Dean started sportsfishing at the age of 12 in Brisbane, Queensland. By age 15 he was charter boat fishing with local Captains and crews in Brisbane/Gold Coast area.
Dean’s first season in Cairns was in 1987 on a boat called Blackwatch. The following year he was crewing for Geoff Ferguson on the boat “KAMARI” where he remained for 5 years and caught over 1000 sportsfish.
In 1989 Dean commenced fishing in Japan and Hawaii for 3 months a year, for 12 consecutive years. In 1992 Dean obtained his Master 5 ticket which enabled him to captain boats for different clients. Dean’s first charter boat was called Toompani for owner Richard Cavill and ran this boat for 3 years. Then in 1995 “MAUNA KEA” was purchased for Dean.
In 2006 Dean meet Mark Ripper who owned the Castille II. He ran this boat for the 2006 season. During the course of this season Dean and Mark designed the new boat and the build commenced The result being Castille III a 47 foot custom O’brien Boat which he runs today.
Dean also has a business teaching recreational boat and Jetski licences. He is also a qualified Teacher in Marine training and has taught elements of ship board safty.
Coxians
Master 4 and 5
MED 2 and 3
Achievements to date have included:
1988 weighed 3 marlin over 1000 lbs
1989 Australian record Blue Marlin and still Queensland record. (815lbs)
1989 won Hamilton Island Billfish Tournament - $25 000
1991 won Hamilton Island Billfish Tournament - $25 000
1993 won Lizard Island Billfish Tournament
1995 Lizard Island Tournament – won heaviest marlin
1995 won Hamilton Island Billfish Tournament - $25 000
1997 won Celica Billfish Tournament – Sanctuary Cove Gold Coast - $40 000 cash prize
1997 Australian Record – biggest Black Marlin caught on a lure – 1185lbs
1997 won Champion Lady Angler – Lizard Island
1999 won Port Stephens Shootout Tournament - $10 000 cash prize
2001 Champion Team Hawian International Billfish Tournament
2003 Runner Up Townsville Billfish Tournament & won Champion Angler
2004 Runner Up Townsville Billfish Tournament
2005 Caught 12 Marlin over 900 lbs Weighed 1028lbs Black Marlin
2006 Caught 13 marlin over 900lbs Weighed 1040lbs Black Marlin
2006 Caught 3 Marlin over 900lbs in One day Twice
Dean has weighed many fish over 1000 lbs but does promote tag and release.
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