Offshore fishing in the 680 Patriot

Added 12th Oct 2006

Stiff competition and big fish were the name of the game at the recent Australian Offshore fishing titles in scenic Yeppoon.

The other competitors were no match for John Gooding and his 680 Patriot, who reeled in the Red Emperor and blew everyone else out of the water.

Gooding, who fishes all the major off-shore competitions, says his Haines Hunter 680 Patriot provided him with a huge advantage.

Competitors were allowed a two hour travelling window to reach their final fishing destination.

“The simple fact was that being in my Haines Hunter meant I could travel large distances, at high speed and in rough water,” Mr Gooding said.

“There is no other fishing boat on the market quite like it, you really need to ride in it to feel the difference.”

With his secret fishing hot spot located 80km from shore this proved to be a major advantage in edging out the rest of the field.

The Offshore Fishing Title, which ran for two weeks in September, was the last major competition for the year.

Now his 680 Patriot will take a break from the Offshore Fishing game, now earning its keep in the running of Gooding’s charter business.

Gooding will spend the Christmas break enjoying some rest and relaxation with his family while getting his game plan together for 2006.