2026Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic
- Dates
- October 18–23, 2026
- Location
- Lizard Island / Cooktown, Australia
- Target species
Overview
Heavy-tackle black marlin tournament on the Great Barrier Reef's Ribbon Reefs, run by the Lizard Island Game Fishing Club with game base at Cooktown.
The Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic is the Lizard Island Game Fishing Club's annual heavy-tackle tournament on the outer Great Barrier Reef between Jewell Reef and Jenny Louise Shoal — the world's premier grander black marlin grounds. Teams start from Cooktown (Sovereign Resort game base) after a compulsory briefing and sail-past, fish five days, and return for the presentation dinner.
Eligible species are black, blue and striped marlin; anglers must be members of a GFAA-affiliated club (or IGFA for overseas residents). Entry is per angler with an optional $2,000 boat calcutta.
ScheduleAustralia (Queensland) time
- SundayOct18October 18, 2026
- 7:30 PM
Compulsory Briefing
Sovereign Resort, Cooktown
- MondayOct19October 19, 2026
- 7:30 AM– 5:30 PM
Sail-past 07:30; fishing 11:00–17:30
Cooktown
- TuesdayOct20October 20, 2026
- 11:00 AM– 5:30 PM
Fishing 11:00–17:30
- WednesdayOct21October 21, 2026
- 11:00 AM– 5:30 PM
Fishing 11:00–17:30
- ThursdayOct22October 22, 2026
- 11:00 AM– 5:30 PM
Fishing 11:00–17:30
- FridayOct23October 23, 2026
- 10:00 AM– 3:00 PM
Fishing 10:00–15:00; tag cards by 20:00
- 7:00 PM
Presentation Dinner
Sovereign Resort, Cooktown
Results
Results will be published here after the 2026 event concludes.
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Tournament status and quick actions
- 2027
- 2026