The Fleet

Dr. Dave Curnock’s Sea Mite running alongside Capt. Dennis Wallace (Brazakka’s) Sea Venture.

Viking II, a 46foot Woodnut launched in 1995, is synonymous with the late Bill Billson and were one of the better known boat/skipper combinations fishing the Great Barrier Reef. The current skipper is Troy Winsor (2022). Photo/copyright Kelly Dalling Fallon.

Sea Baby, Askari (55 foot Assegai), Emerald Lady, Dreamin’ On circa 2010. Photo/copyright Kelly Dalling Fallon.

Gorilla, a 47foot Assegai launched in 2007. Photo/copyright Kelly Dalling Fallon.

Mistress owned by Barry Alty from launch until his passing and is operated by son Brett Alty. Mistress is 49 foot and built by New Zealand’s Alan Tongs. Photo/copyright by Kelly Dalling Fallon.

43 O’Brien Allure with Capt. Darren Haydon in 2006. Photos: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Luke Fallon’s KEKOA (the first, the 47 O’Brien) with a nice fish. Photo: Dean Butler.

Capt. Tim Dean’s Calypso circa 2006, the 43 O’Brien. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Daniel McCarthy’s Moana III after a fish season 2007. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Brilliant Company (65 Precision) with Capt. Simon Carosi at the wheel circa 2007. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Captain Jared Weir’s charge Shaka weighing a fish during their maiden reef season in 2007 at 1120lbs.

Capt. Jim Dalling at the wheel of Reel Chase circa 2007 fishing Linden Bank.

Capt. Craig “Sparra” Denham at the wheel of Square Bear circa 2008. Late season fishing wide a nice one with Tara on the leader. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Russell Caphorns self built Kaizen in 2009 on its first season on the reef.

Capt. Luke Fallon’s KEKOA circa 2009 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic. The 47 O’Brien was the first KEKOA for owner Scotty Taylor run by Luke before upgrading to the 56 O’Brien in 2010. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt Tim Dean’s Calypso circa 2009 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic. The 43 O’Brien is now Bounty Hunter and the new Calypso a 47 O’Brien. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Tainui is a Pleysier launched in 1982. For many years was run under the watch of Peter Kirkby, in 2023 now under ownership of Simon Carosi. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Tim Richardson’s 49 foot Woodnut Tradition trolling down Number 10 Ribbon Reef circa 2010.

Capt. Ian “Wobbles” Ford at the helm of the 42 O’Brien Hot Shot in 2011 with Dave Cassar on the leader. Photo Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Chris “Sharky” Miles at the helm of Kanahoee, a 49 foot Woodnut, in 2012. Photo Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Ross Finlayson’s Top Shot (43 O’Brien) fighting a nice fish at Number five Ribbon Reef in 2013. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Corey Hard at the wheel of the 55 foot Assegai Askari in 2014. You can see other members of the fleet in the background. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon.

Capt. Tom Francis’ Ultimate Lady fighting a nice one with Lizard Island in the background circa 2014. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Capt. Russell Caphorn’s Kaizen, a custom build, in 2014 on Number 10 Ribbon Reef. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon.

Amokura, Assegai 57, with Capt. Brett Goetze at the helm circa 2014. Photo: Kelly Dalling Fallon

Castille III, 47 O’Brien, trolling on Number 10 Ribbon Reef. Capt. Dean Beach in the tower and Jordan Tinker on deck. Photo: KDF

Circa 1993. Brian Felton’s Kanahoee. Tiger on the bridge, the Coughlans and Brian on deck on gaffs. Photo Ross Finlayson.

Big fish behind Capt. Haydon Bell’s release circa 2012. Taken by Scott Kerrigan (Aquapaparazzi) from nearby.

Capt. Ashley Wallis’ Kalira, 54 foot Maritimo at the start of the 2013 marlin season at Linden Bank.

Capt. Corey Hard’s The Sherrif tight on a good fish. Photo by Nick Jones.

This is a photo of Wild Turkey and her mothership the Iron Lady at Opal Reef during 2023 marlin season (@kelldallfall). Run by Capt. Dan Bergarmo / Australian Sport Fishing Charters. Wild Turkey has been a fixture on the reef since the mid 2000s.