Days 35 & 36. We are going fishing with our new mates Brett and Chris out into the Gulf of Carpenteria. Departed from King Ash Bay and cruised in Brett's big game fishing boat up the MacArthur River for 20km and into the Gulf to the islands of the Sir Edward Pellew Group named by explorer Matthew Flinders. Soon we were hauling in Spanish mackerel to 10kg, golden snapper, a big jewfish, nanangi, rock cod and coral trout. Our final destination for an overnight stay was 70km long Vanderlin Island about 80km offshore, owned by aboriginal families. We anchored the boat off the beach in front of the very rustic fishing lodge and waded ashore with our gear. Such a beautiful and isolated location. Showers outside using a wood burner then drinks on sunset in the outdoor lounge/kitchen area. Dinner tonight BBQ snapper and salad.

Next day up early for bacon and eggs and then out to the boat for another day's fishing. Soon we hooked a big mackerel and the fight was on. Stopped for lunch in a sandy cove a d spinning with lures caught produced several hookups with a school of queenfish, kept one for dinner. Turtles mating and friendly dolphins playing near the bat. The islands spectacular ranging from sandstone spires and rocky ledges to wide sandy beaches and giant sandhills. Finally we located the narrow entrance to the MacArthur River and up to King Ash Bay where we farewelled Brett and Chris. We then drove back into Borroloola to meet our friends at their camp and for dinner we shared our BBQ mackerel. Fantastic 2 days fishing in the Gulf with some really great blokes!