With the Betta Electrical Billfish Bonanza commencing on the weekend of the 17^th and 18^th November, things are really starting to heat up in the billfish scene in Exmouth.

Sailfish are starting to be found in good numbers feeding on the schools of baitfish in the gulf, and more marlin captures are being reported from the west side. Geoff Moyle aboard the boat “Loosen Up” tagged a big blue marlin estimated at over 200kg over the weekend whilst fishing west of the Cape.

No lifting this one up for a pic; John Fraurud tows a 200kg blue marlin for Geoff Moyle before release. A challenging catch for a two-man crew!

Young Luke Collins had a day to remember last week fishing out of his family boat “Mac Won” with his dad Lloyd and also accompanied by Aaron Rampling, who was introducing Lloyd and Luke into the finer points of Exmouth Gulf sailfishing. The plan was to troll a couple of skipping garfish rigged on Owner SSW circle hooks out of the outriggers, and then to run a couple of daisy chain teasers at the back of the boat to hopefully get the attention and raise the sailfish out of the depths.

The first fish that came up and smashed the skipping gar wasn’t exactly what they were expecting, as it turned to be a big golden trevally which even on 10kg line put up a tough fight for 12-y.o. Luke on the rod.

A short time later a dark shape came up behind the teasers, before revealing itself to be a sailfish. The sailfish then turned off the teasers and smashed the garfish bait, hooking up in the process. Luke was on the rod again this time, hooked up to what was his first billfish.

With a bit of guidance from Aaron on fighting the sailfish and with Lloyd at the wheel of the boat, it wasn’t long until they had the sail at boat side, where it was tagged and then carefully brought on board for a couple of quick photos.

The sailfish was then swum alongside the boat until it felt strong and powered away, hopefully to be re-caught by another lucky angler who can experience the thrill of these magnificent sportfish.