Top Shot Fishing Charters
Location: Queensland | Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas
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Capt Ross Finlayson Ross Finlayson is one of Australia’s proven leading marlin and sportfishing captains, providing professional game fishing charters from Cairns with consistent results each year for anglers from all over the world. With more than 20 years professional game fishing along the East coast of Australia, 38 year old Ross resides full time in Cairns and offers exclusive sportfishing charters year round on the Great Barrier Reef. Giant Black Marlin charters are run from September through to December and the rest of the year provides great fishing for Light & Medium Tackle species including junvenile black marlin, sailfish, mackerel and tunas. In the 2008 marlin season, Ross and his team caught a total of 61 marlin for 60 days of marlin fishing (+ 10 days fly fishing), with 2 fish estimated at 1000lbs +.. Although a slower than usual season for all boats, each of Ross’s charters experienced highlighted fishing and again finished the season amongst the top few boats for numbers of fish caught. The season before (2007) the Top Shot team caught a total of 53 for 60 days of marlin fishing (plus 10 days fly fishing) – weighed first grander for the season on the 26th October at 1102lbs and caught 2 other fish that he estimated between 950-1050lbs (Nov) and 13 additional fish estimated between 700-900lbs, finishing the season amongst the top few boats for fish numbers caught. 2006 was another great marlin season for Ross and his crew, having caught the most marlin within the Cairns Marlin Fishing Fleet (total 103) – 3 conservatively estimated over 1000lbs and 16 estimated 700-950lbs. The 2005 season saw them catch a total of 98 marlin (2nd most in fleet) and 2004 again with most caught and a grand total of 105 blacks. Career highlight of Largest Black Marlin in world caught on Lure in 2001 at 1257lbs for angler and friend Norm Ennis of USA, still stands. Other achievements include:
After 15 years on the internationally renowned Sea Baby IV (7 yrs as deckhand for the Legendary Capt Laurie Woodbrige & 8yrs as Captain) Ross is now fishing on the well known Aussie game boat, “Top Shot” - a 43’ O’Brien designed game boat fully equipped with the latest in electronics and navigational equipment. Proudly sponsored by Penn International all tackle is of the highest standard including 3 custom built Jack Erskine 130lbs Rods matched with 3 Penn International 130lb Reels – all with drags customised by Jack Erskine. Light tackle equipment consists of the highest quality Penn & Shimano TLD Reels with matching custom Jack Erskine Light Tackle Rods in all line classes. Saltwater Fly Tackle includes Penn Fly Rods & Reels. Cairns and its surrounding reefs North to Lizard Island is unquestionably the best Giant Black Marlin location in the world and provides some of the best light tackle action you’ll experience anywhere.
Career Highlights
The Boat - Top Shot - 43’ O’Brien Well known Australian game boat, the Top Shot is a 43 foot O’Brien designed fly bridge cruiser, powered by twin 450hp C series Cummins diesel engines. With a top speed of 30 knots and cruise speed of 22 knots, she is known for her excellent sea handling capabilities and with a dry and stable ride, she sets a benchmark for craft in her class. She is a fine fishing platform, with a wide, spacious and uncluttered cockpit area allowing ample swing room for anglers, game chair and deckhand’s access to tag pole and wire. Electronic fit out is extensive and includes 2 radios, radar and 2 navigation systems for pin point accuracy on fishing grounds. Twin Furuno sounders with dual frequency and sea temperature sensors provide state of the art fish-finding capability. The air conditioned cabin and saloon plan, affords anglers indoor comforts. A complete view from the saloon invites instant response to any action in the cockpit. Accommodation forward is four V berths with the lower V forming a double berth, when necessary. The forward cabin also includes an additional double berth and single berth. The saloon has table and surround lounge seating on the port side with another lounge on the starboard side. Separate toilet and shower are housed in the cabin.
Three freezers and two large fridges provide excellent refrigeration capabilities. Full galley, water maker, hot and cold water, micro wave, T.V. video, hi-fi radio and CD player are all present for client comfort and satisfaction.  * Please contact AusHoliday 5 Star for further information, rates and advise on your personalised itinerary. |
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