Hi all Fisho’s,
It’s very pleasing to be able to report this year’s “Halco Lures, Abrolhos Island Game Fishing Tournament” was the best yet!
The most boats (20), the most marlin tagged, The most light tackle game fish tagged, the best weather (over 6 days), The best feedback from the anglers and skippers fishing.
You can’t get better than that!
We had 4 boats that have fished Cairns giant black marlin before plus 4 local cray fishing skippers in their de- registered commercial boats or similar.
There were 3 smaller centre console boats competing as well using “Big Pigeon Island” as their base. Perth game boats and Local game boats.
All in all, just about the biggest cross section of boats and fishing backgrounds you would find anywhere - in any world game fishing tournament!
All Billfish were caught in the North of the Abrolhos groups. This is also a first as traditionally they are caught south, so many surprises and many variables to make it a very interesting event in which we just keep learning more every time we go out!
It’s also the first time a professional cray fishing crew has caught a marlin in a tournament over here. Local Legend “Spags” and son Kody complete with crew of local deckies caught 2 blue marlin, one estimated at 300 kg. In doing so, kept the experienced Game fisherman on their toes.
Neil Patrick on Safari also caught a Blue estimated at 300kg, One of 2 for Neil who kept the leaders nervous as always!
There were about 6 sailfish raised with Graeme Maunder the only person to hang onto one on 4 Kilo line class allowing him to take out a couple of prizes.
All were hooked up while chasing light game so gives some food for thought next year to start targeting these spectacular fish!
Local Boat Balek 3 continued their stella run, catching 3 blues and a striped Marlin. One on the last day that allowed him to pinch the Champion boat prize off “The Force”. (2 former Cairns boats).
Young Daniel Mandosio has been deckying for a few years now and entered with his centre console and caught the absolute scales off the light tackle species. With one decky short he still managed Champion Angler Light Game! Well done Daniel.
The presentation night was held on “Big Pigeon Island” Wallaby Group with a lot of good will and jovial banter between the Local Professionals and the amateur game fisherman. There were many others from visiting boats joining in just wanting to be part of a very special event!
A big thank you to Sean Robson who virtually single handily ran this event. A hell of a task that takes its toll on you! Unfortunately Sean is leaving the country and may not be back for next year, so there will be a notice going out shortly to have a meeting in Geraldton to start planning the clubs and the tournaments future!
We need feedback, new ideas and new blood!!
Those locals that participated in it this year will be called upon to join us in that meeting plus the others in this email blog!
I look forward to seeing you all there when it is announced!
Enjoy and start planning for a monster event next year. You guys that read these emails and wish you were here, start getting serious because you are missing out on heaps!!
Winners List
Most Points Tuna………………….Mike Roennfeldt……..... Mandalay
Most Points Mackerel…………..Stewart Nicolson……..... Allure
Champion Angler Light Game ..Daniel Mandosio……. Topless
Champion Boat Light Game…………………………………… Mandalay
Champion Angler Billfish ………Graeme Maunder……. Fire Island
Highest Point Scoring Billfish… Graeme Maunder…… Fire Island
Champion Boat Billfish…………………………………………... Balek 3
Billfish Details:
Blue Marlin
Strikes………19
Tagged……..13
Striped Marlin
Strikes………1
Tagged……..1
Sail fish
Strikes ……..6
Tagged……..1
Light tackle… a total of 260 were tagged over 9 species between mostly 4 boats.
Sean Robson weighed a pending State yellowfin record on 4 kg.
Until next time, (Hopefully early-Mid May)
Cheers and Salty ears,
Muzza
0429939704
You can find the rest of the photo's over in the Gallery!
