We left Gladstone right on 1600 hours and after a bumpy first night [ a lot better than the trip in for the previous group], especially for those in the front cabins such as myself. We started trolling at 0600 hours Sunday morning. Not one marlin or close relative across the voids between Swains Reef and Saumarez - completely different to last Novembers marlin infested trip.

I have a feeling I owe the man upstairs....Bigtime. Two cyclones, then a week of strong southeasterlies had made me a little apprehensive about how the weather would treat us as our departure date of Saturday, April 15 approached.Incredibly, the wind abated, the weather pattern stabilised and we were treated to almost an entire week of blue skies and near flat seas.

A week of crossed fingers and ritual sacrifices paid dividends when, on Saturday 13th November, we boarded the 82' motor cat 'Kanimbla' with a weather forecast that would ensure many fine days. The overnight travelling time was spent getting acquainted and discussing tactics. The array of tackle was amazing and indicative of the keenness of those aboard.