The R And A Marine Services Cairns Bluewater Heavy Tackle Shootout 2022

The conditions were perfect for our Heavy Tackle Marlin Shootout however only 1 marlin was tagged for the day during fishing hours! With 13 boats competing, 6 boats in GOLD category and 7 boats in SILVER category, we had great prize money up for grabs - $4800 for gold and $1400 silver. Tournament base was covered by our President Terri and Weighmaster Steve with Michelle and Miranda assisting on shore (with a lot of FOMO and excitement) - big thanks guys! The 13 boats were covering a lot of water from the top of the ribbons down to Jenny Louise Shoals.

The 11.05am and 2.05pm skeds were quiet with the exception of Therapy getting 2 strikes but unfortunately no hook up and no tag. Unlucky guys!

As expected, the last sked brought a little excitement as that's when we find the fish decide to show up, with Credo 1-1-0 - strike, hook up but no tag! We can't wait to hear their story! The Sheriff showed us how it was done with a marlin tagged 1-1-1 and taking the win in the GOLD category! With cease fishing called at 5.30pm, some of the boats continued to try their luck during the golden hour and fortunately, Megisti Spirit (in SILVER category) hooked up at 5:38pm and tagged a marlin! Well done to the crew and unlucky it was out of time. With no marlin tagged in the SILVER category, the Committee decided to draw a SILVER boat out of a hat and raffle it off in a live Facebook stream - congrats to Black Rat.

Whilst the bite was slow, reports were that it was a glorious day out on the water despite not turning a reel for most. Congratulations to the Sheriff and Blsck Rat! Thanks everyone for supporting our club on and off the water!

• First Billfish Day 1 - Sponsored by Advanced Automotive - Stuart Wright, Miss Nic

• Last Billfish Day 2 - Sponsored by Coastal Coverings - Stuart Wright, Miss Nic

• First Billfish Day 2 - Sponsored by Advanced Automotive - Robert Mead, Reel Work

• Last Billfish Day 2 - Sponsored by Coastal Coverings - Tim Graham, Black Magic

• Champion Senior Male - Sponsored by R and A Marine Services - Ross Fenn Southern Comfort

• Runner Up Senior Male - Sponsored by Cairns Tackle World - Stuart Wright on a countback, Miss Nic

• Champion Senior Female - Sponsored by R and A Marine Services - Terri Morgan, The Edge

• Runner Up Senior Female - Sponsored by Atlantic Princess - Gina Cleaver, Shimano Ofishal

• Champion Junior and Champion Runner Up - Sponsored by Cairns Sim Trans - N/A

• Champion Team 1st place - Sponsored by Triple M - The Edge

• Champion Runner up - Sponsored by Yorkeys Knob Boating Club - Shimano Ofishal

• Champion 3rd Place - Sponsored by Great Northern - White Knight

• Champion Team 1st place - Sponsored by Shimano - Southern Comfort

• Champion Runner up - Sponsored by Atlantic Princess - Black Magic

• Champion 3rd Place - Sponsored by Plumbing Plus Gas - Keep'r

• Champion Team 1st place - Sponsored by R and A Marine Services - Miss Nic

• Champion Runner up - Sponsored by Optus Business Centre - Reel Work

• Champion 3rd Place - Sponsored by Fitzroy Island - Bounty Hunter

• Friday Shoot out - Southern Comfort

• Overall Boat Winner - Sponsored by CY Marine - Southern Comfort

• Out of Town Angler - Sponsored by Cairns Tackle World - Tim Graham, Black Magic.

• Boat Owner Draw - Sponsored by Shimano - Megisti Spirit

• Unluckiest Male - Sponsored by Bigfish Gear - Robert Mead, Reel Work

• Unluckiest Female - Sponsored by Bigfish Gear - Lily Sims, Bounty Hunter

• Best Dressed Males - Sponsored by Optus Business Centre - The Black Magic Team

• Best Dressed Female - Sponsored by Fitzroy Island - Kerry Hipgrave from CY Marine

• Photo Competition - Sponsored by R and A Marine Services - Peter Sweegers, White Knight.

• Juniors - Provided by Cairns Bluewater Game Fishing Club - all juniors attending Presentation night but not in Tournament received a Shimano Tackle bag.