A FISHING tournament on the weekend has been described by competitors as ‘fantastic, unbelievable and the stuff dreams are made of’.
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament was held over the weekend, with a massive haul of fish caught and released.
In all, 87 Anglers and 26 teams competed in 15 – 20km south-easterly winds, which made it challenging.
However, they still managed to tag and release 67 Sailfish, five Black Marlin, 60 Long Tail Tuna, five Mack Tuna, 15 Spanish Mackerel, five Shark Mackerel, three Spotted Mackerel, two Mahi Mahi and one Barracuda, using 10kg mono filament line.
Some of the major winners were Champion Male Angler, Jeremy Kelland, on ‘Nomad’.
The Champion Lady Angler was Joanne Zerafa, on ‘Cool Change’.
Champion Junior Male was Dylan Gowers. Champion Junior Female was Jasmin Smith on ‘Lay Low’.
Champion Small Fry was Fyn Mau, from Mackay, which was a brilliant effort.
Champion Boat under seven metres was ‘Somewhere’.
Champion Boat over seven metres was ‘Nomad’, who were also Champion Team of the Tournament.
“All the Junior Anglers did an amazing job, all catching and releasing good fish and really took it up to the big kids,” Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Ashley Moore said.
“All of them are champions in the making.”
Johnny Zerafa was awarded the Champion Mackerel Catcher of the Tournament, to cheers that brought the house down.
“At times, the action was frantic with packs of up to 15 Sailfish attacking baits and lures, resulting in mayhem and lots of excited shouting,” Mr Moore said.
“The Tournament’s valuable sponsors made the presentation a night to be remembered, with smiles on everybody’s faces, when the winners were awarded their prizes.
“The club thanks all sponsors wholeheartedly.”
Next year’s Tournament is from October 16 to 19 and entries will be capped at 35 boats, so organise teams early and join in the fun sport of game fishing.
Contributed by Ashley Moore – Whitsunday Game Fish Club Life Member.
