Captain Bill Billson is widely regarded as one of the top giant marlin captains in the world, with over 30 'grander' black marlin catches the past ten years.

Bill, aged 46, has been gamefishing since the age of 10. After finishing an apprenticeship as a Marine Engineer, Bill bought his first sportfishing boat. Though it was only 5.65 meters (18 feet) it was a consistent club Tournament winner in Sydney, and had some outstanding captures to its name. Bill's 458 lb Blue Marlin on 30 lb test helped establish the now successful blue marlin fishery out of Sydney.

Bill's boats and his ambitions grew steadily. After setting two world records and winning the largest gamefishing tournament in Australia he set a goal of becoming a charter boat captain. The Great Barrier Reef became Bill's second home as he travelled to Cairns for 4 months every year to work as a crewman fishing for the giant blacks. After 5 seasons Bill had an offer to run a boat in Cairns.

Bill's relationship with the Viking began in 1986, and after six years of building up a business and a reputation, Bill bought the Viking from his employer.

After a total re-fit and re-power (work which was all done by Bill) the original Viking became one of the most consistent and successful sportfishing charter boats working out of Cairns. Clients included such notables as Skip Smith (ex-skipper of the "Hooker" and one of the world's best known charter boat captains), Dick and Marg Love (multiple World Record Holders), Tom Pfleger (multiple World record holder), and Tracy Melton (Melton International Tackle and famed stand-up specialist).

One of Bill's regular clients, Tom Pfleger, who has fished with him consistently for 10 years, formed a partnership with Bill to design and build a new State of the Art Sportsfisher. Bill was commissioned by Tom to be the sole principal and hands on engineer for the project. In July 1997, the new VIKING II was launched. She is considered to be one of the most outstanding, practical and versatile sportsfishers that Australia has to offer.

Testimonials

Ian Miller - Prominent Fishing Journalist and Australia's Leading Fishing Rod Designer:

"Bill Billson is one of Australia's most prominent marlin skippers. His track record shows that he is probably our most consistent, successful and professional tournament captains, highlighting his competitive spirit. His big fish achievements are as good as any in the modern era, underlying his talents as a fisherman. What I notice most when fishing with Bill is that he always gives absolutely 100%.

All this together with his high standards and attention to detail keep him at the top. That's what makes Billson the first and right choice for so many anglers from all around the world who are serious about catching billfish."

Marlin Magazine Article May Issue 2000 - Journalist Bill Hiton:

"Viking II and Billson Down Under have a reputation for large fish and for winning tournaments. In the past dozen years, he has weighed 10 blacks weighing between 1032 and 1220 pounds while releasing almost 3 times as many estimated granders. In 1999 he entered four major tournaments placing 2nd in three of them and winning the fourth in a field of 288 boats, an outstanding record."