FOR Victoria Point resident Wayne Thomsen, fishing is far more than a weekend pastime – it is a sport built on skill, patience and the thrill of the chase.
Mr Thomsen spends much of his time offshore chasing marlin, dolphin fish and tuna along the rich fishing grounds stretching from Mooloolaba to the Gold Coast.
The 50-year-old said many people outside the fishing community did not realise how accessible the sport could be.
“It is unbelievably good fishing,” he said.
Some of his favourite grounds include the Noosa and Point Lookout canyons and the Riviera Grounds, which he describes as prolific waters for game fish.
Mr Thomsen aims to head out every fortnight, usually for two or three days at a time, with his wife Meagan and their children Ryan, 20, and Bree, 23, forming the regular crew.
The family often competes in tournaments run by game fishing clubs across South East Queensland, including events hosted by the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba and Moreton Bay clubs, as well as competitions run by the Little Ships Club at Dunwich.
The competitive side of the sport has already produced some proud moments for the family.
“At one stage my daughter held the blue marlin female junior record, and my son held the black marlin junior record.
And I’ve won a few different categories,” Mr Thomsen said.
“These are proud moments.”
While the sport focuses heavily on conservation, Mr Thomsen said marlin are typically tagged and released, with catches recorded through the NSW Department of Primary Industries tagging program.
Over the years, he has even recaptured marlin that were previously tagged.
“I do have a marlin on my wall, but it’s a mould someone made,” he said.
“We keep the edible fish. The dolphin fish and the tuna make great sashimi.”
Different line weights are used depending on the size of the target species.
Mr Thomsen said he typically uses an 8kg line when chasing smaller white marlin and a 37kg line for larger fish.
“It’s all about the sport – about the chase, especially catching the large fish. That’s what makes it thrilling,” he said.
Mr Thomsen first took up game fishing at the age of 17 while working at a marine shop in Springwood.
Today the passion continues through his work as a marine technician with Garmin Marine.
He heads offshore aboard a 28-foot Bertram, which is moored at Raby Bay marina.
When he is not chasing marlin offshore, Mr Thomsen enjoys crabbing and prawning closer to home.
For those trips he uses a five-metre Riptide tinnie, often heading to the Saltworks near Russell Island.
“My son will go out two or three times a week after work,” he said.
“This is tidal and seasonal and only usually lasts for about four months a year.”
