Sunglint in Gulf of Carpentaria by Groote Eylandt, Australia

The water along the Gulf of Carpentaria off the coast of Australia’s Northern Territory appears silvery in color due to sun glint. The glint highlights the contours of the coast, including several large bays and the outline of Groote Eylandt, the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Groote Eylandt lies about 50 km from the Northern Territory mainland and eastern coast of Arnhem Land (about 630 km from Darwin), opposite Blue Mud Bay. The island measures about 50 km from east to west and 60 km north—south, a total area of 2,326.1 km². It is generally quite low-lying, with an average height above sea level of 15 m, although Central Hill reaches an elevation of 219 metres.

Sunglint in Gulf of Carpentaria by Groote Eylandt, Australia

Australia - January 15th, 2012

Caught Short Fishing - Groote Eylandt

Jo Starling can cross the cobia off her wish fish list, after catching this specimen off Groote Eylandt. Picture: SUPPLIED

AS Christmas and New Year fold into our past, the inevitable challenge to resolutions made during euphoria begins to plague the mind.

Will I really drink less, study more, lose weight or stop chewing my nails? Dubious, but I'll give it a crack.

One resolution that doesn't fall victim to the sober light of day is my resolve to cross off a few more targets on my wish fish list!

Last year saw three goals met: WA dhufish, cobia and a jewie. Not a bad year! So what's the focus of 2012?

This year, I'm going to throw everything into my quest for a metre-plus barra. I know it's not a unique dream, but that doesn't make it any less worthy.

But there's another goal caught in my crosshairs landing a wahoo!

At the Com Fishing Festival in Timor-Leste in November, four lines were set as we trolled home after a long day three on the water.

I hadn't had a scoring fish all day, but that wasn't for want of trying.

I had tried so hard, in fact, that I'd neglected to relieve myself! It's a little tricky for a chick on a boat full of blokes, so unless I absolute need to, I'd rather not cause the ruckus. Anyway, half way home, without a skerrick of action and I absolutely needed to go.

All eyes forward, came my call and the boys obliged once they realised what was about to happen.

I clambered over the stern on to the transom and dropped out of sight.

Within 15 seconds, there was a huge din from the collected mass of men.

Fish on, they were shouting. I stuck my head up above the stern only to find them all yelling and waving, but still looking forwards.

Only Steve had turned, knowing he could approach without fear of death. The desperate look in his eyes made me look up to find my rod screaming under the weight of a heavy fish!

I stood and worked desperately to get my duds up a tough task on the rolling transom of a slowing vessel.

Steve looked torn, "sorry, love, but I'm going to have to take your line. Otherwise the fish is going to wrap all the others!"

I can't tell you how much it stung when Steve celebrated landing the wahoo.

So the wahoo has jumped up the wish-fish list and become my quest for 2012.

And I hope it's a beauty when it comes aboard and stops Steve and the boys taking the you know what! Happy New Year everybody!