The "2007 Gilbert Group Billfish Challenge" will be held in the first week of September 2007. It is shaping up to be a major event on the 2007 fishing calendar with over $95,000 in cash and prizes. This year's event will be the largest held in its 25 year history. Growing each year both in terms of participation and sponsorship support, the tournament is now a premium social event for the whole of North & West Queensland, the mining and many other related industries, their representatives as well as keen game fishermen from all corners of Australia and worldwide.
This event contributes greatly to promoting Townsville to a huge tourism market.

Gilbert Group Qld. Pty. Ltd. is the 2007 major sponsor and has nominated a boat for the week. The company owners have participated in this tournament for several years now, this being their second as the major sponsor, and have found it to be a great opportunity to invite valued customers, suppliers and friends along for a day or two fishing and socializing. Now the word has spread throughout North & West Queensland industries that this is the event to attend. Last year the event was tremendously supported by North Queensland industries with more than 250 anglers and about 350 guests attending the presentation dinner at Jupiters Hotel and Casino.

In 2006, new categories were introduced very successfully, including an 8 Meter and Under boat category to encourage smaller boats to enter in the tournament.

This is a great opportunity for boats heading North to stop off and experience Townsville's hospitality and the best light tackle fishing the area has to offer. The juvenile Marlin have already this year moved in in large numbers with skippers reporting by far the largest congregations of bait seen in many years. Expected great fishing combined with the tremendous range of entertainment on offer will make this a five day event one not to be missed. With the the opportunity to save considerably on  fuel bills by having the option Saturday through Tuesday nights to stay down at the Cape Bowling Green Spit (only 8 miles from the southern grounds) we are expecting this to be our best tournament yet.