in relation to the zero gravity line. This can have a great effect on fish movements especially when combined with other data such as the bottom structure, warm currents etc.

Below is a tutorial from Rip Charts that explains the benefit in taking notice of such patterns. More tutorials can be found here

With over 150 satisfied students, Billson’s workshops have set precedence in the training of all aspects of sport fishing for both the beginner and the experienced. Bills wealth of experience, justified by his outstanding results through his history, of over 30 years, has made him one of the most respected Captains in the world.

His career achievements include.
● 4 times winner of the prestigious Lizard Island Black Marlin Tournament.
● Numerous runner-up, champion angler & largest fish weighed awards.
● 4 times winner NSW Interclub Tournament  - largest tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.
● Winner or runner-up of some of Cairns most recognized tournaments including the Lexus Tournament, MSA Inaugural Tournament, 40th Anniversary Tournament.
● Captained & crewed for the capture of world records in black, blue & striped marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna & Mako Sharks.
● Captain for the largest fish ever to be caught on fly fishing tackle a 134kg Blue Marlin on 10kg tippet & Largest Striped Marlin 108kg on 8kg.

Workshops include.
● Bill’s personalized switch baiting techniques
● Tackle preparation
● Bait & lure rigging – conventional & switch baiting
● Correct choice of tackle & equipment
● How to read the signs of the ocean
● Fish finder set-up and tuning
● Boat handling skills

Bill’s world renowned boat the Viking II will be the platform for the workshops held in Port Stephens, NSW and the Gold Coast, QLD.  The Viking II has been set up with special Furuno electronics including large display screen in saloon with images of the sounder & GPS so students at all times can see what the Captain sees.

All students are eligible for highly discounted rates for charters from Port Stephens, Gold Coast & Cairns.

Testimonials.

“We learnt so much......2 days on the awesome Viking II, being taught by the best in the business! What more could any angler want?”
Neil Delaney Sydney NSW

“I picked up more tips in 2 days than in 10 years”
Carry McDonald New Zealand

" Billy’s years of knowledge and success shine throughout this 2 day workshop.  I not only immensely enjoyed each part of the workshop but have managed to successfully use Bill’s switch baiting techniques out of my own boat.  I’m now happy to say that switch baiting is the way to go if shown by an expert like Billy!”  Brian Jefferson, Gold Coast.

Contact Bill Billson here or on 0427 183 159 to book your workshop to learn from one of the best Captains in the world.

George from Reelax has informed us of a current special they are running. Pairs of Reelax Crimpers/Hand Swagers are on sale for $45.

They are also offering big discounts for orders of 5 or more. Contact Reelax by email on ' This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' for further information.

Congratulations to GFH member Kristy Philliskirk (Krispy) who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of January with her photos of a Striped Marlin caught in Port Stephens last year. Thanks for all the great entries. It was very close as always.

Kristy receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

Striped Marlin - Port Stephens
 

To see the other photos in this series click here

If anyone has lost a Broadbill Swordfish, please contact GameFishingHub.

It was found by Gary Haines on Sunrise Beach (Sunshine Coast), Queensland on Saturday without any hooks, Shark attacks, or any other visable issues.

They are normally found in deeper water off the shelf, caught by commercial long liners and are never seen in shallow coastal waters.

We have contacted Julian Pepperell for his expert opinion and will let you know if we find out any further information as to how or why this lost Broadbill may have wandered in close.

As you may have heard the fishing at Port Stephens right now is great with many Striped Marlin caught each day. The Last 3 days Captain Tim Dean has caught and released 13 fish and have seen many more. We know this is short notice but Tim Dean from Calypso Fishing Adventures has 3 spaces on a share charter for Thursday this week cost is $400 per person for the day.
Please call Tim if you can make it  041 1111476 or email here.

February is also a good time to be fishing at Port Stephens and Calypso Fishing Adventures have many spaces to fill. Register your expression of interest for all shares and sole charters with Tim asap.

Congratulations to GFH member Anton Vogiatzis (BigFishMad) who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of December with his photo 'Mako on skirted lure'

Thanks for all the great entries. It was very close as always. The January comp is now active so hope to see some good shots this month.

We have now moved the photo competition to the forum to make it much easy to enter and comment. The new location is here.

Antonl receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

'Mako on skirted lure'

The Game Fishing Hub Team would like to wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year and would like to thank you for your support for this year. GFH Team look’s forward to the New Year with suppling up to date fishing reports from around Australia and the world.

Further to our blog last week on the Coral Sea Marine Reserve Proposal, the QGFA has advised the following meeting dates for the public and industry to discuss the proposals. Please get involved in these meetings or voice your opinions online.

More information, maps, and a form to lodge a submission can be found here

Public Meeting times below:

Charter / Game industry meeting times below:

Congratulations to GFH member 'Gabriel Gomez' who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of November with his photo '70kg Black on Pakula Needy Lumo'

We thank all members who entered and hope to see a lot more for the December competition.

We have now moved the photo competition to the forum to make it much easy to enter and comment. The new location is here.

Gabriel receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

'70kg Black on Pakula Needy Lumo'

Capt Daniel McCarthy has asked us to inform everyone on some proposed marine zones. We encourage everyone to do what they can to stop the spread of Marine zones like these. They will destroy our ability to rec fish and eventually destroy our sport.

Daniel wrote:

Below is the Coral sea Draft map, it is now out this morning for public consultation. We need to keep huge pressure on Govt to ensure it doesn’t get altered against us.

Rest assured the Greens are not happy and will kick up a hell of a stink. We must make sure we don’t go un noticed. In WA the draft looked good for Rec. Fishers. No one put in submissions approving or asking for for or high lighting that the area left was important....
However the Greens groups piled in the submissions and guess whatThe final came out with bunch more GREEN zones.

We must make sure that doesn’t happen here.

Full Size map:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea/consultation/pubs/coralsea-map.pdf

Have your say by going to this webpage:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea/consultation/index.html

Mustard and Rhino on board IONA II are making the journey back down the coast. They fished there way down past Fraser Island going 5 from 9 on Blue Marlin. Not a bad effort with only two people on board. Below is a video that Rhino has put together for you all to get pumped up for the day.

The 2010 / 2011 GFAA trophies have been awarded with some of the highlights been:

Sir Garrick Adnew Trophy (Champion tag & release angler in Australian Waters)
1st - Scott MacGowann, King Bay GFC - 51 Billfish
2nd - Bart Portelli, Sydney GFC - 40 Billfish
3rd - Jay Wheelock, Darwin GFC - 26 Billfish

John O'Brien Trophy (Champion GFAA club)
1st - Exmouth GFC - 144,073 points (481 fish)
2nd - King Bay GFC - 97,819 points (451 fish)
3rd - Sunshine Coast GFC - 91,488 points (260 fish)

The full list of trophy winners can be downloaded here (PDF)

Congratulations to GFH member 'Adrian Warden' from GROOTE EYLANDT who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of September with his photo 'Wardo Sail Release'

We thank all members who entered and hope to see a lot more for the November competition.

Adrian receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

'Pakula Tackle' have kindly come on board for the month so keep those photos coming in and good luck next month.

Twenty-Nine year reign ends with approval of New Stiped Bass Record

Greg Myerson’s 37.1 kg (81 lb 14 oz) striped bass record was approved on Wednesday, October 19, after the IGFA’s Record Committee came to a consensus on the catch and its supporting documentation. Myerson’s catch created a whirlwind of excitement in early August for striper anglers everywhere, but especially in the northeastern USA.

"After a 15 minute fight on my St. Croix rod and Quantum reel, I got the striped bass close enough to the boat for netting,” Myerson shared in the testimony accompanying his world record application. “The fish was bigger than I thought. I slipped on eel slime and banged my ribs against the gunwhale of the boat. But it didn’t matter. The monster fish was mine. At this point it was about 8 pm, I put the fish into the hold and fished the rest of the tide. As I fished, I repeatedly peered into the hold and asked myself ‘is this striper really that big?’ The following morning, I brought the striped bass to Jack’s Shoreline Bait and Tackle to be weighed. The fish measured 54 inches in length and tipped Jack’s digital scale at 81.88 pounds. It really was that big."

The IGFA’s approval of Myerson’s catch marks the end of Albert McReynolds’ 29-year reign as All-Tackle record holder for this prestigious saltwater species. In addition to now holding the All-Tackle record, Myerson’s catch also landed him the new men’s 37 kg (80 lb) line class record, which previously stood at 70 lb. Congratulations to Greg Myerson on this historical record catch – and good luck to you striper fishermen aiming to best it in the future!

Congratulations to GFH member 'Adrian Wardo' who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of September with his photo 'Jess's first sail GROOTE EYLANDT'

We thank all members who entered and hope to see alot more for the October competition.

Adrian receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

'Pakula Tackle' have kindly come on board for the month so keep those photos coming in and good luck next month.

Jess Scott and her first Sailfish @ GROOTE EYLANDT

Just a reminder to enter our FREE Monthly Photo Competition for September.

This months prize is a lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle'.
Click here to find out how to enter and for more info on the prize.

Check out the Photo Gallery to see this months entries so far.

Recreational fisheries were the topic of discussion at an Expert Consultation on responsible global fisheries management in Berlin this August. In preparation of new Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries focusing on Recreational Fisheries, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Department organized 20 international experts from academia, policy and NGOs for their insights and expertise. IGFA President Rob Kramer was an Expert Consultant at the meeting, and agreed that aquatic stewardship is a high priority for all anglers.

Continue reading for the full article

Congratulations to GFH member 'Nick Currey' who is the winner of our photo competition for the month of August with his photo 'Striped Marlin 1'

We thank all members who entered and it was a very tough decision this month.

Nick receives a 3 lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle' consisting of a Pakula Mosquito, Pakula Micro Sprocket, and a Pakula Zipper.

'Pakula Tackle' have kindly come on board for the next two months so keep those photos coming in and good luck next month.

'Striped Marlin 1' by 'Nick Currey'

An announcement from 'Ocean Blue Fishing Adventures' 

Just a heads up as we have 1 spot available to join our New Caledonia GT sportfishing adventure, scheduled over great dates we've selected in January (just 4 months away!)

This is a full 5 day fishing, 6 night adventure for 3 anglers, fishing is with renowned skipper Etienne Picquel. Around the lagoon, reefs and bommies are bruiser GT's up to 55kg plus other tackle-crunching heavyweights, making this location one of the fishiest in the South Pacific.

This is the pick of the moon phase, plus January is yellowfin tuna time, so targeting these on poppers and jigs is quite on the cards, as is light tackle sportsfishing in the lagoon for the smaller trevally, spanish mackeral, coral trout and red bass etc.

Continue reading for more information and contact details

Today is your last chance to enter our FREE Monthly Photo Competition for August.

This months prize is a lure pack from 'Pakula Tackle'.
Click here to find out how to enter and for more info on the prize.

Check out the Photo Gallery to see this months entries so far.

Solas Propellor Warehouse is holding a car park sale on Saturday the 3rd of September from 7am to 5pm. There will be lucky door prizes every hour as well as a sausage sizzle and of course some red hot deals, so make sure you stop in to see the team and take advantage of some great deals and stock up for the season.

Solas Propellor Warehouse
Unit 2-3 / 1 Premier Circuit
Warana QLD 4575

A personal invitation to fish Kuala Rompin, Malaysia with Ocean Blue Fishing Adventures. Ocean Blue are offering a 4 day October adventure fishing one of the best Sailfish grounds in the world.

This trip is ideal for anglers…
-Planning to fish calm waters for great light tackle sailfish action.
-Wanting the simplicity of joining a group and fishing with like minded anglers.
-After a reliable package with transfers, accommodation and boats all included.
-Looking for a great adventure, offering excellent fishing & value for money.

Continue reading for the full details of this great trip.

Pinas Bay, Panama
Tropic Star Lodge has set a new lodge record releasing 96 Billfish in 6 days of fishing. A total of 15 Black Marlin, 81 Blue Marlin and 47 Sailfish were released,with one boat released 5 Blues in one day. Photo far right of one of the Blue Marlin released.

Pirates Cove, North Carolina
Captain Jeff Ross on board OBSESSION released a Grand Slam, 1 Blue Marlin, 3 White Marlin and 1 Sailfish on the first day of fishing in the 28th Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament.

Bermuda
Aug 13.
Captain Kyle Weaver on board GREAT ESCSAPE released 2 Blue Marlin and raised another 2.
Aug 14.
Captain Kyle Weaver on board GREAT ESCSAPE went 3 from 6 on Blue Marlin.
Aug 15.
Captain Kyle Weaver on board GREAT ESCAPE went 1 from 2 releasing a 700 pound plus Blue Marlin in 6 mins.
Aug 16.
Back on board GREAT ESCAPE - .They almost got spooled on 130 pound tackle with a Blue Marlin dumping 900 yards. Kyle Weaver ended up pulling the hooks 200 yards from the boat. 

Bom Bom Island, Príncipe
Aug 15.
Bertrand Bouchard fishing on his vessel TRUE WORLD off Bom Bom Island released 9 from 10 on Blue Marlin.

French polynesia
Aug 13 & 14.
Kevin Muench on saturday went 1 from 3 on Blue Marlin and went 1 from 2 on Sunday.

Tonga
Aug 12.
Captain Terry Stansel on PATRIOT went 5 from 6 on Blue Marlin and 2 from 2 on Sailfish with the count for their first 3 days fishing in Tonga, 14 from 29 Blue Marlin and 3 from 4 on Sailfish.

Azores
Aug 12.
XACARA released a White Marlin and a Blue Marlin they calledaround 650 pounds and BRASILIA released a 750 pound Blue Marlin.
Aug 13.
XACARA released a 400 pound Blue Marlin and MAKAIRA pulled the hooks on a 600 pounder after a 25 min fight, two meters away from the crewman which could'nt get a grab on the leader. HABITAT weighed a Blue Marlin going 1080 pounds with a long fight of 3h 30min on 80 pound tackle. This Blue Marlin was just 1kg short of the World Record on 80 pound tackle.
Aug 14.
XACARA was fishing on Azores ban. Captain Olaf raised a very large blue who unfortunately didn't hook up. They had a bite from a Blue but pulled the hooks, then finally they released a white marlin.

Kona, Hawaii
Consistent as always, Continue reading for the full report.

GFH would like to welcome Pakula Tackle Australia as our latest sponsor.

The 'overnight success' of Peter Pakula and Pakula Tackle started during the 1988 Australian Bicentennial Tournament held in Sydney, Australia which was won by Rod Hall's boat "Headhunter". The catch included Jason Simpson's Australian record 245 kg Blue Marlin on a Pakula Sprocket. In this tournament, 16 Hawaiian Teams doing their best were blitzed by the Australian made Pakula Lures.

Since these early days of fame, Pakula Lures have won many of the Game Fishing World's most prestigious tournaments including The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament twice, in fact Peter Pakula was a member of the winning team in 1996, the Cairns Lexus twice, the Compass Tournament, Bisbees Black and Blue, The World Series Billfish Tournament, Poco Texas, twice, The Kona Steinlager, The Golden Fleece, five times, The AIBT, six times, The Sanctuary Cove Celica Tournament six years straight including all three Celica Cars and many more.

Around 90% of Pakula Lures are exported to countries including Hawaii. mainland USA and South America, all Pacific Island groups including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Guam, Tahiti and Japan. Pakula Lures have won the major tournaments in all of them. The largest: Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Sailfish records in both New Caledonia and Vanuatu, Blue Marlin in Lord Howe Island;Black Marlin in New Zealand and the largest Black and Blue Marlin in 1994; the largest Yellowfin (91 kg) ever on a lure in Australia; the largest Blue Marlin (297 kg) in Sydney waters and many more. Pakula's also account for the most of one species on lures in a single day; 16 Sailfish (Mooloolaba); 6 Blue Marlin (Gold Coast); 12 Blacks (Moreton Bay) and 14 Striped Marlin (N.S.W.). To top this off, Pakula's accounted for 3 Grand Slams in New South Wales in just one week.

Check out the full range of Pakula Lures at their website and be sure to enter our photo competition this month to be in the chance to win a lure pack from Pakula.

Below is a short video from a 2 part series on how to choose the right lure. More 'How to' videos can be found here.

We are pleased to announce the winner of our first monthly photo competition. The winning photo has been judged by Mark Thodey from Bradley Smoker.

All entries can be seen  here.

This months winner receives a 'Bradley Smoke Generator' valued at $400.

The August comp is now under way and we will be announcing the prize in the coming days!

The wining photo is 'Striped Marlin' was taken by 'Judy Sillis' of Queanbeyan NSW. Congratulations Judy, your Bradley smoke generator is on its way!

'Striped Marlin' by Judy Sillis

An extract from 'The Road To The Billfish Royal Slam', writen by Jay Schline.  Full article here

Conquering “The Royal Slam” is undeniably one of the most difficult accomplishments in sport fishing world.  The Royal Slam requires much time, dedication, patience, a bunch of planning, many trips, and  unfortunately it also requires in most cases… “Lots-o-MONEY” to accomplish this most prestigious of feats in the Sport fishing arena.  Every angler in this short list of RS achievers must catch each of the nine species of billfish starting with the Blue Marlin (Pacific Ocean), Blue Marlin (Atlantic Ocean), Black Marlin, Sailfish (Pacific Ocean), SailFish (Atlantic), Spearfish, Swordfish, Striped Marlin and the White Marlin to qualify. Many men and women have spanned thousands of miles, given thousands of hours of life, and thousands of dollars through out their lives trying to accomplish this feat but there is just a few that have been able to maintain the quest through its entirety.

Australia just honored their first Royal Slam Achiever, Matt Price.  Matt Price had just completed his Royal Billfish Slam February of this year ”which according to the IGFA, appears to mark the very first of this spectacular achievement for an Australian angler!”

The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) has recognized less then 100 anglers throughout the world that have achieved the ”IGFA – Billfish Royal Slam Club”.  “Documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year”. That’s right, you have a much better chance of getting struck by lightning then obtaining the Royal Slam…A MUCH BIGGER CHANCE.  Remember, the IGFA recognizes anglers in the entire world; the aforementioned lightning strikes are solely for the United States.  Currently there are just 89 members included in this exclusive club.

Responding to this week's announcement from the Government of the Bahamas that it will prohibit all commercial shark fishing in its more than 240,000 square miles of territorial water, Dr. Harvey commented: I am very impressed and pleased that the Government of the Bahamas has taken the necessary and correct step to further protect its marine resources from over-exploitation by both local and foreign interests.

This new legislation compliments the ban on commercial long line fishing enacted 20 years ago. The ban on commercial shark fishing and exportation by shark by-products is a huge step in the conservation of sharks worldwide.

With shark populations around the world continuing to spiral downward, marine scientists such as Dr. Guy Harvey, are working around the clock to give these magnificent animals a fighting chance for survival.

Continue reading for the full report.

NSW YELLOWFIN GOES TROPICAL.
TONGAN BLUE MARLIN RECORD.
INTERSTATE MAHI MAHI.
TASSIE MAKO TRAVELS TO STANWELL PARK.
SCOTTY SCORES A STRIPEY.

Continue Reading for the full report

Do you want to catch some of the Pacific Ocean’s most exciting gamefish?
Is spending time in an archipelago teaming with birds, marine life and giant tortoises appealing to you?
What about having more shots at striped marlin than any other place on Earth?
Looking for the most unique marlin fishing destination?
What about being part of the ultimate big game fishing experience and having a chance to go head to head with blue marlin, black marlin, striped and big tuna sometimes all in the same day? If your answer is yes to some or all of these questions then stop looking and start booking with Ecuagringo today!

Ecuagringo Is offering a great summer special on charters in the Galapagos Islands. For full details and to see a video of their 2011 season so far click 'Continue Reading' to the right.

A small win for anglers!

An extract from a recent "Billfish Foundation" report

Two countries – Australia and Panama – are taking very different paths towards protecting their ocean resources and the prosperity of their economies. You decide which nation is on the path to prosperity.
As Australian anglers are all too painfully aware, Australia’s Federal and State governments are strongly considering the closed zone approach. This strategy blocks sportfishermen from fishing in large sections of the ocean, with the thinking that the oceans will then be healthy. However, when you consider their ‘noble’ aims against the facts, an alternate approach offers far greater benefits. 

Modern sportfishermen practise catch-and-release, and through voluntary tagging efforts provide one of the largest sources of much needed scientific information about gamefish. Sportfishing also generates substantial tourism dollars for coastal communities. Highly migratory species (such as marlin and tuna) range widely, crossing national boundaries and closed zones. Because of this, restricting anglers from a zone is not a practical means of protecting the species. It’s also known that commercial fishing methods – namely longlining and purse-seining – account for the mortality of the majority of marlin and tuna. The bottom line is that no matter how well intentioned, zones closed to sportfishing are counter-productive. In contrast, President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama is taking a strikingly different approach. Panama began its commitment to marine conservation in 2008 with the signing of a regional Central American agreement to manage marlin and sailfish as gamefish. This regional management plan, brokered by The Billfish Foundation, was Central America’s most comprehensive conservation accord.

You can read the full report here

Click read more and leave your comments about this issue.

Eryn Jacobsen's claim at the 6kg Blue Marlin World Record.

Date: 21/2/2011
Location: Houhora, NZ
Boat: Hookin Bull
Weight: 181.8kg
Skipper: J Batterton

Window into the past, courtesy of the IGFA hall of fame.

This is a video from Charles Perry putting archival tag's in 400 lb bluefin tuna and releasing it back into the waters off of Oregon Inlet NC. Tag-A-Giant Reasearch

This Sunday night on 60 Minutes should air a segment filmed with Charles Woolley at the Tweed on Bioregional Planning. Should be a good watch for anyone interested.

Silke Sigley from" REID YACHT SERVICES - Crew Placement" in NZ has been sending around a job placement for a full time deckhand job in Cairns for the four month (sept - dec) season fishing off the Ribbons and Lizard Island. It is aboard a privately owned 130 ft motor yacht with 6 crew in 3 cabins. The candidate needs to have local knowledge of the area.

For more information contact Silke at www.plainsailing.co.nz. He has also sent us a flyer about his service which you can download here.

Walk The Line's first day on the water out of Mooloolaba with three generations Barry, Brent and Leighton Higgins. Brent informed me that Leighton aged 13 caught his first sailfish and then spent the remainder of the day behind the wheel drawing a dog and a scorpion on the GPS. Leighton might be on to something there as Barry and Brent ended up with a sailfish each. Brent will be sending some footage of their trip in the next few days. Thank-you to brent for sharing this with GFH.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is holding an open day tomorrow to give the general public their only opportunity to view three artificial reef structures that will going into the water as part of Moreton Bay artificial reef program. This will complete the program and makes a total of 6 locations.

For anyone in the Brisbane area, the open day will be held at FORGACS which is at 405 Thynne road, Morningside

More information about the program can be found on their website where you can find photos of the various structures and read about the progress of the program.

You can download the map to the left which shows the 6 locations of the artificial reefs within the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

For those who aren't aware, the vast majority of the game fishing community participate in the "I&I NSW Game Fish Tagging Program" which is the largest saltwater tagging program of its kind in the world and has been in operation since 1973. It is used to obtain information on the biology (distribution, movement, growth, exploitation) of billfish, tunas, sharks and sport fish and encourages game fishers to participate in the management of the fishery.

Since the program commenced over 361,000 tag cards have been returned and over 6800 fish recaptured. Of the 60 species recognised by the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) it has been found that 10 species of fish tagged by the I&I NSW Game Fish Tagging Program account for 70% of all fish tagged.

For members of Game Fishing Club in Australia, tags are issued to anglers and when an angler catches, tags and releases a fish, the details are recorded on a tag card with the corresponding tag number. The card is returned to the I&I NSW in Sydney, Australia.

When a tagged fish is recaptured, catch details are linked to the original tag and release and compared to the recapture information. Details of the distance that the fish travelled and its growth are sent to the angler who first tagged the fish and also the angler who later recaptured it. A recapture certificate is also issued. Recaptures can also be recorded on their website for anyone not associated with a club.

The total number of tagged and recaptured fish to date, as published in the "2011 QFAA Gamefishing Journal" are as follows:

It's one of the most incredible fishing locales anywhere and the IGFA Expedition Series is once again returning to Guatemala's Casa Vieja Lodge on April 14 -- 18 for the Pacific sailfish run.

How incredible is it? During last year's three-day expedition to Casa Vieja Lodge, an amazing 190 sailfish were raised, 138 were hooked, and 63 were released - plus three marlins released on fly and two more released on conventional tackle. The anglers who made that trip said not only was the fishing "red hot," it was an adventure they'll remember for a lifetime. For pictures from last year's Expedition.

Leading the 2011 expedition as the trip's host is Mark Sosin, the man who wrote the rules for saltwater fly fishing. Best known for his ground-breaking 20-year television show Mark Sosin's Saltwater Journal, he's also an award-winning writer, photographer and television producer, and an authority on both freshwater and saltwater angling. A 2004 IGFA Hall of Fame Inductee, Sosin calls Guatemala's Casa Vieja Lodge, "truly one of the best fishing destinations in the world."

Full Details Here:
http://www.igfa.org/Fish/IGFA-Expedition-Guatemala.aspx

Welcome everyone to GFH. We have delevoped this great new website to serve as a central online hub for all things game fishing.

GFH is live from today and will be officially launched on the 1st June 2011. It is a totally free website with blogs, members forums, members photo galleries, monthly photo competition, and a destinations directory to provide members and the general public with information specific to that region including local clubs and tournament details etc.

If you have any fishing reports or stories you would like us to publish on the site please send them in and we will post them for you.

We are also currently looking for bloggers who would like to contribute to the site on a weekly, monthly or even random basis. If you are interested please contact us for further information. If you are a charter operator, or just keep up with whats happening in your local area send us an email to discuss how we can work together to provide up to date relevant information to our members and your potential clients.

Thanks for checking out GFH.

Cheers
GFH Team