After being postponed for a week due to strong winds, the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Billfish and Tuna Rally was held last weekend in near-perfect conditions.
Ten club boats hit the water on Saturday morning, heading out behind the islands and finding action early. A couple of crews hooked billfish within the first few hours but unfortunately lost them after short fights, with similar tales of missed opportunities continuing across much of the fleet.
Despite the setbacks, there were standout performances. Tony Wilson tagged and released two black marlin and one sailfish to claim Champion Male. Marlene Hicks was named Champion Lady with a tagged sailfish, while Zac Trefz impressed to take out Champion Junior, tagging both a black marlin and a sailfish.
The solid activity is a positive sign ahead of the Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament, to be held from 16–19 October. Boat numbers for the tournament will be capped at 35, with registrations now open via the club’s website at whitsundaygfc@gmail.com.
The tournament will feature men’s, ladies’, junior and smallfry divisions, with a huge range of prizes on offer thanks to the support of generous sponsors. Teams must consist of two to five anglers, all of whom need to be financial members of a Game Fish Club affiliated with the GFAA. Membership forms for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club are available online.
This promises to be one of the highlight events of the year, and anglers are encouraged to get their teams organised early to avoid missing out.
Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore
Zac Trefz champion Junior Billfish angler with $250 Airlie Tackle World voucher.
Andrew Smart Tuna winner.
Photos supplied
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