G'day everyone,

the last few months have been extremely busy at the Lodge with big Corporate groups like Caltex enjoying the facilities and fishing. They caught loads of different species and travelled to all areas of Groote Eylandt to soak up the incredible scenery and enjoy the delights of swimming in freshwater pools, and viewing Aboriginal rock art. A round of golf and a visit by former test cricket Captain Mark Tailor capped off their escape adventure.

LIVE ABOARD " ESCAPADE" GROUPS OF 6 CAN BOOK NOW

Our new live aboard is in its final stages of preparation before the big trip around from Cairns to Groote Eylandt this month. New changes to the fifty footer will most definitely improve her live aboard capabilities. New unleaded tanks have been engineered and placed in the rear of the vessel to give us enough fuel to run 2 of our 8 metre Sportfishing vessels for 6 days. A complete new hardtop Flybridge has been built upstairs with seating for 8 guests in comfort. Air conditioning has been run in all three guest cabins, as well as the living room. New water tanks have been installed to cater for long trips with water makers capable of ensuring we never run out of fresh water. White goods like 2 fridges, 2 freezers, ice maker, washing machine/ Dryer, plus bar fridges and a huge stainless steel BBQ have been installed. New carpets, upholstery and shades have added comfort to the furnishings.

The latest marine electronics have been installed with High Definition Lowrance HDS - 10M, GPS Mapping and chart plotter plus the HDS-10 Sonar unit and Broadband Radar unit all available for our use.

Two 4.8 metre Polycraft rear centre consoles boats have been purchased as tenders for "Escapade". These are foam filled, have two cast decks for fly and Barra fishermen, and boast the new Lowrance HDF-7 Combination sonar/GPS units, all safety gear by BLA and the biggest Saltwater electric outboard from Minn Kota on the nose. Powered by Evinrude E-Tec 75 hp outboards these Sportfishing boats will enable our guides to put our guests onto the biggest fish from Marlin to huge Barramundi.

Fly fishermen will be able to spend time sight fishing the many coastal flats and bays chasing all types of sportfish from these new 4.8 m vessels.

I am thrilled with how "Escapade" is looking and I am excited at the new fishing grounds that we will now have the opportunity to explore. To view the the feature trips available througout the year just open the attachment that came with this newsletter.

Enjoy your Fishing,

Andrew ET Ettingshausen

KEN MURRAY AND FRIENDS

Ken Murray of Lion Nathan arranged a reward trip to Groote in March and the group were most impressed with the trip. On day 1 they were jigging the deepwater reefs around Winchelsea with their Guide Jason Swan and had a tough session on some unstoppable fish losing 9/nil. They were unable to identify the fish but were happy with the action and got sore and tired arms in the process. Their mission, from that day forward, was to return to find out what it was that caused all the excitement and grief. They are still talking about it incessantly.

The group ventured to Southpoint during their stay which resulted in an invasion of Golden Trevally, Bludger Trevally and nine kilo Northern Bluefin Tuna within casting distance of the beach. The remainder of the afternoon was spent sight-casting to metre-long Queenfish. The Queenfish schools were surrounding the boat and this resulted in hours of chaos and multiple hook ups. As the sun set, they had to leave the fish biting.

On their last day trolling around Finch Island, Natasha fought for 20 minutes and caught a huge Brassy Trevally weighing 26lb. They tried their last efforts, in vein, for the illusive creature from the depths near Winchelsea, but it was not to be. To this day they are still in awe of whatever it was that took their lines on their first day out and have promised to return to finish their tale.

UPCOMING VACANCIES

If you are interested in visiting the Escape Sportfishing and Wilderness Lodge by yourself or with a friend, to fish the magical waters of Groote Eylandt, the following packages and dates are currently available:

1 person - 4 days/4 nights package - 9th to 13th August - $4725.00 (Triple Share)
1 person - 3 days/4 nights package -13th to 17th August - $4970.00 (Twin share)
2 persons - 4days/4nights package - 21st to 25th October - $3995.00 (Quad Share)

For more information on the above packages or to enquire about other dates and packages, please contact Carolyn on 0400 596 699 or email info.groote@escapesportfishing.com

SURPRISING SAILFISH

Late February a group of keen anglers were prepared to put in some time targeting billfish around Groote and thankfully it paid off. Although not prolific for this time of year our guest, Ivan Bradshaw, successfully landed a good size sailfish while trolling skipping gars at the bottom end of the island. Picture - Ivan Bradshaw (left) and Guide Andrew Darby

GO FISHING WITH ET

ET will be at the Lodge from 15-19 June and August 17th to 21st. Guests will have the chance to meet ET and experience the spectacular fishing and scenery of this unspoilt remote eylandt paradise. Limited spots available, contact Carolyn via email to obtain details.

DOUBLE HOOKUP

Greg Nixon and James Cutler with double hookup of queenies. A common occurance on Groote Eylandt.