SGFC is hosting the tag-only Australian International Billfish Tournament on the 28th and 29th of January 2023. This will be a historic opportunity to be involved in the 60th anniversary of the event, with the first being hosted by SGFC in 1963. We will be hosting some travelling teams from inter-state and we expect a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all participating in the event. Public submissions are now closed for the Watsons Bay wharf upgrade. SGFC has made a detailed submission to Transport for NSW which demonstrates the Club’s long standing commitment to the local community, education, scientific fisheries research and heritage. The history of Watsons Bay is intertwined with SGFC and we want to maintain that important link to the past and to the local community. SGFC will continue to pursue our club house heritage claim with council, lobby the state government and keep the issue alive in the media. We will need to call on our members to do the same when the time comes. The next official update around the project will be in April so there is a lot of work to be done before then and we will keep our members updated on progress. Please look out on the SGFC members only page on Facebook and in email for a call to action. Tight Lines Ed Aspden
FROM THE PRESIDENT
The water is warming off Sydney and there have been reports of Striped Marlin moving closer to shore from 50fa - 80fa with fish coming up 2-3 at a time. As the water warms up a bit more, greater numbers of Black Marlin should turn up in-shore or can be targeted on the shelf as they move in on the hot current, where there is also a good change of a Blue. Lures work well to raise marlin but Striped Marlin in particular can be tricky to hook. Honing hooks and filing down barbs will improve chances of hooking up. Trolling teasers with skip baits behind them works well but can limit distance covered with baits in the water. Pitch-baiting by trolling teasers watched by an alert crew ready rip them out of the mouth of an angry marlin allows for more ground to be covered whilst gaining the advantage of a circle hook by pitching a rigged live or dead bait to a teased fish and the enjoyment of seeing the bite.
ADVERTISE WITH US Tight Lines advertising is available. It's a great way to get your message out to your fellow members For more information please Email our club secretary Annita Flannery on secretary@sgfc.com.au
Calendar of Events SGFC January 2023 21st - 22nd Summer Pointscore 21st - 22nd Botany Bay Bill Heyward Tournament + Central Zone Weekend 28th - 29th AIBT Host Club - Sydney GFC 31st Committee Meeting February 2023 4th - 5th Summer Pointscore 7th - Club Meeting 11th - The Garmin Bluewater Skins Marlin Tournament CCGFC 11th - 12th Central Zone Weekend 18th - 19th Summer Pointscore 23rd to 26th - 2023 NSWGFA Interclub State Champions NSWGFA Port Stephens 28th Committee Meeting March 2023 4th - 5th NSWGFA All Ports Tournament NSWGFA 4th - 5th Summer Pointscore 7th - Club Meeting 18th - 19th Summer Pointscore 11th - 12th Broken Bay Invitational Tournament BBGFC + Central Zone Weekend 28th Committee Meeting
Tight Lines is a members based magazine. We welcome any articles, stories, photos and information on your adventures from our members. No matter how big or small "remember it's your club too". Send all info to Email: stephen@pitchforkprinting.com.au or call Call Stephen Pitchfork on 0404 019 683
Phil Webster or you might of known him as Phillis, Philly Willy, Little Pig, Big Daddy, Fat Phil and the best is always kept for last Fat Fuck. Phil joined SGFC back in 1998 and back then he fished on a 52ft Hatteras. Glenn & myself were lucky enough to fish with Phil & Vicky. Even back in those early days Phil always dreamed big. He always said that one day he would own a 86ft Hatteras. He soon moved up to a 65ft Hatteras and in this boat he enjoyed the spoils of the heavy tackle circuit fishing Cairns and matching it with the best. He won the Lizard Island tournament, and I was lucky enough to catch an Australian record with Phil at the helm of Little Audrey. This record still stands today from fishing the Interclub tournament.106.5kg on 8kg. 2005 and Phil had his new 76ft Warren yacht (Nelson one) Little Audrey was now the biggest game fishing charter boat in Australia and all those who were lucky enough to fish on her were fishing next level. 2005 up to 2022 was pure fishing heaven for Phil & Vicky and the crew involved. Phil & Little Audrey would fish and support all tournaments from Central zone, Interclub and every year, Little Audrey went North for the Cairns heavy tackle season. During these years Phil was part of the winning teams at the interclub and Little Audrey generally found her weigh in the prize listings of many tournaments. Phil spent time as part of the SGFC committee and was a long term sponsor. He then become a major sponsor of not only SGFC but many other clubs and NSWGFA. Phil loved his fishing he loved his parting he loved his food and most of all he loved the people around him. The fleet expanded as Lady Audrey, a 114ft Hatteras arrived, then soon joined the very fishy Little Audrey 2 a 34ft Pirate. Extraordinary came along just after covid and then just as Phil had always said he would get a 86ft Hatteras. Phil & Vicky while on a trip to America to look at a 92ft Viking, spotted a (just listed) 82ft Viking that blew them away. Phil fished to the end, enjoying the Bahamas and then when the boat landed in Australia headed straight off to Cairns where he got to fish the heavy tackle season one last time. He got to enjoy fishing with Vicky and his mates one last time. Phil was one huge character and he will be sadly missed. RIP Phil. We will remember you, Tightlines.
The SGFC Children's Hospital Christmas Party 10/12/2022
SGFC again hosted the patients and their families from the Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick. The weather gods did not let us down with a bright and sunny day. This day is a special day for the patients and their families as they get to relax enjoy a little. The parents are so grateful the club holds this day and it is a day they look forward to every year. We have a lot of returning families and we saw 2 new families come this year. This day is not possible without the help and support of club members, volunteers, sponsors and helpers so I would like to take this moment and thank a few people. Big thanks to Mohamed Fettayleh from ABU AHMAD Butchery who kindly donated all the meat for the day. Mohamed went above and beyond with the supply of meat. Everyone commented on how good the meat was so I am sure you will be getting some new customers. Big thanks to Doyles for supplying chips, nuggets and fish cocktails, delicious as always! Thanks to Centennial Park delicatessen for the Christmas tree which was well furnished with presents this year. To all the boat owners skippers and crew who took the patients out on a harbour cruise this is one of the highlights of the day for patients and families: Shoki , Isola , Tainui, Astrid, On Call and Tantrum thank you! Anthony Levi and Sergio Da Silva for cooking the BBQ and other help. For those that helped on the day and some before hand Adena Shagrin, Levi, Sasha Mc Bride, Jamali, Chai, Gaye and Mark, IBW Constructions employees Josh and Vaughan, Ray, Makira Wright, Mia Wright, Lillian our clown along with her helpers Sarina, Jordan, Angelina. And of course the Sydney Water Police who kindly delivered Santa to the club. My oh my what a jolly Santa we had this year. Thank you Santa you were amazing. Thank you all so much for the help as it could not happen without you.
Click here to watch video of the day
Till next year
This article featured in the Sunday Telegraph last weekend as a response to public interest around the Watsons Bay Wharf Upgrade which has the stated goal of facilitating disabled access to ferries. Transport for NSW sough public submissions for less than 30 days in response to the initial 2 options being offered. Option 1 builds a new wharf out into the bay, facilitates disabled access, takes the ferries further from shore where they are less likely to conflict with the recreational fleet and retains the SGFC club house on the existing wharf structure. 'Option 2' would rebuild the existing wharf structure and remove the SGFC Club House from the Watsons Bay wharf, where it has existed in one form or another since 1902, to be replaced by a ferry waiting area. SGFC has also been in talks with Transport for NSW about the possibility of Option 3 whereby the some of the existing structure is retained including the SGFC Club House. It goes without saying that Option 1 and Option 3 are the only versions of the Wharf Upgrade that we will support to retaining our historic and unique Club House and continue the tradition of Watsons Bay as Sydney's first fishing village. Ed Aspden
These articles show that SGFC has had to fight to stay in Watsons Bay in the past and that we have managed to prevail in the face of adversity through strong member and community support. We have and will continue to call on this support base as we take on our next challenge and proudly speak out to retain our spot on the wharf and continue the tradition of Watsons Bay as a Game Fishing destination.
Historic article reprinted in Tightlines in 1988. Clipping from 1988 reprint in Tighlines.
This article continues looking behind the scenes at some of our club boats and their skippers
Focus on...Isola
By Greg Wall
ISOLA - The word Isola is Italian for Island. I for one, would be more than happy to spend some time marooned on this beautiful boat with cappacino machine, seakeeper gyro, joystick control, thrusters and even an electric sunroof in the air-conditioned enclosed flybridge. This Riviera 64 Sports Blue Water boat is ultimate balance of luxury boating and sports fishing where next to nothing has been compromised for either. This SGFC boat is meticulously maintained and looked after by it's two partners and lives over at the Sydney Boathouse in Rozelle. When you step onboard you know you are stepping aboard something really special. Designed with Blue Water in mind and powered by twin MAN V8 engines and a suite of Garmin electronics this beautiful beast is going to get you there in style!
Part of the Randwick Childrens Hospital Christmas Party Fleet
A master stateroom is supported by 3 additional guest rooms and 3 designer bathrooms and intelligent LED lighting throughout. The timber interior is exquisite and includes walnut and teak on the decking. Isola's owners were even kind enough to let us 'borrow' her for the day to support the Randwick Childrens Hospital Christmas party. Nice work guys! Isola will also be available for charter (Harbour Cruises or Blue Water Fishing Charters) from June 2023. Contact David Lo on 0419 437 825 for more info.
Boat Specs
Boat Name
Isola
Owner
Isola Charters Pty Ltd (Lo Family and David Cowling)
Model
Riviera 64SMY
Body Colour
White
Fly Bridge (Y/N)?
Yes
Length or OAL
69’ 8” (21.23m)
Width or Max Beam
19’ 1” (5.8m)
Hull Material
Fibreglass
Engine(s)
Twin MAN V8 Shaft 1300HP
Total Weight
43,000kg Dry
Top Speed
30Kts
Fuel Capacity
6500L
Cruising Range
365nm @26kts with 10% reserve. (to NZ or Fiji @8 kts!)
Storage Location
Sydney Boathouse
Any interesting features?
Gyro, 500l/ph Watermaker, Joystick control, 3 driving positions (Helm, aft flybridge with full control and Garmin), Cockpit Joystick for berthing, GPS station hold.
Want to see your boat featured in Tightlines?
For more info email: greg.wall@computercourses.com.au
www.kingfisher-wines.myshopify.com/
SOME CHANGES IN MINIMUM CAPTURE WEIGHTS
The anti - fishing groups (and there are several of them) have been pushing for some time to have shark captures banned and finally a petition with over 10,000 signatures forced the issue into the Upper House of the NSW Parliament. This current problem that particularly targeted Tiger sharks was exacerbated by someone on the south coast who drove around town with a large Tiger shark carcase on the bonnet of his car – not a smart move. State Fisheries and the EPA also became involved and several new agreements were reached. Firstly Tiger sharks and Blue sharks have now been designated non - table sharks against specified table sharks such as the Smooth Hammerhead, Short finned Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher and Whaler sharks and this distinction must now be made whenever a shark is bought to the weigh station ie:- This captured Mako shark will be eaten as well as used for science samples and studies or this Blue shark will be used for scientific research. The other position that was jointly taken to the State Parliament was a substantial increase in minimum weights allowed for Tiger sharks and Blue sharks. The new weights are detailed in our rules and regulations Rule 9 but as a quick example for Tiger sharks on 6 - 10kg the minimum weight has risen from 70kg to 120 kg and for Blue sharks on 6 - 10kg the minimum weight has risen from 70kg to 100kg. These increases will result in many more smaller sharks being tagged and these changes have now been accepted by Parliament and become law from September 1st , 2022. If any Tag & Release fishers tend to feel just a little bit sanctimonious because all fish are tagged, this situation with Tigers and Blue sharks is just the thin edge of the wedge and many on the “Green” side see tagging as torturing fish for your own pleasure so you may be next on the list. We all must support all parts of our sport.
Targeting Australia's Striped How to locate striped marlin along Australia's East Coast.
TOP METHODS Striped marlin can be caught with a wide range of techniques from trolling lures to pitching live baits. The key is to know which method the situation calls for. Trolling Lures Lures can help you cover a lot of ground when fish are hard to find, and certainly account for plenty of striped marlin worldwide, but where they often fail is in the hook-up rate. In fact, during a recent hot bite at Bermagui boats were reporting in as much as 20 strikes but still came home empty handed which highlights just how bad the conversion rate for striped marlin can be on lures. Some anglers run with the theory of smaller hooks catching more fish, while others prefer to run larger single hooks but the jury is still out as to which setup works best. The best advice for consistent hook-ups is to maintain attention to details like super- sharp hooks and reacting immediately when a fish is raised. Dead Baits Baits on the other hand offer a very high catch rate, especially with circle hooks. Trolling speeds for natural skip baits are considerably slower than with lures, however, meaning you can't cover ground as quickly. Because of this, skip baits are best used in productive areas like over offshore reefs or structure or where there are already concentrations of bait. And while you may not be able to cover as much water as you can with lures, when you do encounter fish the chances of a solid hook- up are very high. Live Baits When the bait really starts to stack up tightly or you locate a
SAINTLY WHISPERS
By Al McGlashan
Australia's striped marlin fishing is nothing short of world class, with large numbers of big fish possible if you know where to go. Striped marlin frequent a wide temperature range in Australia and can be found in waters anywhere from 16 to 28 degrees C, but are most comfortable in waters between 19 and 23 degrees. Their cold tolerance means that they venture further into temperate waters than any other marlin, and the striped marlin is the only marlin species to visit the more southerly Tasmanian waters. Striped marlin are prolific all across the Indo-Pacific, and while evidence points to localized concentrations in areas like Mexico's Baha Peninsula and New Zealand's North Island, Australia's East Coast is one of the most reliable destinations with a year-round fishery. GO SOUTH Striped marlin venture from Queensland's Coral Sea all the way south to Tasmania, but if you want the biggest striped marlin in the country then you need to head to New South Wales, especially the Far South Coast. Every year, striped marlin ride the East Australian Current south, congregating around places like Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Bermagui. The fishing really heats up when the slimy mackerel schools stack up over the offshore reefs and canyons, and like nature's answer to a takeaway shop, the striped marlin are quick to congregate around the counter. The best fishing occurs between January and May. After feeding heavily on the South Coast the striped marlin population migrates north along the NSW coast before branching out into the Coral Sea to spawn in the late winter and spring. Northern NSW and Gold Coast anglers can experience some good fishing as the marlin migrate through, however the bite is usually short lived as the fish continue north.
productive-looking bait ball then live baits are your best option. Slow-trolling livies around the edges of a bait concentration is absolutely dynamite on striped marlin. Running multiple baits only increases your chances of a double or even triple hook-up. Like most pelagics, striped marlin are opportunistic feeders but can be fussy and zero in on one particular prey species. This is often the slimy mackerel, which show up very distinctly on decent sounders and are easy to identify. Otherwise, you can simply "test the water" by dropping a bait jig and see what comes up. Sitting on top of a bait school with some livies out and jigging up baits can be one of the best ways to get a striped marlin's attention. In fact, when they are really on the chew getting the bait jig back before a fish nails it can be a real challenge. Switch Baiting Switch baiting gets the best out of both lures and baits. Running hookless lures at around eight knots allows you to cover the ground effectively, then once a fish is raised you pull the lures and feed a natural bait rigged on a circle hook back in its place. Striped marlin can be quite aggressive, and with this technique they will rarely refuse your offering. You'll need an alert crew that's ready to go with a rigged pitch bait the second a fish is raised. Switching is a real team effort that can be highly effective when a crew works together. Pitch Baits Pitching baits to fish tailing on the surface is a little used technique that can be deadly in the right hands. Casting a live bait is accurately on the nose of tailing fish isn't easy but the resulting bites can be explosive. Seeing the bite is what striped marlin fishing is all about! AL'S TOP STRIPER SPOTS Jervis Bay: Feb/March Port Stephens: Feb/April Ulladulla: Feb/March Bermagui: Feb/April Crowdy Head: Sept/Oct
A healthy release gives this striped marlin a chance to fight another day.
Dead baits are highly productive when targeting Australia's striped marlin over structure or around bait concentrations. All photos by Al McGlashan
www.tantrumlures.com
ADVERTISE WITH US Tight Lines ads are a great way to get your message out to your fellow members For more information please Email our club secretary Annita Flannery on secretary@sgfc.com.au
RIP Vern Padagas (The Saint) The club is sad to announce the passing on 8th October this year, of another longstanding member, Vern “THE SAINT” Padagas, aged 67 years. Vern's connection with the club began as part of the “Kingfisher” crew in the 1980's/90's, who became famous for their annual Interclub tour of duty. The crew often ended up around the 15 people mark, and legend has it that so many of the crew had video camera's that they often ended up with four hours footage of what had been a 10 minute fight. Later on, Vern acquired his own vessel, a lovely 43' Mariner “Paloma”, and that crew's most famous effort was to win the 2001 AIBT held out of Port Hacking. Vern was the owner of Sydney City Plumbing for many years, and a real character. Our Tight Lines magazine benefited from Vern's wide ranging sense of humour, with “Saintly Whispers” a must read feature for over 20 years. His later boat, a tidy Riviera aptly named “The Saint” was his pride and joy when he wound down his business interests and moved from the shire to Ettalong on the central coast. A life long St George rugby league supporter, Vern will be sorely missed. “Go The Mighty Dragons” !
Love the SAINT