It was the first recorded instance of the species being caught anywhere with only the assistance of a rod and reel, and marked an auspicious beginning to the success that skilled and lucky anglers alike would come to enjoy in the blue waters of the Tomaree Peninsula.

One hundred years later, David Litchfield, the president of the NSW Game Fishing Association, stands on the weigh station at Nelson Bay preparing for the beginning of the 51st Nautilus Boat Insurance Interclub Tournament, one of the biggest game fishing competitions in the world, held in Port Stephens.

Now in his second year at the head of the association, Litchfield is a little more relaxed, but still just as excited about the competition.

"Of course, of course, it's a major tournament, some say the biggest in the world, others the biggest in the southern hemisphere, and it has got to be right, so it's a bit daunting at first," he said.

"The fiftieth [last year] was a milestone but the tournament is still there year by year and people come from all over to compete."

The spirit of the interclub is based on the rivalry and camaraderie between the various clubs. Mr Litchfield said that while that rivalry remains, the competition will remain in good stead.

"The Sydney clubs are really fired up, for years they used to win it, clubs like Sydney and Broken Bay [but] Newcastle and Port Stephens have won the tag and release for the last seven years, and that's the major competition," he said.

Regardless of who wins, Port Stephens is still the best place to catch marlin.

"Generally speaking the marlin in Port Stephens are in similar areas, a place called the Carpark, up near Seal Rocks," Mr Litchfield said.

"But the area is so prolific, that's why we have it up here."