The fifth annual Billfish Babes Tournament was a highly anticipated event for the women of South East Queensland. The second largest of its kind, 28 keen fishing women descended on the Sunshine Coast to participate in the Ladies Only Game Fishing Shootout hosted by Mooloolaba Game Fishing Club.

As if by magic, the wind dropped out just long enough for the ladies to go out for their day of fishing in glamour conditions.

With 36 strikes, 23 hookups and 10 fish caught there was plenty of excitement for the girls who were fishing across 10 boats. By the end of the day, 6 Black Marlin were tagged and released along with a sole Sailfish. 3 Mahi Mahi were also brought in to weigh.

Kelly O’Donnell, a Mooloolaba Game Fishing Club member who tagged a black and weighed in with a 10kg Mahi Mahi, was dubbed Champion Senior Angler. Moreton Bay Game Fishing Club boat, Black Habits took out the comp after the Babes on board tagged a Sailfish within the first half hour of the tournament. They cemented their win when they tagged a Black Marling later that morning.

Billfish Babes is a one-day shootout which also includes a fancy dress boat parade and an exhilarating shotgun start. All Babes, both seniors and juniors, are encouraged to participate and try their hand at this amazing sport.