Big Fish, Big Competition, Big Family Fun Book Your Team For The Game Fish Tournament!

Happy youngster with a nice Spanish Mackerel

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Due to take place 22-25^th October from the Whitsunday Marine Club, the Tackle World Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament has evolved to be one of the biggest events of its kind on the Queensland Coast.

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Hosted by the Whitsunday Game Fish Club, it’s shaping up to be another fantastic event.  

The lively competition is fished to GFAA (Game Fishing Association of Australia) rules and regulations using 10kg monofilament line only. The contest covers two divisions; boats over seven meters and boats under seven meters, with teams consisting of a minimum of two and a maximum of five anglers who are financial members of a Club affiliated with GFAA.  

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The Tournament point scoring is based mainly around tag & release.  

Billfish (Sailfish and Marlin) are awarded 1000 points, and competitors receive 100 points each for all other Gamefish including Mackerel, Tuna, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, GT's, Wahoo, Queenfish and more.

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Gamefish to be weighed for extra points must exceed a weight of 10kg.  

The formula is, Fish Weight × 100 ÷ 10 = points, fish less than 10kg may be tagged for points. GT's, Queenfish and Barracuda must exceed 60 centimetres in length to be eligible for tag & Release.

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On Friday 16^th October from 6pm, the Club will host an informative workshop night conducted by Committee member Gareth Trevz.  

He will outline all the skills needed to be a serious contender in Tournaments, demonstrate bait and lure rigging techniques and offer tips for presentation to tempt any Gamefish.  

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Everybody's welcome to come along to this event and it is free of charge. New memberships and Tournament nominations will be gladly received on the night.

The Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament kicks off on Thursday October 22nd at 6pm with a meet and greet, some tasty food followed a compulsory briefing for competitors where all information will be explained in full.

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After this, it's time for a fun Calcutta auction of all competing Teams, mixed in with a little bit of friendly banter, which always generates a few laughs.

Cash is preferred in the Calcutta bidding so it can be shared amongst the top 5 Teams on presentation Night.

The following morning, the action begins in earnest with a compulsory Sail-past of all competing vessels at 7am, adjacent to the Club, which is a real spectacle.   

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Fishing then commences at 8am, ceasing at 5pm.

On Saturday the competition resumes at 7am and finishes at 5pm, while the Sunday contest starts at 7am, coming to a close at 2pm.

Boats have the option of staying at sea on Friday and Saturday night in a designated safe anchorage for a social get-together if they choose to do so.

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Fully completed team's score sheets and Tag Cards need be back at the Club no later than 3pm on Sunday so winners in all categories can be determined.

The Presentation Dinner starts at 6pm on Sunday with delicious food and a fantastic array of prizes and cash to be given away in the Men’s, Ladies’, Junior ( 11-16yo) and Smallfry (under 11-year-old) sections. Plus lots more, thanks to the continuing support of generous sponsors.  

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This is then followed by a night of celebration with new and old friends.

This Tournament is an opportunity for fishers of all ages to learn new angling skills and techniques, embrace the sport of Game Fishing while competing as a team against others for the loads of prizes on offer.

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“The WGFC Committee consists of volunteer club members who pride themselves in having developed a very successful, family friendly tournament over many years and seeing many anglers, young and old, enjoying themselves and fulfilling their fishing dreams in the exciting Sport of Light Tackle Game Fishing,” said a Club spokesperson.

“This is rich reward for their dedication to the Club and the sport, and we thank them wholeheartedly.”

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The Tournament organisers would prefer to have all team nominations in by 4pm Monday the19th of October for catering purposes and to finalise Shirts etc.

“It's never too early to get your nomination in, if necessary join the Club, organise your team, prepare all your tackle, check your boat, safety gear and radio and be part of this exciting event,” they said.

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“Don't miss out as Boat numbers are capped at 35!”

“Light Tackle Game Fishing is a great sport for Fishers of all ages and levels of experience to enjoy and indulge in their passion with others. There is no better place to do it than in the Whitsundays!”

“There's no such thing as an "expert" Game Fisherperson, you just improve the more you do it and the more you share experiences and knowledge with other like-minded Club Members.”

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Organisers would like to thank their event sponsors and encourage all competitors to think of local small businesses first, supporting the sponsors that support them.

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For more information go to whitsundaygfc.com.au, or email tournament nominations or memberships to Club Secretary Steve at Whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com.

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Contributed by Ashley Moore.

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WHAT: Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament

WHEN: 22-25 October

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club