Hall of Fame – Class of 2026
The Cairns Game Fishing Hall of Fame welcomed seven inductees in its Class of 2026, honouring contributions that span charter fishing, conservation, crewing, angling, art and the preservation of the fishery’s stories.
Captain Barry Cross was recognised for his pioneering charter career; Captain Bradley Craft for more than four decades on the Reef and his advocacy for marlin conservation; and Errol “Snudge” Schembri for his skill and dedication as a crewman. Craig “Pirate” Smith has captured the fishery through art, film and writing, while John McIntyre has preserved its history alongside a remarkable angling career.
Kelly Dalling Fallon was honoured for more than two decades of photography, storytelling and promotion of the Cairns fleet. The late John Mondora was also recognised for five decades of fishing journalism and photography that brought Cairns game fishing and the Great Barrier Reef to readers around the world.
SAILPAST & START FISHING
Tuesday morning marks the official start of fishing, with all tournament boats to gather by 7 am in the area adjacent to the Cairns Marlin Marina, ready for the compulsory Sail Past at 7:15 am.
- Boats to gather prior to 7am for a 7:15am sail past.
Participation in the Sail Past is compulsory for all competing boats, with the order of boats and final instructions to be covered at the Skippers’ Briefing on Monday evening.
For sponsors who have registered to watch the Sail Past aboard MV Beluga, boarding will take place in time for a 7:00 am departure.
It will be a great way to launch the tournament, with the general public invited to watch and also be filmed from the sky!
Fishing
Fishing times are:
- Day 1 — Tuesday 22 September: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Day 2 — Wednesday 23 September: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Day 3 — Thursday 24 September: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Day 4 — Friday 25 September: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday to Thursday, boats still hooked up at cease fishing may continue fighting the fish until a result is confirmed. On Friday, all boats must be back in port by 8:00 pm.
25 September: All boats must be back in port by 8:00 pm Friday 25 September and skippers must confirm their return with Tournament Base before 8:00 pm.
DOCK Party
After the final day of fishing, it’s time to bring the fleet back together and celebrate the end of four days on the reef with the 60th Anniversary Tournament Dock Party.
Hosted with the support of Calypso Fishing Adventures, Tackle World Cairns and Salthouse, the Dock Party will be a chance for competitors, sponsors and friends of the tournament to catch up, swap stories from the week and enjoy a well-earned drink back on the dock.
- From 6:30 – 8:30pm on the lawns at the Salthouse. Hot & Cold Canapés and a free drink for competitors.
- *This event is open to competitors and sponsors only.
The perfect way to wrap up the fishing side of the tournament and tell some tournament stories over a few drinks and good food before we head into Saturday night’s Presentation Gala!
Presentation Gala & Hall of Fame Inductions
The week culminates with the 60th Anniversary Tournament Presentation Gala at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Please arrive from 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start and settle in for an evening celebrating the tournament, the fleet and 60 years of Cairns black marlin fishing.
The evening will include the presentation of tournament trophies and awards, Cairns Game Fishing Hall of Fame inductions, special video presentations and more, along with a three-course sit-down dinner and four-hour drinks package.
Dress is smart casual — and please, no thongs. Ladies are welcome to dress up for the night!
It promises to be a very special finale to the 60th Anniversary Tournament and a fitting way to celebrate the people, history and stories that have shaped this fishery.
