Two eventful weeks on Farquhar delivered serious power, first time milestones, trophy fish, and a pair of true giants over 120 cm. With two groups of close friends reuniting for world class fishing, the flats, surf zones, and deep coral edges came alive with opportunity. From first bonefish to metre plus GT’s and rare species surprises, it was a fortnight to remember.
With 41 GT’s landed, including 4 fish over 1 metre and 2 giants over 120 cm, it was two weeks of GT fishing to remember. Kari, Gunnar, Hilmar, Ingo, Helgi, Finnur and others all ticked off GT’s, many landing their first ever. Kari posted a strong 92 cm fish, while Óttar went one better with a 99 cm GT. The final day produced a flurry of action, with Finnur and Ingo each landing 2 fish and Helgi securing his first GT in the closing minutes of the week. Tom and Sean opened their week strong with fish early on, while Hunter delivered one of the standout performances of the fortnight. He landed a 91 cm GT, followed by a 103 cm GT, then added another 101 cm GT later in the week. Fishing deep water behind the surf, he proved just how large Farquhar GTs grow.
Just when we thought we’d heard it all, Bo hooked a massive GT moving slowly across a shallow sand flat and landed a true beast measuring 120 cm after a brutal coral battle. Not to be outdone, Curtis later hooked a deep water predator from a group of five giants and landed a staggering 122 cm GT, one of the biggest fish of the season. Hunter continued his run with another strong 95 cm GT, while Joe, Steve, Wallace and others all contributed to a relentless GT tally. Farquhar once again proved why it is outstanding with big, aggressive GT fishing.
Bumphead parrotfish featured consistently, with 6 bumpies landed across the two weeks. Hunter opened his account early, while Tom secured his first bumpy soon after. Jon landed a tailing bumpy on shallow turtlegrass flats to close out his week in style. Sean finally landing his first bumpy after several close calls, while Curtis added another around coral structure, and Steve rounded out his week with a beautifully fought bumpy landed over some sandy flats.
Triggerfish provided technical variety, with 5 triggers landed, with Gisli landing his first moustache trigger and Skuli securing a trophy 54 cm moustache trigger, a true standout fish for the fortnight. Tom later added a yellowmargin trigger, and Steve capped off his week with a well earned moustache trigger after a precise cast to a cruising fish near coral. Tight angles, coral structure, and quick footwork made sure every fish came to the net.
Bonefish kept rods bending steadily, with 40 bonefish landed. Kari, Skuli and Helgi all landed their first bonefish on the opening day of the week. Finnur and Óttar quickly added their first before moving on to the more sought after species. Hunter and Tom also ticked off bonefish early in their week. Bonefish often play key roles in building confidence before switching focus to the more technical species such as GT’s, triggerfish and bumpies.
A rare highlight came, with Curtis landing a sizeable milkfish, the first of the season, and a species seldom recorded on Farquhar. A true bonus fish, and well done to Chris for landing a special milkfish on Farquhar.
From first GT’s and bonefish to some true giant GT’s of 120 cm and 122 cm, the second half of February delivered power, diversity, and unforgettable battles across Farquhar’s flats and reefs. Exceptional fishing, great comradery and many memories made on the flats of Farquhar over the last two weeks. We look forward to having everyone join us again in the seasons to come.