Perfect weather conditions have delivered some impressive catches for teams during the 2024 Weipa Billfish Tournament from 5-7 October. Photo: Supplied.
Mother Nature delivered optimal fishing weather as teams battled for sport fishing bragging rights on western Cape York over three days during the 2024 Weipa Billfish Tournament from 5-7 October.
Teams set out in pursuit of billfish in calm seas following the traditional shotgun start on Saturday morning, with the good weather allowing competitors to fish closer to the shore than has been possible in previous years.
Weipa Billfish Club president Ben Bright said the weather meant teams were spending more time chasing fish, rather than having to travel a long way offshore to commence fishing.
“The weather’s been perfect for it,” he told Cape York Weekly as teams prepared for the final day of competition on Monday.
“Where the bulk of the fleet’s been fishing in Boyd Bay is closer than we’ve ever done it – there’s been good fishing very, very close.
“There’s still the odd team going far and wide looking for the holy grail, but it’s going to be a nervous last day today for the team in front.”
Teams will converge on the Weipa Bowls Club tonight (8 October) for the annual dinner and presentation event, something Mr Bright said was always a highlight after three days out on the water trying to tag and release as many fish as possible.
“Everyone definitely looks forward to it – it’s always a good night of storytelling and piss taking, and then the major awards are handed out,” he said.
“Sometimes it’s the second and third places that are a little bit unknown, because they’re so tight.”
Check out the 15 October edition of the Cape York Weekly for a full wrap of the 2024 Weipa Billfish Tournament presentation night and list of winners.
Teams battled for billfish bragging rights over three days of competition on the water, with winners announced at the annual presentation dinner at the Weipa Bowls Club on 8 October. Photo: Supplied.
