Into the Deep

Unlocking the mysteries of the Great Barrier Reef's black marlin

- Jimmy Morrow

As I look out the window of the single-engine prop plane, an unbelievable sight unfolds: to my right, a vast ocean sprinkled with turquoise reefs and atolls as far as the eye can see; to my left, a dry, rugged wilderness stretching across the landscape to the horizon. After a nearly 30-hour journey from San Francisco, it's a welcome view as I've finally arrived at perhaps the most famous black marlin destination in the world-Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

As the plane banks left on final approach, I see a muddy river that empties into the ocean at the small seaside community of Cooktown. After the plane touches down, I am greeted not just by the blanketing warmth of the tropical air, but also by a sense of awe and respect for the untamed wilderness that now surrounds me. While waiting for a ride to town, I see a sign by the river that puts the remote wild into perspective: "Beware of Crocodiles."

My excitement is palpable as I'm transported back in time to my first trip to the reef in 2018 when I fished for 10 days with Capt. Brett Goetze and experienced some truly unbelievable fishing. Over 12 days, we released 26 marlin, including two that were over 950 pounds. After that trip, I have been itching to return, not only for the amazing fishing, but also to better understand what makes this place so special. I want to learn more about the biology, migration patterns, and behaviors of the black marlin that frequent the reef for a few short months each year.

BIG BOATS AND BIG FISH

After a short taxi ride, I head toward the Cooktown Wharf, where I'm meeting Goetze and get my first look at Akira, a completely remodeled 78-foot Warren that was formerly the famed Little Audrey. As the wharf comes into view, I'm immediately taken aback by myriad beautiful gameboats tied up there. I walk up to Akira, and Goetze and I exchange greetings after a long three-year hiatus.