Mackerel And Reef Fish Rally

The Whitsunday Powersports and Marine Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally was run and won over the 19-20 July weekend, despite testing conditions with persistent 20–25 knot southeasterly winds.

Club Secretary Steve Obst claimed the Champion Male title with an impressive 18.0kg Spanish mackerel caught on 10kg line. Malika Stolte took out Champion Lady Angler with a solid 9.4kg mackerel, while Jasmin Smith tagged and released two Spanish mackerel to be crowned Champion Junior Female. Kirra Martin was runner-up in the junior category, tagging and releasing one Spanish mackerel, and also secured the Reef Fish section win.

Nine-year-old Benson Smith earned a special mention for his outstanding effort battling a large sailfish for 30 minutes on 8kg line, only to lose it at the side of the boat—a mighty effort in challenging conditions.

Braxton Jacobs received the Encouragement Award for tagging a longtail tuna—his first ever game fish and surely not his last.

The presentation was held at the rear of Club Whitsunday, where staff served up delicious pizza and warm hospitality.

Next on the Whitsunday Game Fish Club calendar is the Billfish and Tuna Rally on September 13, preceded by a detailed bait and tackle rigging demo on September 4 at the club.

This rally is a great opportunity to fine-tune your skills ahead of the club’s major three-day Light Tackle Tournament, set for October 16–19. Get in early, as spots are limited.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

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Steve Obst with winning Mackerel.
Champion Junior Female Jasmin Smith.
All the prize winners.

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