Gary Sexton of Belle Chase Charter Fishing, The Lord Howe Island Signal

Pinetree guests, Sam and Will, from country Victoria recently had a day out on Island Charter vessel Belle Chase.

Skipper, Flinders Young, promised them a nice day out fishing for Wahoo and Kingfish around Balls Pyramid – but you can imagine their surprise when a giant Pacific Sailfish exploded onto the lures being trolled behind the boat.

(Sailfish are a rare visitor to the Island, but those that do make it all the way out to Lord Howe are generally in the Jumbo category. This one was no exception, measuring 3 metres from tail to tip and having an estimated weight of 50+ Kgs.)

After a short but intense battle, Will got the fish under control alongside the boat.

He and Flinn then managed to haul her aboard for a couple of quick snaps, before returning her to the water.

There were smiles and high fives all round when they saw the strong and healthy sail swim away to fight another day.

This article appeared in Lord Howe Island Signal, 31 March 2026.