It has been discovered over the years that Black Marlin are generally less likely to feed in the morning. This time is thus used by the crews to catch bait. On the Great Barrier Reef much of the action seems to come after 2.30pm in the afternoon.

Cairns’ giant Black Marlin fishery is predominantly a bait fishery with usually 2 rods at one time trolled from the outriggers and up to four rods trolled using lures.

The preferred baits species include Scad (Cairns’ No. 1 swimming bait), Bonito (Mackerel Tuna), Scaly Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Queenfish and Rainbow Runner. After catching, the baits are cleaned, salted and frozen to enhance their freshness. These baits can be as large as 13kg (30lbs) (preferred sized being 8 to 12lb skipping, swimming bait preferred at generally 1 to 3lb).

Skipping baits are towed behind the boat at approximately 30m and swimming baits at about 40m, depending on the size of the bait and the sea conditions. They are rigged in such a way that they skip or swim naturally.

The crews rig these baits with large J hooks or circle hooks which are trolled just under and on the ocean surface at a speed varying between 5 to 6.5 knots. 130lb (60kg) tackle is used on short stiff bent butt rods with braided dacron and monofilament line.

Natural baits are used to catch blue marlin, though they are generally targeted trolling lures of hard and soft plastic.

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Many thanks to Peter Andrews and Ross Finlayson for the photos featured throughout the site.