Light Tackle Game :
TThe warm currents swirl around Groote Eylandt pushing between the many smaller Islands that dot the archipelago. These currents play a major role in determining when and what pelagics are available to anglers and fortunately some of the bigger species are always present. Longtail Tuna (Northern Bluefin), Spanish Mackerel, Black Marlin and Sailfish are the four key wanders of the sea that we target. We have caught many Black Marlin up to 100kg with most between 30 and 60 kilo. At times bigger fish pushing closer to 180 kilo (400lb) crash tackle our smaller outfits and after long battles wear through the line.
We generally carry a larger outfit for these occasions but as is usually the case the small pink Squid gets nailed every time. Time is not too far away though before a bigger fish stays stuck. Black Marlin have been caught within a mile of the Lodge at times. Often when sought with a spread of pushers and at other times on minnow lures while chasing Mackerel. The currents on the northern end of Groote push hard between the islands and the two passages between Connection and Bickerton Islands are the perfect spot to target Billfish. The deep channels cut paths which funnel the baitfish and when the blue water rushes up over the many reefs, eddies are created making great feeding zones for large predators. Islands and steep reefs create further pressure points which allow the Marlin to swim and hunt without effort.
On the Southern end of Groote Eylandt the blue water curves around the point bringing with it a wall of bait fish that encourage the Black Marlin and Sailfish to patrol the shallower water. Most fishing is done in under 25 metres of water and when the large schools of bait hit the point you can count on Sails and Blacks to be right on their tails. The great thing about this type of fishing is that you are nearly always fishing in close to the Island and the seas are extremely kind compared to the eastern states of Australia. In fact the swell is determined by the strength and consistency of the wind, so winds up to 15 knots mean relatively calm water. You get very spoilt fishing for Billfish around Groote Eylandt as even in 20 knots most areas can be fished easily.
The peak season is from September until April with the warmer water bringing in many baitfish for these big predators to feed on. Each year the Groote Eylandt Game Fishing Club holds its annual IGFA competition in late Oct/ Nov with great catches of Black Marlin Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel and Longtail Tuna. Escape Sportfishing Lodge plays an active role in this event and encourages visiting clients to join in the fun of this three day tournament.
A trip to our lodge may mean that you concentrate a few hours or a few days on these species but everyone can testify that when hooked up there is nothing to match a Billfish. We use a variety of techniques to catch our fish including switch baiting and trolling skirted lures. Switch baiting is an exciting way to fish as the vessel tows a series of teasers and hookless squid skirts about awaiting the enquiry of a Billfish. Once the fish is seen darting from lure to lure a rigged fresh mullet or garfish is tossed back in the spread while the hookless lures are removed quickly. Looking for a feed and excited by the commotion of the teasers the Marlin or Sailfish usually pounce on the dead bait and the switch is made. The hooked fish is now in the hands of the angler and if the fish is brought to the boat in good condition a simple lift on board for a few snap shots can be made.
The more conventional way of towing skirted lures in a pattern behind the boat also works well. This technique will also catch Spanish Mackerel, Longtail Tuna as well as the bigger billfish and has accounted for thousands of catches across the globe. Both techniques work well and can be employed easily by our professional guides.
There is nothing like cruising up to a mass of bait and seeing three Sailfish peel off to the sides before rising up in your lure spread. Double and even triple hook ups are a real chance, and then it’s up to the angler’s skill to battle the fish to the boat. Double figure days of fish hooked and lost are truly possible, and the sight of these magnificent animals is one to behold.
