A grand way to toast tourism’s pioneers
HAYDEN SMITH the fish started jumping so we backed up and raced around after her and ended up getting it after about 20 minutes,” the experienced angler said.
The tournament was held to commemorate the feat of Captain George Bransford and deckhand Richard Obach who, 50 years ago last Sunday, propelled Cairns into the global fishing spotlight by landing a 1064-pound black marlin.
The veteran skipper and his Viking II team landed the week’s only 1000-pound marlin or grander.
“Cairns has developed so much as an international destination from when the first grander was caught and this is largely because of marlin fishing,” he said.
A bronze sculpture was unveiled on the city’s waterfront last weekend, while at a gala presentation dinner last night six stalwarts were inducted into the Cairns Game Fishing Hall of Fame.
Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association president Daniel McCarthy said the extensive preparation for the tournament had paid off.
“Fishing was a bit slow but the weather was great and everything ran like clockwork,” he said.
“We’re so spoiled here in Cairns.
“Even during a slow week we still caught a 1000-pound marlin.
“It has been great to honour what George and Richard did and what other forefathers of the fishing industry have done over a long period of time.”