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- Crush 'Em On the Great Barrier Reef
Crush 'Em On the Great Barrier Reef
- By Kate Van Gytenbeek
- Published 07/5/2009
- Destinations and Travel
- Unrated
Kate Van Gytenbeek
Kate Van Gytenbeek is an avid traveling angler. She is one of the 3 Van Gytenbeeks who founded and published the magazine "Fly Fishing in Saltwaters" from 1993 to 1998 when it was sold to World Publishing. Ms. Van Gytenbeek and her husband Randall Bryett have owned and operated Australia America Fishing Connections Inc for over a decade. They specialize in customized fishing packages in Australia. Kate holds an MBA in international business from Loyola of Chicago.
We launched into part two of our fishing adventure with a flight from Cairns to the exclusive national park and resort of Lizard Island. Hinterland Aviation handles many flights between various Barrier Reef Island destinations with their fleet of 6 - 20 seat planes. The flight itself is a treat especially for those who may have no experience with the astounding beauty and size of the Barrier Reef. The low flying 14 seater gave us spectacular views on the hour long flight to "The Rock" as it is known to the lucky few who frequent Lizard. Our plane lined up on the single landing strip and winging over the luminescent crescent bay dotted with luxury yachts we dropped between the two peaks and onto the island's windswept tarmac.
Lizard Island, so named for the exceptionally large goanas ( lizards) who wander everywhere, has long been a gathering spot for wealthy and celebrity patrons and for 1000 pound Black Marlin. The twelve anglers destined for six days of extreme fishing gathered at the open air bar waiting for our guides to transport us to the mothership. The anticipation was tangible as we gazed over the crystal clear aquamarine water enjoying cold beverages. Shortly we were gathered up and settled on the 80 foot catamaran, Odyssey.
Rooms assignments and first fishing rotations were covered and, just like that, the fisherman were off. The water immediately surrounding Lizard is national park and cannot be fished, however, feeding the fish who appeared at anchorage is almost as entertaining. When the boats returned to the mothership that evening we all took advantage of fish frames and scraps. As we threw bits of fish and food to the back of the boat huge Giant Trevally and Grouper boiled and splashed which only served to ignite the guests excitement to get back out on the water the following day. This particular group of anglers included a Japanese contingent of 6 with more gear than I have ever seen in one place. They were so excited for the big GT fishing they could barely contain themselves, comparing reels and giant lures of every size, shape and color. With gear strewn on the back deck the anglers representing many countries happily shared and compared techniques used throughout the world to capture big fish.
Damon and Claire Olsen have made their ambitious dream a reality in Nomad Sportfishing Adventures. Damon helped design and oversee the constrution of his custom 80 foot aluminum catamaran completed in early 2005. It is ideally suited for the innovative plans they have. Damon's concept was to give his guests access to virtually untouched and unexplored fishing. To do this he would need to employ a self supporting transport system allowing the mothership to stay in remote destinations for weeks on end. The keys to the system are a seaplane and Odyssey's ability to carry large amounts of fuel onboard, not only for the fishing boats, but to refuel the seaplane that brings the guests to and from the mainland. Additionally concerned about preserving the variety and pristine quality on the reefs he fishes, Damon makes a point of fishing each reef only a few times each year and of implementing very strict " fish handling policy". Olsen wants as many fish as possible released and the impact of his client's on the environment light. This operation is tight, extremely well run, and provides one of the most amazing fishing opportunities in the world. To be able to fly into a comfortable base, often 200 nautical miles from the mainland, and fish untouched reefs is not only unique, but a rare experience not to be missed.
Lizard Island, so named for the exceptionally large goanas ( lizards) who wander everywhere, has long been a gathering spot for wealthy and celebrity patrons and for 1000 pound Black Marlin. The twelve anglers destined for six days of extreme fishing gathered at the open air bar waiting for our guides to transport us to the mothership. The anticipation was tangible as we gazed over the crystal clear aquamarine water enjoying cold beverages. Shortly we were gathered up and settled on the 80 foot catamaran, Odyssey.
Rooms assignments and first fishing rotations were covered and, just like that, the fisherman were off. The water immediately surrounding Lizard is national park and cannot be fished, however, feeding the fish who appeared at anchorage is almost as entertaining. When the boats returned to the mothership that evening we all took advantage of fish frames and scraps. As we threw bits of fish and food to the back of the boat huge Giant Trevally and Grouper boiled and splashed which only served to ignite the guests excitement to get back out on the water the following day. This particular group of anglers included a Japanese contingent of 6 with more gear than I have ever seen in one place. They were so excited for the big GT fishing they could barely contain themselves, comparing reels and giant lures of every size, shape and color. With gear strewn on the back deck the anglers representing many countries happily shared and compared techniques used throughout the world to capture big fish.
Damon and Claire Olsen have made their ambitious dream a reality in Nomad Sportfishing Adventures. Damon helped design and oversee the constrution of his custom 80 foot aluminum catamaran completed in early 2005. It is ideally suited for the innovative plans they have. Damon's concept was to give his guests access to virtually untouched and unexplored fishing. To do this he would need to employ a self supporting transport system allowing the mothership to stay in remote destinations for weeks on end. The keys to the system are a seaplane and Odyssey's ability to carry large amounts of fuel onboard, not only for the fishing boats, but to refuel the seaplane that brings the guests to and from the mainland. Additionally concerned about preserving the variety and pristine quality on the reefs he fishes, Damon makes a point of fishing each reef only a few times each year and of implementing very strict " fish handling policy". Olsen wants as many fish as possible released and the impact of his client's on the environment light. This operation is tight, extremely well run, and provides one of the most amazing fishing opportunities in the world. To be able to fly into a comfortable base, often 200 nautical miles from the mainland, and fish untouched reefs is not only unique, but a rare experience not to be missed.