TIGFA - 20th International Billfish Tournament

Lyndon's dream come true fishing trip has now come and gone but instead of writing up a story first, I'll explain along the way as there were too many great shots that had to go in. After counting down the sleeps and after a few meetings back at the Billfish bar it was off to represent the Nuku'alofa fishing club in the Vava'u 20th International Billfish competition. Home for the weeks adventure was a 46 ft Riviera "ESCAPADE NZ' owned and operated by Roscoe and Denise. Thankfully they've been bringing their baby over from NZ for the Tongan fishing season.

This was the first view of ESCAPADE NZ moored in Neiafu Harbour.

Inside the saloon but look at the monsters hanging off the roof (37kg outfits) but our aim was light tackle from the get go.

This was the smallest bed onboard that we had to fight over. I ended up in here but it is still twice the size of a navy bunk, I nearly got lost in it it was that roomy. Tony's snoring kept everyone up the first night so he was moved on for every ones safety and sanity.

This was my first room (the flying bridge) very cool and silent but it was not meant to be as the team came first and Tony was banished to up here!

On our first day aboard Roscoe took us out to familiarise us with the boat, deck and rod setup's and so he could also check out our angling form. This was more so to see who would have the joy of fighting their monster stand up style in case of double hookups.

Our main armament 24kg lines and one of our sponsors flags, the airline that we flew up on.

I was up for the first 15min rotation and yep my first Blue Marlin. No longer a Marlin virgin we tagged and released an estimated (Roscoe's estimate if it was up to me it would have been bigger) which also came with an additional 250 points for being the first billfish of the comp.

My first ever 80kg Blue Marlin on 24kg line (3250 points) Tagged and Released in 13minutes.

Day two saw Tony catch his first ever Blue Marlin, again another 80Kg fish on 24kg line. Neil also caught dinner, a mahi mahi but not big enough to weigh in though.

MANGO's Bar and restaurant was our base and weigh station for the week.

With very few fish being caught day two saw us take the lead and sadly the stinking yellow Jersey (covered in blood and guts) You weren't allowed to remove it until it was handed to the next winner, Tony slept, ate and tried to hug as many people as he could in it.

We decided to sign it just so everyone new we got our grubby hands on it too.

Sunday was a lay day with no fishing allowed in Tonga so we headed out to Tonga Beach Resort for a lunch and competitor photo shoot.

I had a special little care package arrive Sunday morning from Nuku'alofa, Em she flew up with her friend Alice who's dad flies and owns Chathams Pacific airlines (one of our sponsors) So we invited them all aboard for the day and we had so much fun they even stayed onboard for dinner before departing us. Em also told me that this kind of fishing boat is OK to own. Hint hint! Who says she's not a dreamer?

After a successful third day out and with another Blue tagged, Bob's this time. The skipper (Roscoe) decided to Denise's dismay to go through the hole in the wall in celebration of still leading the comp.

Just a small collection of our killer lures.

After the wind picked up around midnight we decided to move the boat. The next morning with a picture perfect sunrise we woke in this small bay around from the starting line. Nothing beats heading out to the start line while your still having a hot shower and breakfast.

Our final day out and like all Tongan secrets everyone found out before the day had even started that it was Roscoe's 63rd birthday - calls and songs of well wishes were coming in over the radio even. That arvo the girls at Mango's got to him with the red lippy too.

Our Watch Dog "Matt" who awarded the yellow leader jersey and manned the radios for the entire comp made one slip up and ended up with his own smelly shirt for a few days. Not so bad at sea in a fishing comp but he was trying to run his business in town, not fishing with us! Poor bloke but he kept the camaraderie going all week long.

Late on the last day we got our last hook up and after a great first run it ended up being Wally Wahoo. All 21.8kgs of him which after weighing in we swapped for a case of beer at the bar.

Later the next night at presentation old Wally won me the best Wahoo angler section and also the most team points for the Wahoo section!

I also picked up a new rod for catching the first Marlin of the comp, presented by the governor of Neiafu. Now all I need for Xmas is a new reel to go with it, hint hint Jodie!

After all our efforts we were pipped on the last day by less than half a fish (in points) and came home second with a invitation for our team to fish the Vanuatu Billfish comp mid 2012.

One very happy team, 3 Blue Marlin, 1 Wahoo, 1 Mahi mahi and lots of beers and great memories.

Roscoe and the team decided to donate our cash winnings to the Vava'u FAD (Fish Attracting Device) fund only if the skipper from the winning team Hakula cut his hair (the first one in several years) Tears of joy he told us? Another great night of celebrations.

We had a lay day Wednesday (reserve day in case of bad weather - Not needed, what were they thinking?) but after many hours of celebration the night before Tony and I decided to see the sights of Neiafu in these little buggies. Fun, fun and even more fun!!!!

Most of the sights were missed due to us looking for more mud puddles and avoiding coconut trees but it was a great tour and definitely a different way to see the island.

This was as far onboard as Denise would let us and I can't blame her either. We had mud from head to toe but I'm sure glad I wasn't cleaning the Buggies though.

Finally it was back to reality, well Tongan style on our 1950's CONVAIR plane. Can't wait till next year, fingers crossed ESCAPADE NZ with Roscoe and Denise return to TONGA and we get a gernsey too but what an experience! Once in a lifetime! Thanks Sweetheart!!!!!