Thursday, October 16, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Smith Siblings Hook Record-Breaking Catches

Brother and sister Benson and Jasmin Smith are rewriting the Queensland and Australian game fishing record books.

Last week, nine-year-old Benson Smith, fishing on the family boat Lay-Low, landed a 27.95kg Sailfish on 15kg line after a 30-minute battle — a catch now submitted for both Queensland and Australian Small Fry records.

Benson also has another record claim awaiting verification for a large Barracuda he caught on 10kg line while fishing with his dad off Cairns recently.

Not to be outdone, last Saturday his 13-year-old sister Jasmin caught a 6.85kg Shark Mackerel on 6kg line and later that day landed a 29.65kg Sailfish on 10kg line. Both catches are pending Queensland and Australian Junior Female records. She was also fishing aboard her dad’s boat.

“Jazz” has also tagged and released several other Sailfish recently in Whitsunday waters while building up her club points.

Benson’s Sailfish was filleted and cooked on the barbecue at the Game Fish Club’s rigging night last Friday, much to the delight of those who attended, with many impressed by the flavour and texture. Jasmin’s Sailfish is being sent to NSW Fisheries for research purposes.

Both young anglers are members of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club and are competing in this week’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament. They’re looking forward to some strong competition from other junior and small fry anglers — and we wish them well.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

In other news