Stick-Face Off Sydney

Words by Nick Clark
Pic's by Michael Bonnici

Dragging lures around the ocean has never really been my thing...im much more at home pulling snapper on the local reefs, or getting stretched by big inshore kings.

Clarky with a Chunky Sydney Red

Having said that – every summer when conditions are good, or when reports indicate that there’s a few marlin around – im happy to do a handful of sessions out on the shelf pulling lures.

Last Saturday was one of those days where myself, Mike bonnici, Jay bardon, and Jason “The Bass Master”, put to sea in Mikes rig ‘SERIAL KILLER’ for a shot at a Sydney marlin.

A reasonable ocean greeted us at Sydney Heads with just a little sharp chop from an uphill current and noreaster combination. Once we got out past 60 fathoms the ocean mellowed out nicely and we pulled up in 80fathoms to set a spread.

A mixed spread was set – a couple of Black Pete Billmark cut face lures, a big Moldcraft in close and a notoriously good fishtaker, an ‘Ahi Pussy’ out back in shotgun.

Expectations were high and the water looked the goods with small pods of striped tuna rippling here and there. 40 odd minutes of trolling had gone by when we were all woken up to life by the brief screams of  a ratchet, then nothing. Then another rod buckled and line raced off the reel again before once again pulling hooks… We all saw nothing on the surface and were all guessing different things ….Then crunch! The outfit with the shotgun lure buckled over and the Tiagra screamed as line spewed off! ‘you beauty – that’s my rod!” I thought as I cruised down the back of the boat and grabbed the 24kg stroker.

 We knew early on in the fight that this was a blue as he showed up on the surface quickly, giving us a good look at him as he belted past the boat with an awesome display of aerials!  45 minutes later the fish was on the trace and with hooks out, a few pics taken,and a healthy release the whole crew were stoked!

Im not that experienced with marlin weights but we all agree the fish was somewhere between 120 – 170kg??

Good mate James Thackeray was just telling me the day before how awesome blues are, and I’ve long needed a blue to complete my billfish trifecta(black/blue/striped). This fish certainly lived up to everything people have told me – Blue Marlin are fucken cool, powerful fish!

Thanks to all the boys onboard that morning, unfortunately we didn’t get another bite for the rest of the day but that’s just gamefishing in Sydney! 

See Pics Below...

Clarky hooked up and strapped up!!

Beautiful blue beast!!

Check out the girth on the girl....arrrrgh!!