Far North fishing gets luxury upgrade
Thursday December 12th 2013
Far North fishing gets luxury upgrade
Fishing adventures in the Far North will ascend to an unprecedented level from early next year, with the launch this month of Australia’s new bespoke sports fishing operation.
With another local media outlet and CRC Division 10 Councillor and Douglas Shire Mayor-elect, Julia Leu, The Newsport was awarded an exclusive sneak peak at Port Douglas-based Blue Martini, a luxuriously appointed 68-foot mothership that will host Far North Sports Fishing's (FNSF) day and live-aboard charters from February 2014.
FNSF co-Director Tony Fyfe said the ‘barra’ season is the perfect way to launch the new operation, ideally based in Port Douglas to access some of the best barramundi grounds in the world.
“The beauty of what we offer is in its world-class standard and flexibility," he said.
"We have worked hard to ensure our fishing operation sets a new benchmark as a true, five star experience, appealing to those discerning clients who appreciate the finer things in life."
Mr Fyfe and company co-Director Craig Parsell conducted an exhaustive search for the perfect Far North Sports Fishing vessel, eventually buying Blue Martini from Port Douglas identity and businessman John Morris.
Four months and more than a million dollars in refit costs later, the yacht is ready to provide guests with the ultimate in all-inclusive, seafaring comfort.
"It's quite different to the original," Mr Fyfe said, "We reconfigured one of the cabin's downstairs, and spent quite a bit of money as well on the engine room and electrics, and we've completely re-done the whole saloon and up-top - it used to just be an air conditioning outlet."
Now, Blue Martini offers three levels of opulence, accommodation for up to eight passengers and five crew, and an on-board chef preparing gourmet fare equivalent to one-hat standard.
"Craig and I believe there's a big gap in the market for a top-end offering', Mr Fyfe explained.
"There's a lot of guys, as you can see in the marina, that offer a fishing experience (and any experience on the reef is great), but there's no one occupying that top-end section. So we offer the experience of a great day out on the reef, but also the finer things in life, which are important to a lot of people."
He said fishing is paramount, though quality food is similarly important.
“We are proud to have secured a very accomplished chef, Port Douglas local David Boon, who will prepare haute cuisine to an international standard using the Far North’s best local produce as well as each day’s freshly caught, ‘fruits de mer’.”
Achored to the Blue Martini mothership are three centre-console, custom-built Hooker 20-foot dories. Each sturdy dory has its own private FNSF guide to ensure superior angling in Far Northern waters.
It's clear everyone aboard Blue Martini, from the Directors and skipper Russell Player, to the deckhands and fishing guides, has a passion for first-class sports fishing.
"There's great fishing from the triangle between Jewel [Island], Claremont Isles, and Princess Charlotte Bay, and there's only two boats with permits to fish in that area," Mr Fyfe said.
"You won't see too many other people up there!"
FNSF will run three adventure fishing campaigns next year: Remote Barra Expedition kicks off in February, with Billfish Mania in September and Bluewater Adventure operating all year round.
Mr Fyfe and Mr Parsell put Blue Martini through its paces on a 'friendly fire' shake-down trip earlier this month.
They are anticipating the operation will appeal to keen anglers and corporate groups chasing GT, Black Marlin and Barramundi. Guests are invited to take their charter from Blue Martini’s Port Douglas home base or any number of islands or ports along the Far North coast.
For more, visit www.farnorthsportsfishing.com.
Remote Barra Expedition (February to April 2014): During the wet season run off period the operation will be based in the remote Princess Charlotte Bay. Clients will be transferred by helicopter ex Cairns or Port Douglas to Bathurst Head to experience some of the best Barramundi fishing the country offers. Remote blue water fishing is also on offer during these charters.
Billfish Mania (September to October 2014): Using pitch baiting and salt water fly techniques take advantage of the influx of migrating juvenile Black Marlin and Sailfish. These feisty young fish are great fun to catch and weigh up to a hefty 80 pounds.
Bluewater Adventure (operates year round): Blue water anglers vie for the thrill of the chase and the Giant Trevally or GT is the ultimate prize. Reef, wreck and saltwater fly fishing are also popular on the Blue Water Adventure.