The waters surrounding Lizard Island boast some of the most exciting fishing in the world., particularly during the popular Marlin fishing season.

From August to December each year, some of the largest Black Marlin in the world many of them weighing a massive 1000 pounds, are caught in these waters of the Great Barrier Reef. More ‘GRANDER’S are caught in these waters than anywhere else on earth!

For those with a competitive edge, why not put your expertise to the test against some of these giants in the: Lizard Island Heavy Tackle Black Marlin tournament 4 Oct 08 - 11 Oct 08

The Lizard Island Heavy Tackle Black Marlin Tournament is one of the most prestigious Game Fishing events, attracting enthusiasts from around the world, all hoping to Tag one of these magnificent giants. The deep waters of the Ribbon Reefs between Cairns & Lizard island provide an ideal and reliable feeding ground for the these magnificent giants.

Without question the 150 mile stretch of the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns & Lizard Island provides the finest fishing in the world for very large marlin!

Light tackle sport fishing in this region is also world class, offering anglers the opportunity to catch Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevally, Mahi Mahi and various tuna species.

The world renowned Great Barrier Reef, the only living mass that can be seen from outer space, has more than 2900 individual reefs and around 940 islands and cays and it is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It is also the habitat of species such as the Dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle.

This is nature at is best and provides an abundance of opportunities to snorkel or simply sit back with a quiet ale on the deck reflecting the days catch and observing one of natures most glorious playgrounds.

For further details on the Lizard Island Heavy Tackle Black Marlin Tournament please visit www.blackmarlinclassic.com

Arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cities, there is so much more to Sydney than beautiful scenery, the majestic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the culture and an amazing lifestyle. Sydney also offers the game fishing person something unique, some of most testing game fishing can be found in this area. November to May each year, Blue, Black and Striped Marlin give anglers a run for their money, providing the much sort after adrenalin rush as they turn on the best of their fighting skills.

In the cooler months, you can catch large Yellowfin Tuna, Bonito, Albacore, and all of this not much more than 10 nautical miles from the city centre.

Game fishing in Australia features significantly in the picturesque, coastal town of Port Stephens. Back in 1913 Dr Mark Lidwell put Port Stephens on the map, and in the record books as the birthplace of Game Fishing in Australia when he caught the worlds first black marlin on rod and reel.

Since that time, the development of the town, and increased interest in fishing in the area, have realised that the waters of Port Stephens contain some of the best fishing in the world. It is an ideal light and medium tackle destination for Black, Blue and Striped Marlin. The largest Blue Marlin caught here so far… was almost 900lbs and catching these beauties up to 600lb is not uncommon.

Light tackle fishing is also bound to please offering you the opportunity to catch Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Sailfish. Fishing these waters or the waters of Sydney is ideal in the warmer months of February to June, and for the competitive anglers, in February each year Port Stephens hosts the largest Gamefishing Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 200 Vessels and 1,000 anglers make this a tournament not to miss. The Riviera NSW Interclub Gamefishing Competition. Dates for 2009: 23-24 February 2009 & 28 February & 1March 2009

A short 30 minute domestic flight, or an easy two and a half hour freeway drive from Sydney. This is an ideal destination that combines some of the worlds finest game fishing, pristine beaches, restaurants and golf courses.

For the sight seer and adventurous there is a wealth of variety in the Port Stephens area. Maybe its visiting local wineries or playing golf on the five star Horizons par 72 Golf Course ranked as one of the top ten courses in Australia.

For the nature lovers perhaps a day visit to Broughton Island. It is always an adventure to visit. About 30 mins from Port Stephens by boat you arrive at one of the sandy beaches There are no landing facilities, so you have to get a little wet when wading ashore. Along with the sandy beaches Broughton is an island of, volcanic peaks and stunted, wind-swept vegetation. Twelve nautical miles from Nelson Bay, the sea journey is a kaleidoscope of sea cliffs, swells, terns, flying fish, dolphins and salt spray. Most visitors come for what lies below the water: snapper, drummer, kingfish, flathead and groper. For scuba divers there are undersea caves, coral, sponge gardens, boulders, sandy gutters, ledges, sheer walls and marine life of every type.