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.
Tournament Report
The Viking Yachts by Short Marine 60th Anniversary Cairns Black Marlin Tournament has wrapped up after four days of fishing, with 72 black marlin successfully released across the tournament.
Fishing remained remarkably consistent through the first three days, with 22 releases on Day 1, 21 on Day 2 and 20 on Day 3, before the fleet added another 9 releases on the shortened final day.
And while the final leaderboard might make the results seem clear-cut, the tournament fishing was anything but!
Viking II took out the Champion Team gong with 6 releases, ahead of Reel Work with 4 and Askari with 3.
Behind them, the leaderboard was extraordinarily tight.
Relentless Pursuit, Mood Swings, Bounty Hunter, Tataki, Zulu, Rum Chaser and Mauna Kea all also finished on 3 releases, meaning a huge portion of the top ten remained very much in contention heading into the final day. (no particular order!)
Join the CPGFA
Past. Present. Future.
At our 60th Anniversary Tournament Presentation Gala, we asked all the crew in the room to stand up and take a look around at each other. They are the future of our fishery.
We celebrated those who helped shape Cairns game fishing, the people carrying it forward today, and the next generation who will write its next chapter.
But that future needs a strong, united voice. With increasing pressure on our fishery and our industry, we need to stand together.
We’re encouraging crew, skippers, anglers and supporters to join the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association. Whether you’ve spent decades on the reef or are just starting your first season, your involvement matters.
We are stronger when we stand together. Join the CPGFA and help protect the future of our fishery.
