Departure Day: All guests are to arrive at Bundaberg Port Marina between 3.00pm to 3.30pm and board the vessel at 4.00pm. The crew will show you where to stow your gear and give you a tour of the vessel before you meet the other guests on the back deck for some afternoon refreshments. Once all guests have arrived the Master will conduct a safety brief before you sit down to a freshly cooked meal from our onboard Chef. After dessert we will depart Bundaberg Port Marina at about 7 pm and steam north overnight to Fitzroy Reef.
Day 1: At first light we arrive at Fitzroy Reef (or nearby reefs) where we anchor up and you enjoy a hot breakfast. After you are comfortable with the tender and you have all your gear together you will have the opportunity to explore the reef yourself for the first morning session. First tender is normally in the water by 7am. All tenders return back to Big Cat by 11:30am where the diligent crew clean and fillet your catch, cryovac seal it before freezing in the freshness while you sit down to a hearty lunch.
After lunch you will again have the opportunity to fish the reef from the tenders until around 4:30pm. After all the tenders are back on-board the crew again look after your catch while you have the chance to freshen up before dinner. The evening meal is served by 6pm followed by dessert every night. After dessert, Big Cat continues north while you settle in for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: We will be in the protected waters of the Swain Reefs for breakfast and have you out on the tenders by 7:30am at one of the many amazing reefs this area has to offer.
Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 will be spent working the Swain Reefs, fishing some of the most remote fishing destinations this area has to offer.
Day 5: After dinner, the vessel steams south back to the Bunker Group ready for another full day of fishing.
Day 6: Today is spent at Sykes Reef (or nearby reefs) where you have the opportunity to fish the reef edges or troll the deeper water. After lunch the day is yours to make the most of the final session. Around 4:30pm tenders are recovered back onboard while the guest enjoy sunset drinks and snacks on the back deck chatting to their new mates. Big Cat will then head south steaming overnight, back to Bundaberg.
Day 7: We will arrive at Bundaberg Port Marina around 6am where a hot breakfast will be served. The diligent crew will assist you with your gear and catch before we farewell all guests around 730am. If you don’t have an esky, ice and foam boxes are available for purchase to transport your fish home.