60 Years of Cairns Giants

Sixty years ago, the first grander black marlin caught off Cairns put this fishery on the map. In September, the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association (CPGFA) marked that milestone with the 60th Anniversary Cairns Black Marlin Tournament.

The week did it justice.

Shore Thing Charters was proud to sponsor the tournament and fish alongside some of the best crews in the country. It was a big moment for Australian game fishing, and we’re glad we were part of it.

Thank you, CPGFA

An event like this doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every crew competing is a team putting in long days so the fleet can focus on fishing. Thank you to the CPGFA for a professionally run tournament from start to finish.

Captain Daniel Klein of Pursuit of Giants Game Fishing is also President of the CPGFA. He put in an enormous effort to deliver a world-class event, and it showed.

The CPGFA management committee worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Daniel Bryant of Port Hacking Game Fishing Club did an incredible job as MC on presentation night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

A shared love of the black marlin

What stood out most was the people. Crews, anglers, families and locals came together for the same reason: a shared love of black marlin and heavy tackle fishing on the Ribbon Reefs.

The Hall of Fame inductions were a highlight. The stories and history behind 60 years of Cairns game fishing reminded everyone why this fishery is so special.

Congratulations to all the Hall of Fame inductees, to our fellow competitors, and to the winning crew on Viking II.

Why Cairns

Nowhere else on earth produces granders like the Ribbon Reefs. Every season, the biggest black marlin in the world gather along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. For six decades, anglers have travelled from around the world to chase them.

This tournament was a reminder that the Cairns fishery is still world class.

Fish the Ribbon Reefs with Shore Thing

Shore Thing 58 is built for this water. She’s a dedicated sportfisher with the deck, the tackle and the crew to put you on a grander. With Shore Thing 115 as mothership, you can stay out on the Reef for days at a time.

Want to learn more?

For tournament information, visit cpgfa.asn.au/60th.