Gold Coast 2012 Blue Marlin Season

Calm seas and high flying blue marlin - it doesn't get much better.

The Gold Coast has first class marinas and endless accommodation options for the visiting angler. There is also a substantial charter fleet for those who don't have their own boat.

The Seaway provides access to the Pacific Ocean from the protected waterways of the Southport Broadwater. This entrance provides safe passage the majority of the time but like any coastal bar care must be taken when crossing. Try to avoid when there is a large swell combined with a strong ebbing tide.

Unlike many other east coast ports the Gold Coast rarely sees big concentrations of baitfish on the wide grounds so flying fish are the most common diet for Gold Coast blues.

Most of the blue marlin encountered off the Gold Coast range in size from 200 to 400lbs although there is always the odd big girl around to crash the party. Trolling large skirted lures seems to be the method of choice for targeting blues in these waters.

No matter what their size blue marlin never fail to impress with their screaming runs and often psychotic acrobats. Indeed I don't know a single angler, captain or crew that ever grows tired of catching blue marlin.

A welcome bycatch while trolling lures for blue marlin is the yellowfin tuna. Although the longline fleet takes its toll on this species, this year has seen somewhat of a comeback for old sickle fins. There have been good numbers of fish in the 50 to 100lb range this year.

A solid blue marlin on the leader. Most crews are fishing 80 or 130lb tackle and 600lb leaders to do battle with fish of this calibre.

When Capt Tim Richardson isn't in the US or on the Great Barrier Reef he is often seen catching blue marlin off the Gold Coast aboard his beloved charter boat Tradition.

The guys from Larva Lures are based on the Gold Coast and run a 35ft Carolina Classic. The proof is in the pudding with this new range of lures with patented interchangeable heads that have definitely been catching their fair share of blues among the Goldy fleet. Photo courtesy of www.larva.com.au

The Larva boys have also been smacking some quality yellowfin. Photo courtesy of www.larva.com.au

Another welcome bycatch that have been around in good numbers this year is the tasty mahi mahi. There have been some real quality fish amongst them too, with many 40lb plus specimens hitting the lures.

Gold Rush