If you’re a fellow angler, you probably have a dream fishing destination that has made your bucket list. And unless you have Weipa listed on it (several times over), you won’t truly experience the best fishing Australia has to offer.
Fishing in Queensland is a truly unique experience, particularly the Cape York region. With exceptional river systems that lure in amazing catches from barramundis to mangrove jacks, beach fishing, and offshore fishing, the Weipa fishing adventure is phenomenal. And the best part is, a lot of these fishing hotspots in Weipa are within reach of cities and towns, meaning access is pretty easy.
If you’re truly looking to catch the best fishing Weipa has to offer, there’s no better place to be than the Weipa Billfish Tournament.
Held every year by the Weipa Billfish Club, a visit in October to Weipa will have you in the right place at the right time to attend the Weipa Billfish Tournament.
What makes the Weipa Billfish Tournament stand out?
A true billfish bonanza, the Weipa Billfish Tournament is one of the hottest fishing events in Australia, luring enthusiastic anglers from all parts of the nation.
The excitement lies in the challenge of catching one of the fastest fish species in the sea – the billfish. With sailfish and juvenile black marlins reaching astronomical measurements as long as 4 metres, and speeds that clock above 109 kilometres an hour, the tournament is nothing short of thrilling.
This year will be the ninth year the tournament has taken place, and all clubs members and guests are welcomed to participate. Beyond fishing, the Weipa Billfish Club is filled with a great bunch of fishing enthusiasts who will make a fishing adventure one you won’t forget. With a couple of beers (or more) knocked back, promises of a good time and lifelong memories await you with a mingle with the members of the Weipa Billfish Club.
How good is the Weipa Billfish Tournament?
The Weipa Billfish Tournament is an epic fishing event you simply cannot miss. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what happened last year.
The Moore brothers, Jack and Rhys, caught a 100kg black marlin in the 2019 Weipa Billfish Tournament. Talk about impressive!
What to expect at the 2020 Weipa Billfish Tournament?
The fun begins at Evans Landing, next to the fuel wharf, with a shotgun start to commence the tournament at 8am. Fishing ceases for the day at 4pm opening up two more days with similar itineraries.
The fourth day entails a presentation night along with pre-dinner drinks beforehand. When it comes to the fishing rules, GFAA rules apply. Teams are allowed a minimum of two with a maximum of four anglers restricted to a single boat.
The tournament is a tag and release billfish tournament only, which only counts for marlins and sailfish. Points are awarded according to weight classes of 10kg and under sailfish 1000 points, marlins 1300 points, and 15kg and 24kg sailfish 900 points and marlins 1170 points.
The fishing grounds are limited to the fishing map provided as part of the tournament. Points will only be awarded when fish are tagged and released with NSW fisheries “Billfish Only” tags. Other tags used will lead to disqualification.
To find out more about the 2020 Weipa Fishing Tournament, get in touch with the Weipa Billfish Club by calling Duane at 0429 615 294 or Andrea at 0427 577 630.
Where to stay during the Weipa Fishing Tournament?
There’s nothing better to do after a long day of hard fishing than to retire to luxurious comfort where you can put your feet up and relax for the rest of your day.
Experience the best Weipa accommodation at the Albatross Bay Resort, where you can make the most of your catch with a fish cleaning station on site followed by barbecues to cook up your fresh seafood.
For those who participated in the Weipa Fishing Tournament and don’t have much to show for it, why not kick back and let the professional chefs at the Sports Bar and Deck Restaurant do all the hard work for you? From locally caught barramundi to king prawns and even tender, juicy steaks, you won’t leave feeling hungry from these delicious meals.
Exceptional customer service guarantees an enjoyable stay. After all, the Albatross Bay Resort is not only a frequent stopover for many tourists and visitors, it’s also a great congregation place for the locals who know how to appreciate high quality experiences when they come across it.
Image credit: Fish About
