Capt Ross Finlayson

Ross Finlayson is one of Australia’s proven leading marlin and sportfishing captains, providing professional game fishing charters from Cairns with consistent results each year for anglers from all over the world.

With more than 20 years professional game fishing along the East coast of Australia, 38 year old Ross resides full time in Cairns and offers exclusive sportfishing charters year round on the Great Barrier Reef. Giant Black Marlin charters are run from September through to December and the rest of the year provides great fishing for Light & Medium Tackle species including junvenile black marlin, sailfish, mackerel and tunas.

This marlin season (2007) Ross and his team caught a total of 53 for 60 days of marlin fishing (plus 10 days fly fishing) – weighed first grander for the season on the 26th October at 1102lbs and caught 2 other fish that he estimated between 950-1050lbs (Nov) and 13 additional fish estimated between 700-900lbs. Although a slower than usual season for all boats, each of Ross’s charters experienced highlighted fishing and again finished the season amongst the top few boats for numbers of fish caught.

2006 was another great marlin season for Ross and his crew, having caught the most marlin within the Cairns Marlin Fishing Fleet (total 103) – 3 conservatively estimated over 1000lbs and 16 estimated 700-950lbs.

The 2005 season saw them catch a total of 98 marlin (2nd most in fleet) and 2004 again with most caught and a grand total of 105 blacks.

Career highlight of Largest Black Marlin in world caught on Lure in 2001 at 1257lbs for angler and friend Norm Ennis of USA, still stands.

Other achievements include:

1998 - Winner of International Fly Fishing Black Marlin Classic (Anglers Jack Erskine & Bill McLeod - SEA BABY IV)
1999 - Champion Angler – Lizard Island Tournament (Angler Shinagawa Nawaji, JAPAN – SEA BABY IV)
2000 -Winner of Innisfail Light Tackle Tournament (Angler John Conomos, AUST – SEA BABY IV)

After 15 years on the internationally renowned Sea Baby IV (7 yrs as deckhand for the Legendary Capt Laurie Woodbrige & 8yrs as Captain) Ross is now fishing on the well known Aussie game boat, “Top Shot” - a 43’ O’Brien designed game boat fully equipped with the latest in electronics and navigational equipment.

Proudly sponsored by Penn International all tackle is of the highest standard including 3 custom built Jack Erskine 130lbs Rods matched with 3 Penn International 130lb Reels – all with drags customised by Jack Erskine. Light tackle equipment consists of the highest quality Penn & Shimano TLD Reels with matching custom Jack Erskine Light Tackle Rods in all line classes. Saltwater Fly Tackle includes Penn Fly Rods & Reels.

Cairns and its surrounding reefs north to Lizard Island is unquestionably the best Giant Black Marlin location in the world and provides some of the best light tackle action you’ll experience anywhere. If you are looking to fish with one of Australia’s best, email or call Ross directly for more details.

Career Highlights

2007 : Caught Black Marlin (1102lbs), with 2 others estimated 1000lbs +

2006 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (103) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2005 : 2nd Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (98) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2004 : Most Black Marlin Caught in Fleet (105) / Several est 1000lbs Plus

2002 : Only Grander Weighed for the Season (1177lbs)

2001 : Largest Black Marlin in World caught on Lure (1257lbs)

2000 : Winner Innisfail Light Tackle Tournament

1999 : Champion Angler: Lizard Island Tournament

Email Ross

Print Page

Many thanks to Craig Smith for his selection of great shots throughout the site