Travel Marlin U Goes to the Great Barrier Reef

Marlin U Goes to the Great Barrier Reef

Marlin University hosted two more sessions on the glorious Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

By Dave Ferrell

February 10, 2015

During this past November, Marlin University hosted two more sessions on the glorious Great Barrier Reef in Australia. We sold out the first class so fast that we had to add a second trip and do them back to back! During the first week we had great fishing, but the bite finally started to peter out during the second week. We caught four fish we thought would break the 900-pound mark and plenty of 400 to 500 pounders. Unfortunately, my boat only caught two during the entire trip, but I did manage to get a few jumping shots. Here’s a few memorable moments from the trip. Doug Shenk’s first black marlin, light was getting low.

Jason Holtz on the wire with a pretty good one.

Side view of Shenk’s fish, close to 900 pounds

Big baits catch big fish.

Biggles and the boys working on another one

While we saw plenty of black marlin, the razor gang made their presence known from time to time as well.

A little guy at the back of the boat, maybe 250 pounds.

Making the long 15-minute steam back to the mothership at the end of the day. You can’t beat fishing on the GBR!

A pretty black marlin taking off in the sunshine!

Bill Bilson’s world famous Viking II working hard on Linden Bank.

Biggles letting go another one at the end of the day.

Laid out and heading for somewhere fast!

You’ve got to love it when they pause for a portrait.

Although it was getting too late for still shots on this fish…what light we had was very pretty.

We had a lot more company on Linden Bank then we had up on the Ribbon Reefs at the start of the trip.

Our second group of anglers didn’t see many fish, but they were true sports and still managed to have a good time overall.

The boys on the Bounty Hunter did a great job for our groups. That’s Jason Holtz and Bo Jenyns in there. Bo’s (far right) and Jason is cool-breezing on the left. In the middle are our students, Karen and Rodger Comstock, Kevin Begley and Steve Woodson.

As our man Walker Holcomb used to say whenever he saw a dude with a big head, “Look at the head on that one!”

Sometimes you just have to hold on

Making a power move next to the boat …

For those making the trip from Cairns to Cooktown, you must make a stop at the historic Lion’s Den Hotel, it’s a pisser.

This is one place where the Hay’s Handle is put to good use.

The fish whisperer, Capt. Haydon Bell, up early and splicing some new leader loops.

Although you only pull two baits at a time, the toothy critters can keep you busy rigging all day if you are fishing in close to the reef.

Jason Holtz uses bread crates to keep his big baits organized.

Not a bad view from the breakfast table on the Boss!

Doug Shenk actually got in there and started rigging up a scad for a swim bait.

Connie Scott from the great state of Texas gets her turn in the chair!

I somehow managed to miss most of the bites during these two back to back sessions. We only caught two on my boats during that stretch. Luckily, this one jumped around a little for me.

She’s tired and ready for release.

Pretty light as this little one makes a move on the leader.

Peek-a-boo!

Getting up…

A nice one

David Ball fighting what would turn out to be a 1,000-pound tiger shark! No I didn’t get a picture. I was filming with a client’s Go-Pro when the fish broke off on the leader.

A supermodel

Holtz hanging on tight for some pictures

Drink of choice

Kanahoee

More Australia/New Zealand, best billfish destinations

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Marlin U Goes to the Great Barrier Reef

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