tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241058342024-02-29T08:41:33.519+10:00Shaka NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1163661628490697682006-11-16T17:19:00.000+10:002006-11-30T09:08:01.996+10:002006 Season<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/GBR%20Oct%202005%20015b.0.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/GBR%20Oct%202005%20015b.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our 2006 season began in late September and ended in mid November - shorter than we would have liked due to family commitments - but nevertheless very successful. We fished 40 days and caught 32 Black Marlin, 9 of which were over 800lb and 3 of which were over 1,000lb. The largest was well over 1,100lb.<br /><br />Best of all, we and our charters had a ball.<br /><br />CP entertained us with tall tales from the distant past and showed us why he is still regarded as the best of the best wireman in the business.<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-CharlesPerry2006522.wmv?source=3"><img border="0" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-CharlesPerry2006522.wmv.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-CharlesPerry2006522.wmv?source=3">Charles talks about the 2006 season here.</a><br /><br />Young Elliot, in his first season, came of age as a game fishing deckie and, under CP's direction, wired several nice fish. His enthusiasm saw him filling the freezers with all manner of reef fish from his early morning and late night sessions.<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-GiantTravellyAtMichaelmasCay969.wmv?source=3"><img border="0" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-GiantTravellyAtMichaelmasCay969.wmv.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-GiantTravellyAtMichaelmasCay969.wmv?source=3">Watch Elliot with his tame GT</a><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ElliotMuller2006379.wmv?source=3"><img border="0" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ElliotMuller2006379.wmv.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ElliotMuller2006379.wmv?source=3">Elliot talks about the 2006 season here.</a><br /><br />For our female audience, Elliot can be contacted on +61-403-590-322.<br /><br />Captain Jared proved once again he is right up there with the top GBR skippers, consistently putting us in the right place at the right time and maintaining a very high capture to hookup ratio.<br /><br />And every dish was licked clean throughout, so I assume the food met the high standard we aspire to.<br /><br />Bring on 2007...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1163658723313124882006-11-13T16:30:00.000+10:002006-11-16T16:53:51.313+10:00Finale<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/John"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/John%27s%20On%20aa.1.jpg" border="0" /></a> With our season a short one due to family commitments, we headed south for our final quest. It looked like we might go unrewarded when we came up empty handed on the first two days. However, all good things come to those who wait and mid-afternoon on the third day we hooked up.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/John%27s%20870lb%20I%20aa.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>This was a truly beautiful fish. At around 900lb, it did everything a Black Marlin is supposed to do. So much so that CP remarked that it had probably been caught before and had learned the ropes.</p><p></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/John%27s%20870lb%20II%20aa.0.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>It took line, jumped all over the ocean, went deep and fought hard for about 40 minutes.</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/John%27s%20870lb%20III%20aa.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Young Elliot displayed a new found skill as a photographer while simultaneously steering the chair.</p><p>This was my 19th marlin for the season and it looked like I had ended on a good one. However, having previously declared the season over on Sunday evening and heading for Cairns on Monday morning, we elected to have a quick fish on our way south. We caught what we called the Airport Marlin - the one on the way to the airport - and although he was a virtual baby at 150lb, he made it 20 for me for the season.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1163657876310878902006-11-09T15:42:00.000+10:002006-11-16T16:26:35.003+10:00Father and son<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Tim%20&%20Tab%20aa.jpg"><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Tim%20%26%20Tab%20aa.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a>Tim and Tab Bainum from the USA joined us for our next charter, three days out of Cooktown. This was Tim's second trip to the reef and he was keen to see son Tab catch his first Black Marlin.<br /><br />We headed north on reports of a good bite and picked up a 200lb fish off No 9 Ribbon Reef almost immediately.<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-TabBainum200lbBlackMarlin896.wmv?source=3"><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-TabBainum200lbBlackMarlin896.wmv.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-TabBainum200lbBlackMarlin896.wmv?source=3">Watch the Video</a><br /><br />Unfortunately, this trip saw our luck turn. Over the three days we saw over a dozen more, hooked up to several, yet were unable to catch any more. Sometimes the marlin get lucky.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1162770903207580572006-11-03T09:33:00.000+10:002006-11-14T15:41:50.553+10:00Tail hookedWe got two fish around 200lb and then on Friday hooked up to another big one which we called at 800lb. As it turned out, the fish was hooked in the tail and as a result was able to put up a remarkable fight. She jumped spectacularly, stripped off several hundred meters of line and eventually headed for the bottom. Unfortunately, while the tail hook gave her freedom to fight it made life difficult for her when she eventually tired as she was being lifted up tail first<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Tail%20hook%201.0.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Tail%20hook%201.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> She arrived at the surface exhausted and required resuscitation.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Towing.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Towing.jpg" border="0" /></a> We quickly got a rope around her bill and towed her slowly for 20 minutes until we could see she had recovered.</p><p><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Release.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Release.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>She swam down to the Fighting Chair Saloon, no doubt to relate her encounter with the crazy fishermen on Shaka.</p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1162380802463118752006-10-31T21:32:00.000+10:002006-11-16T15:36:46.396+10:00The Big OneWith the moon and tides still ideal and given the success of the past four days, we elected for a quick turnaround at Cooktown and a run back to No 5 (and a half) Ribbon Reef. We dropped the baits at 3:35pm.<br /><br />There were scad breaking the surface nearby and Capt Jared brought Shaka close. At 3:55pm we hooked up. We knew from the first jump we had a really nice one and within minutes the drag was up to sunset.<br /><br />Unusually, she headed for the reef and we spent a long 20 minutes fighting within meters of the coral. She actually jumped alongside the reef and at times we could see her shape against the white sandy bottom. She decided to seek better territory and headed in behind the reef through the opening between No 5 (and a half) and No 6 Ribbon Reef, stripping line at will. The balance of the fight took place well inside the reef.<br /><br />This was the strongest fish we have ever caught on Shaka. The fight lasted 2hrs 45minutes, past sundown and into the dark. We had her to the boat only once in that time and CP (Charles Perry) touched the leader but couldn't get a wrap. I lost count of the number of times the double came up only to disappear again. The drag was at sunset for the entire fight and she was still able to jump after two and a half hours.<br /><br />Finally, we got her up again. CP got a wrap, eased her up and Elliot Muller got the tag in. She swam away in excellent condition. I, on the other hand, required several beers to recover.<br /><br />We called her at 1,100lb plus, our third grander in three days.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1162277527185616232006-10-30T16:36:00.000+10:002006-11-16T15:19:24.766+10:00Charter Milestones<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Tag%20In%20aa.0.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Tag%20In%20aa.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tag In on Rick Moulton's 900lb Black Marlin. Charles Perry on the wire with young gun Elliot Muller on the tag pole.<br /><br /><br />Strick Mays, Rick Moulton and Ronald Davis from the USA joined us for our charter out of Cooktown, all in search of their first Black Marlin. The weather was perfect at 10 to 15kts predicted for the next four days and there were reports of big fish all over the reef.<br /><br />We ran out to No 5 Ribbon Reef and around 4 o'clock Rick hooked up to a nice one. It was Rick's first Black Marlin and it gave him a hell of a fight over the hour it took to tag and release.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-RickMoulton271006548.wmv?source=3"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Rick%27s%20900lb%20aa.jpg" border="0" /> </a></p><p>We called it at 900lb. <a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-RickMoulton271006548.wmv?source=3">Watch the Video</a><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Strick%27s%20850lb.jpg" border="0" /><br />Next day the fishing on No. 5 was hot, hot, hot. We got four, including another nice one for Strick Mays we called 900lb. Strick's first Black Marlin that day marked the completion of his all-species billfish slam. Ron's fish was his first Black Marlin.<br /><br />Days three and four saw us reach the ultimate milestones, granders for both Rick and Ron.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Rick"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Rick%27s%20Grander.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> We picked up a smaller one early on day three. Rick's fish came late in the day and involved a two hour fight to bring her to the boat. The shot shows the hook wrapped around her bill, so she was able to put all her energy into the fight.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Ron"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Ron%27s%20Grander.1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The scenario was the same on day four, a smaller one early in the day followed by the big one late in the day. Amazingly, Ron's fish was also wrapped around the bill and took an hour to tag and release.<br /><br />Over the four days we saw 17, hooked 12 and caught 9 with four over 900lb. With winds in the 10 to 20kt range and smooth seas, it was just like the brochure!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1161845198209761922006-10-24T16:32:00.000+10:002006-10-26T16:48:34.970+10:00Downtime<p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0535aa.jpg" border="0" /> With the tournament over, winds at 25 to 30kts and after nine days at sea, downtime was the order of the day. We voted for light tackle fishing and a safe anchorage for restful nights, swimming and snorkling. </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0527aa.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The fishing was pretty successful and coral trout figured strongly on the menu again. It's a hard life but someone's got to do it!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1161844213697508892006-10-22T16:19:00.000+10:002006-11-16T11:46:57.800+10:0020th Lizard Island Classic<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/IMG_0502aa.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0502aa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The 20th Lizard Island Classic Black Marlin Tournament was contested by 47 boats from 15th to 21st October.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/DSC_0546aa.jpg" border="0" /><br />Shaka started strongly with two fish tagged on Day One, fishing off the bottom of No 10 Ribbons Reef. Billfish, fishing in the same area, released four fish to lead the tournament.<br /><br />Unfortunately, our luck didn't hold and we saw nothing on Day Two.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/DSC_0558aa.jpg" border="0" /><br />Day Three saw us fishing the bottom of No 7, where we tagged one at 650lb. By this time, the lead had gone to Diamond Girl on five so if we were to remain competitive, new tactics were required.<br /><br /><br />Acting on information received from non-tournament boats fishing on Linden Bank and seeing around six fish each day we elected to make a dramatic 50nm run south, by-passing the rest of the fleet and gambling that the fish would still be there.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0004aa.jpg" border="0" /><br />It looked like our gamble had been successful when we tagged one in the first session of Day Four and then hooked up at 5:15pm that same day.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0012aa.jpg" border="0" /><br />Unfortunately it was not to be. We called the fish at 700lb and she fought magnificently. Despite a battle that lasted 75 minutes, most of which spent with the drag at sunset, we lost her.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMG_0015aa.jpg" border="0" /><br />This was to be our last chance for the tournament. Our luck had run out and we saw no fish on days five, six and seven.<br /><br />The tournament was won by Tenacious with eight fish. Our four fish (6-6-4) earned us a creditable 8th place.<br /><br />Overall, some 120 fish were tagged, including six 'granders'. Next year?<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ShakaFightingAtLindenBank545.wmv?source=3"><img style="WIDTH: 455px; HEIGHT: 315px" height="247" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ShakaFightingAtLindenBank545.wmv.jpg" width="353" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ShakaFightingAtLindenBank545.wmv?source=3">Watch the Video</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1161123645442516672006-10-13T08:15:00.000+10:002006-11-16T11:08:52.713+10:00Zac Gordon gets a nice one<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/ZAC%201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/ZAC%201.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our charter before the Lizard Island Tournament was Bruce Tilley, Tim Gordon and their sons Dan (Tilley), Zac and Riley Gordon. For Zac and Riley, this was their first taste of fishing heavy tackle. Conditions were again rugged, with some 25/30 kt periods and a big swell.<br /><br />With about 20 minutes of fishing time left on day one, Zac hooked up to this fish which we called at about 800lb and battled it for 40 minutes before it was tagged and released.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Zac%202.jpg"></a>Check out the fight and some masterful wiring by the legend, Charles Perry, in the video.<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ZacMorgans800lbBlackMarlin632.wmv?source=3"><img style="WIDTH: 444px; HEIGHT: 267px" height="241" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ZacMorgans800lbBlackMarlin632.wmv.jpg" width="383" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-ZacMorgans800lbBlackMarlin632.wmv?source=3">Watch the Video</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1160479743302615502006-10-10T21:23:00.000+10:002006-10-26T16:55:50.500+10:00The big girl comes to visit<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/big%20girl%201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/big%20girl%201.jpg" border="0" /></a> After two weeks of (relatively) small fish, we finally saw some real action. The baits had barely hit the water at 10:30am when the skip bait was monstered by a giant. Alas, one jump and she was free.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Big%20girl%202.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Big%20girl%202.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>The day progressed with action aplenty. All up, we saw 10 and had 8 bites. It wasn't until 5:30pm that the big girl came to visit. She hit the skip bait, leaving a mighty hole in the water and stripped 300m of line before showing herself. We called her at 700 to 800lb.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1160357100060721372006-10-09T11:20:00.000+10:002006-10-26T16:57:02.333+10:00Marlin<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Marlin%201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Marlin%201.jpg" border="0" /></a> With big tides pushing dirty water out to the middle reef, the choice for this week was either up on No. 10 Ribbon Reef or down on Linden Bank. For better or worse, we chose Linden Bank and saw lots of activity from fish that weren't hungry early in the week. One little fella followed our baits for 15 minutes. We wondered if he wanted to come home with us.<br /><br />However, by Friday they were hungry and we tagged and released four to Sunday, all in the 250 to 400lb range.<br /><br />We're still waiting for the big one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1160356803676685612006-10-08T11:13:00.000+10:002006-11-16T10:19:42.936+10:00Coral Trout - before and after<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Carol%20Trout%201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Carol%20Trout%201.jpg" border="0" /></a> First catch a 2.5kg coral trout<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Coral%20Trout%202%20.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Coral%20Trout%202%20.jpg" border="0" /></a> Then coral trout baked with fresh herbs.<br /><br />Scale, gill and gut the coral trout, salt and pepper inside and out. Insert sprig of thyme into the stomach cavity and place fish in well greased baking dish. Pour over oil and sprinkle with chopped spring onions. Cook for 15 minutes in oven pre-heated to 200C.<br /><br />Slide baking dish out of oven long enough to pour over wine and sprinkle with the fennel and parsley. Cook for another 15 - 20 minutes before serving the whole fish on a plate garnished with lemon slices.<br /><br />Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1160355097488432012006-10-07T10:41:00.000+10:002006-10-26T16:58:05.410+10:00Razor Gang<p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/razor%20gang%201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/razor%20gang%201.jpg" border="0" /></a> Linden Bank is justly famous for giant black marlin, but there are plenty of other big fish around. This wahoo weighed in at just under 70lb. </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Razor%20gang%202%20.jpg" border="0" />And this dogtooth tuna was around 120lb.<br /><br />That's a lot of sashimi.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1159828989208310422006-10-03T08:25:00.000+10:002006-10-03T08:45:49.536+10:00Charles Perry on the deck<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/mugshot.1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/mugshot.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Working the deck as our No 1 this season will be Charles Perry. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/mugshot.0.jpg"></a>CP (as he is widely known) is probably the most experienced deckhand in the game fishing industry world wide. Born into a fishing family in North Carolina, he began charter fishing with his father at the age of six and has traveled the world, working with some of the finest captains.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/Big%20Black%20a.jpg" border="0" /><br />In the Caribbean, he wired over 50 blue marlin six years in a row and he spent thirteen seasons on the Great Barrier Reef, weighing in 28 black marlin over 1000lbs. Wiring for internationally known angler Stewart Campbell for 12 years, he fished Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Africa as well as Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. CP wired five blue marlin world records and five spear fish world records during this time.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/P1010008a.jpg" border="0" /><br />CP has other interests, of course. A natural fish attractor, his charm extends to other species. CP assures us that he is happily "hooked" himself, but it appears he just can't turn off the vibe.<br /><br />We welcome CP back to the GBR for the 2006 season and look forward to having him add to his tally of granders.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1159788321936358652006-10-02T21:18:00.000+10:002006-10-03T00:09:57.253+10:00Cairns 40th Anniversary Tournament<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/DSC_0463a.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/DSC_0463a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some 64 game boats contested the Cairns 40th Anniversary Tournament last week in conditions which certainly tested the boats and crews. Winds were 25 to 30kts for the four days of the tournament, with seas 2.5 to 3m outside the reef.<br /><br />A total of 100 black marlin were tagged, mostly around the 200lb mark although several larger fish to 950lb were released.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/DSC_0415a.0.jpg" border="0" />Shaka caught three and our sister boat, Mauna Kea, won the tournament with nine.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/26_09_2006%204_14%20PM%20_1__0004a.jpg" border="0" />Our most exciting moment was one that we missed. This lively 200lb fish was hooked in the cheek and came to the boat very green. He went berserk when our number 1 took the leader and put a nice hole in the transom before pulling the hook.<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-HotMarlinOnTheGreatBarrierReef278.wmv"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://blip.tv/uploadedFiles/Shakamarlin-HotMarlinOnTheGreatBarrierReef746.jpg" width="483" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-HotMarlinOnTheGreatBarrierReef278.wmv">Watch the video!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1147851909641615762006-05-17T17:28:00.000+10:002006-05-17T18:29:26.640+10:00Vanuatu 2006<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Palm%20trees.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/Palm%20trees.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> We're off across the South Pacific to fish for Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish and a variety of sport fish in Vanuatu's 83 island archipelago. This region is a year long, world class Blue Marlin and sport fishery and one of the gems of the South Pacific. Vanuatu is rich in traditional culture and rituals, with remote islands whose people still live as they have for centuries. Active volcanoes (including the world's most accessible on Tanna Island) and magnificent dive sites such as the wreck of the President Coolidge add to the appeal.<br /><br />Shaka was purpose-built to meet the demands of luxury live aboard fishing trips for extended periods at secluded locations like Vanuatu and this will be our maiden voyage.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Canoe.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/Canoe.jpg" border="0" /></a>Shaka's Captain, Jared Weir, a long time resident of Vanuatu, began his professional career in the region having spent 13 years fishing areas that are now considered some of the country's legendary grounds. His involvement during the fisheries establishment years of the 80's and mid 90's lead to first time exploratory expeditions via the Maskelyne Group to Espiritu Santo and setting local records for All Tackle Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna to name a few.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Waterfall.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/Waterfall.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>This combination of a true sport fisher and a dedicated international tournament winning captain and crew who are familiar with the region, it's customs, language and culture adds to Vanuatu's inherent attractions to create what we believe will be an unforgettable fishing and island hopping expedition.<br /><br />From late May to early July, Shaka will fish the remote, unspoiled environment of Vanuatu's outer islands. We hope to cover the following in our travels -<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>The Shepherd Islands area includes Cooks Reef (an atoll two miles wide <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/vanuatu%20map%20a.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" height="217" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/vanuatu%20map%20a.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a>which has developed on volcanic foundations), Monument Rock, the Matasso Sea Mount and the De Chaulliac Bank (a series of sea mounts 12 miles west of the island of Epi and south of Malekula). </li><li>Banks and Torres Islands lie to the remote north of the Vanuatu archipelago and are rarely visited by tourists. The natural environment is totally unspoiled and the fishing is spectacular.</li><li>The Sabine Shoal lies 60 nautical miles west of Luganville on Espirito Santo. Rising almost to the surface from thousands of fathoms, the shoal is virtually unvisited. Shaka's long range capacity will allow us to explore its mysteries. </li></ul><p></p><p>We plan to post news of our adventures (Vanuatu technology permitting) on a separate site (see Links on this page or click <a href="http://shakavanuatu2006.blogspot.com/">here</a>).</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142417186094936442005-11-25T20:05:00.000+10:002006-03-17T17:41:10.860+10:00Hookup at the seamount<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/nov%2005%20shaka%20trip%20146b%20tiny.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/nov%2005%20shaka%20trip%20146b%20tiny.jpg" border="0" /></a> With marine artist and photographer <a href="http://www.craigsmithmarineart.com/">Craig Smith</a> aboard and the action on the reef slow, we headed out to the seamount.<br /><br />Day one saw Craig release Shaka's first Blue Marlin and late on day two John Hendry hooked up to this beauty.<br /><br />We called it at 650lbs, but it gave #1 deckie Chris "Rusty" Ferguson more trouble than that - a swim was narrowly averted!<br /><br />And to add insult to injury, she punched a hole in the side before departing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142498936651811692005-11-11T20:40:00.000+10:002006-03-17T16:46:48.356+10:00And now it's my turn...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/nov%2005%20shaka%20trip%20089.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/nov%2005%20shaka%20trip%20089.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'd waited almost two years through the design and build, missed the first half of the season, watched other people catch 'granders', and now it was my turn...<br /><br />We'd been confined to port for what seemed like weeks (but was in reality a few days) while various shake-down problems were rectified and so had missed a good slice of the best moon phase. Repairs needed to be tested, and what better way than under real life conditions. So we went fishing...<br /><br />At least I knew what to expect. But even so, the sheer adrenaline rush of that first hookup caught me off guard. All the theory, all the instruction, all the careful planning went right over the side. I cheerfully admit to liking to be in control and boy, was this <strong><em>out... of... control!</em></strong> Twenty minutes went by in a flash and suddenly the boys were congratulating me on my first marlin. 250lb now seemed a lot bigger than it had a week ago. Another small one that same day still left me thinking I was out of my league here.<br /><br />Day two and a third small fish. My blood doesn't seem to be pumping so hard, I can follow what the boys are saying and <strong><em>hey</em></strong>, I'm starting to get the hang of this.<br /><br />Day three dawns bright and clear, but nothing happens 'till late. Around four o'clock all hell breaks loose...this time, it's the <strong><em>boys</em></strong> who are excited! This is where the training runs with three small fish pay off - I'm hooked up to 800lb of <strong><em>chaos</em></strong> and I'm working my butt off. I'm concentrating on my job but I can't help noticing that something is different about this one. That's about when I realize that we're a couple of hundred yards from the reef and headed straight for it. This fish is going to run us on to the reef! No wonder the boys are excited. Meanwhile, I'm trying to decide whether I'm the owner or the angler...<br /><br />The angler wins. I decide Captain Jared probably wants to run onto the reef even less than me, so I let him worry about it. I do my job, he does his, we turn the fish and bring her in. I can't describe the feeling - I've just been in the fight of my life, almost had my boat wrecked and lived to tell the tale. How good is this?<br /><br />Everybody congratulates everybody else, I start thinking how good a beer would be but settle for a water. I've barely opened it when the cry rings out again - "Right rigger!" I fleetingly hope for a false alarm, but when you're hot you're hot! Twenty minutes later we release a 450lb fish.<br /><br />It's five o'clock, I'm more than a little tired and thinking of that beer again. But you never pack up while they're biting...<br /><br />Ten minutes go by and we're on again. I'm getting used to this and hey, it's <strong><em>only</em></strong> a 250lb fish. We're done in about ten minutes. Now where is that beer?<br /><br />By now you know what happens. A drink of water, a few deep breaths and away we go...this time about 450lb, so some serious effort is required. But sometimes the fish wins. We got it right to the transom only to find it bill-wrapped. A quick roll, hook out and goodbye. I'm thinking - "I don't care what Captain Jared thinks, I want that beer and I want it <strong><em>now!</em></strong>"<br /><br />How do you top that? Well, a couple more on day four followed by a 'grander' on day five is close. As it turned out, the 'grander' was one of the easiest of all - she didn't seem to know what was going on and we had her to the boat and released in no time flat.<br /><br />Final tally, nine from five days. All good things come to those who wait...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142490518190204872005-10-30T19:09:00.000+10:002006-03-16T16:33:46.146+10:00If you haven't caught your "grander" yet, don't read this...<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/DSC_0054.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/DSC_0054.jpg" border="0" /></a> When <strong>Philip Johnson</strong>, owner of <a href="http://www.eccobistro.com/"><strong><em>e'cco</em></strong></a> - one of Australia's premier restaurants - joined us for a charter he had no expectations whatsoever. Phil had never caught a fish of any kind in his life!<br /><br />He brought along three of his chefs (past and present) for a "gourmet and adventure" trip to check out Shaka's cuisine and to see what fishing for Giant Black Marlin was all about.<br /><br />The weather was not the best so we ran from Cooktown up to Hick's Reef, north of Lizard Island, to get what little protection was available. Phil was first up and was given the usual instruction for beginners - "Stay calm, work hard and do what we tell you." Late that first afternoon, he was put to the test.<br /><br />If you've been fishing the GBR unsuccessfully for years in search of a "grander", right here would be a good place to skip to the next story. On his first day fishing <em>ever</em>, Phil hooked up to a monster! We called it at around 1,100lb and it gave him a hell of a fight. Not wasting too much time jumping on the surface, the fish went deep and fought hard. However, skillful driving by Captain Jared kept Phil in the fight and following the instructions that were coming thick and fast from all over the boat. Phil handled the lumpy conditions like a pro and about a hour after hookup had the fish to the transom and released.<br /><br />"That's not for the faint hearted" said Phil. "Still, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. With the boys telling you what to do, it was pretty organized."<br /><br />Just shows what you can do when you take advice. Congratulations Phil.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142468158510526112005-10-24T19:45:00.000+10:002006-05-17T17:00:34.720+10:00Shaka's first day on the GBR<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/DSC_0036.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/DSC_0036.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />November 24, 2005 was Shaka's first day on the Great Barrier Reef and angler Greg Ruddell from Georgia, USA was on his first trip. Greg had fished all over but had always dreamed of fishing for Giant Black Marlin at the 'holy grail' of the billfish world. Conditions were perfect - bright skys and a glassy sea. And two hours after we dropped baits, it got SERIOUSLY better...<br /><br />On his very first strike, Greg hooked up to his dream fish. What followed was 45 minutes of mayhem that he will remember for the rest of his life.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/IMGP1226.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/400/IMGP1226.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right in amongst the fleet just off #5 Ribbon Reef, Greg battled with what we conservatively called a 950lb fish that jumped all over the ocean. We got it to the boat three times before finally releasing it, allowing us (and Kanahoee) to capture some magnificent video.<br /><br />Congratulations Greg! And what a way to start a season...<br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-Shakas1stBlackMarlin177.wmv"><img style="WIDTH: 403px; HEIGHT: 218px" height="267" src="http://blip.tv/uploadedFiles/Shakamarlin-Test121.jpg" width="483" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Shakamarlin-Shakas1stBlackMarlin177.wmv">Watch the Video</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142420045333795552005-10-21T20:48:00.000+10:002006-03-16T08:41:39.016+10:00First fish<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/DSC_0001%20copy%20II.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/DSC_0001%20copy%20II.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Enroute to Cairns we stopped at Captain Jared's "secret spot" and dropped a line. Within minutes we had dinner aboard!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142493784778575272005-08-30T15:45:00.000+10:002006-03-16T17:25:02.613+10:00Launch day<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20045.8.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20045.1.jpg" border="0" /></a> On the big day, <strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> was reluctant to leave the shed. Light rain had softened the ground and some coaxing was required.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20054.5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20054.1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Once she got going, there was no stoping her. Of course, as always she observed the posted speed restrictions!</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20068.3.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20068.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> A short speech, a name and a drink...</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20073.3.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20073.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> A photo of the proud parents...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20070.4.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20070.1.jpg" border="0" /></a> And the team that did the work... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20090.11.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20090.4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">And off to sea!</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142475621096161472005-08-30T15:40:00.000+10:002006-03-16T18:53:05.220+10:00Launch day speech<p align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%2026.8.05%20065.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/320/Shaka%2026.8.05%20065.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>John:</strong> We are here today to be part of a ritual which can be traced back 4,000 years. The vast size, power and unpredictability of the sea must certainly have awed the first sailors to venture far from shore.<br /><br />Instinctively, they sought divine protection for themselves and their craft from the capricious nature of wind and water.<br /><br />The christening and launching of a vessel is the moment at which a boat is endowed with her identity. It is the moment when the boat receives a name and begins to emerge as more than just an object.<br /><br />Christenings tie the bond between the boats and those who build and sail them. And so, we have gathered together this day as builders, mariners, and their friends and family have for thousands of years in this time honored tradition â to name and place into service this vessel to be called â<strong><em>Shaka</em></strong>â.<br /><br />It seems just yesterday that three of us gathered here to begin the project â Jared had a vision of the greatest game boat ever built, Barry had the ability to translate the vision into reality, and I shared the dream and brought the cheque book.<br /><br />As we look at her now it is easy to forget all the long hours, stress and tough decisions along the way. Bringing new life into the world is never easy and there have been times when we might have faltered. But our dream carried us forward and we never compromised.<br /><br />I would personally like to thank all of those who have played a part in bringing our dream to reality and hope that you have gained as much from the experience as I have.<br /><br />Like all new life, <strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> will undergo much more development. Hopefully, a lot of it will take place over the next few days so that Jared and I can slip her moorings and take her out to teach her to fish! But this moment in time represents the beginning of her life as a real boat and I thank you for sharing it with us.<br /><br />And now I'd like to invite Sue to carry out the traditional christening ceremony.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><strong>Sue:</strong> I name this vessel <strong><em>Shaka.</em></strong> God bless her and all who sail in her. May her seas be smooth and her fish be huge!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24105834.post-1142470955604945952004-02-18T10:50:00.000+10:002006-05-18T09:05:46.620+10:00Shaka - the origin of the name<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/Shaka%20Warrior.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/Shaka%20Warrior.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> The boat is named <strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> in honour of <strong>Barry Martin</strong>, designer and builder of the <strong><em>Assegai </em></strong>sports fishing vessels.<br /><br /><strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> (c. 1787 - 1828) founded the Zulu nation. In the early 19th century, <strong><em>Shaka</em></strong>, the son of a Zulu chieftain and Nandi, a daughter of a past chief of the Langeni tribe, seized power over the then-insignificant Zulu clan and changed its traditional fighting methods and equipment. The long throwing assegai was changed to a short stabbing spear with a long, swordlike spearhead.<br /><br /><strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> increased the power of his tribe. Conquered clans and tribes were incorporated into the Zulu nation and in eleven years he increased their number from 1500 people to 50 000 warriors alone. From the time of <strong><em>Shaka</em></strong> onwards, the Zulu nation fought many wars against the British settlers, before finally succumbing in 1906.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/1600/MVC-086S.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" height="138" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5866/2488/200/MVC-086S.jpg" width="191" border="0" /></a>Barry Martin</strong> has similarly founded a company which has created a line of legendary boats, from his first - <strong><em>Assegai</em></strong> - to this, his latest vessel. His boats are used in combat with some of the greatest fish in the sea. This latest vessel, in particular, was built to roam the oceans in search of new battles to fight and new regions to conquer. It is appropriate that recognition be given to the creator of this fearsome weapon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com