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...

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.



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.

Congratulations Greg! And what a way to start a season...





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