FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Members, Dear Members, As winter's cooler temperatures set in, we eagerly anticipate the water temperatures dropping as well, paving the way for the delights of winter fishing. Notably, we look forward to the arrival of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Albacore, and Yellowfin. It's only a matter of time before they make their appearance. When they do, ensure you are part of the action by entering the SGFC Yearly Tuna Slam. Details for entry can be found inside. Traditionally, we hold the Geoff Woolley Memorial Monster Mako Tournament in August. This year, we have rescheduled it to the first weekend of September, with a one-day shootout on September 7th. The tournament will maintain the traditional 15kg line-only rule and circle hooks for sharks and live bait. For those who prefer trolling for Tuna, normal hooked rigged lures are permitted. Please remember that it is now time to renew your membership and ensure all outstanding bar accounts are settled. I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the prize winners during the central zone rounds. We look forward to celebrating your achievements at our upcoming presentation night in August. Club Fund Raiser - we are raising funds to go towards new club pylons which have nearly come to the end of their lifespan, so we asking members to buy a raffle ticket for $20 and we have some fantastic prizes thanks to some great club members. Don't hesitate to give Annita a call either early in the morning or late at night as she is always available to take some much needed cash! Tightlines Glenn Wright
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 Tuna Slam June, July, August 2024 Renewals due 1st July invoices will be sent out from the 1st July July 2024 1st - SGFC Tuna Slam continues + Winter Pointscore 2nd - Club Meeting 26th to 28th NSWGFA AGM 30th - Committee Meeting August 2024 Winter point score finishes first weekend in August 1st - SGFC Tuna Slam continues + Winter Pointscore 6th - Club Meeting 26th to 28th NSWGFA AGM 29th - Committee Meeting 31st - SGFC Club Presentation
Raffle Time The club has put to together a raffle it is $20 a ticket, if you buy 5 you will get a bonus ticket. * 1st Prize $2400 Tag Heur watch (comes with a valuation certificate) * 2nd prize 4x tickets to Iron Maiden @ Qudos Arena * 3rd prize 4x Tickets to The doors Alive (Tribute) * 4th prize SGFC pack Raffle is drawn 31st August at presentation. You do not need to be present to win You can pay via CC , cash or Acc. If you can help sell some that would be great as well. Send me a txt: Annita on 0402 615 814 Pic below are real tickets but those ones have already been sold.
Tantrum with a Striped Marlin
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the IGFA held its Oceania Regional Council Meeting at the historic Sydney Game Fishing Club (SGFC) clubhouse in Sydney, Australia. IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher, President Jason Schratwieser, and Global Relations Manager Andy Saldana, joined IGFA Representatives and industry leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, who convened to address issues within the region's angling community and discuss future plans of the IGFA Oceania Regional Council.
IGFA Oceania Regional Council Meeting 2024: Advancing Angling and Conservation in the Region
Attendees discussed conservation, regulations, and ways to promote angler recognition and education. The IGFA Oceania Regional Council outlined plans to empower anglers and foster ethical practices.
The IGFA appreciates IGFA Trustee and Oceania Regional Council Chair, Brett Cleary, for organizing this event and leading the Oceania Council. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Sydney Game Fishing Club for graciously hosting the meeting in Sydney. Additionally, we wish to express our appreciation to IGFA Trustee and Chair of the Oceania Regional Council, Brett Cleary, for leading the charge in organizing this important event and spearheading the efforts of the Oceania Council.
Attendees engaged in discussions ranging from conservation efforts and regulatory concerns to opportunities to better promote angler recognition and education activities in the region. Over the course of the meeting, members of the IGFA Oceania Regional Council outlined ambitious plans for the coming years, emphasizing the importance of leveraging educational initiatives to empower anglers and help create a new generation of ethically minded recreational anglers. A highlight of the meeting were the insightful presentations delivered by distinguished speakers, including IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. Julian Pepperell and representatives from Tuna Champions, shedding light on critical conservation strategies, and highlighting the significance of collective action in safeguarding marine biodiversity. The event also welcomed special guest Ian Bladin, President of the Game Fish Association of Australia (GFAA) whose presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the interests of the angling community.
The IGFA Oceania Regional Council Meeting 2024 promoted dialogue, collaboration, and commitment to advancing recreational angling. It reaffirmed the resolve to promote responsible angling, conservation, and education for current and future anglers. In conclusion, the IGFA Oceania Regional Council Meeting 2024 served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the interests of recreational angling in the region. As the angling community continues to navigate evolving challenges, the event reaffirmed the collective resolve to promote responsible angling practices, conservation efforts, and education initiatives for the benefit of present and future generations of anglers.
IGFA President Jason Schratweiser, left, and Chairman Roy Cronacher, right, present GFAA Historian, John McIntyre with an IGFA certificate of recognition. Furthermore, attendees were treated to a presentation by John McIntyre, GFAA Historian, who was honored with an IGFA certificate of recognition for his unwavering dedication to the sport and its rich history.
The 2024 SHIMANO PORT HACKING 100 Congratulations to all the winners , Great to see the NSW junior Team taking out champion Boat Capture on the boat TANTRUM from SGFC !! On the Tag & Release side it was very very close with alot of boats tagging two fish , just came down to line class and a count back almost giving broken bay Boat Kalastaa 3 tournaments in a row in central zone with JB boat Miss Behavin taking out the champion boat Tag & Release, Kalastaa second place and Murrifin third place in tag and Release!! Well done to all boats who competed and won prizes it was an awesome weekend.
Terry Wright, Sydney's longest-serving butcher, worked until the age of 82 at his renowned butcher shop on Clovelly Road, Randwick. The youngest of ten children, Terry was born to George Wright, a butcher who operated shops in Maroubra, Balmain, and Randwick during the Depression years. The family moved to Batlow during the tough times but returned to Clovelly Road, Randwick, after World War II. Despite his father's wish for him to attend the elite Catholic boarding school, Riverview College, Terry chose Engadine Boys Town. Strictly speaking, he was not eligible for this home for wayward boys, but George persuaded Father Tom Dunies that it was in Terry's best interest. Inspired by a film starring Spencer Tracy, Terry was determined to go there. At Boys Town, Terry learned his trade and developed a passion for boxing. After completing his schooling, Terry returned to the Clovelly Road butcher shop, restored it, and secured the freehold of the building. Ready for the challenges of business, marriage, and raising a family, Terry quickly became known around Sydney for his quality meat. Customers came from all over to purchase from Terry Wright, the butcher. His contributions to the meat industry were recognized when he was added to the Sydney Food Hall of Fame in 2005. Terry's interests extended beyond butchery. He was an avid fisherman and explorer, having visited nearly every outback pub across Australia. He travelled extensively by road, train, and plane, often stopping for a drink at various outback pubs. One of his more remarkable journeys was a 30-day expedition to Antarctica on a Russian exploration ship, where he enjoyed helicopter flights over the continent. Fishing played a significant role in Terry's life. He loved participating for Sydney Game Fishing Club and started fishing with Glenn on Tantrum. He fished in all the Central Zone tournaments and once won a raffle held by Botany Bay, earning a prize to fish in Vanuatu. Terry cherished his famous trips to Lord Howe Island, going on seven of these adventures over the years. He enjoyed trolling non-stop for two days towards Elizabeth Reef, catching everything from marlin and yellowfin tuna to dolphin fish, kingfish, and numerous sharks. After these fishing adventures, Terry would often return home saying, "I’ve got to get home; I’ve got work to do." Terry Wright's legacy as a dedicated butcher, adventurous spirit, and beloved family man will be remembered by many. His contributions to the community and his passion for life have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Vale Terry Wright 08/03/1934 - 12/06/2024
www.tantrumlures.com
STRIPED MARLIN SATELLITE TAGGING - DPI NSW "DPI is undertaking this project in collaboration with the Australian National Sportfishing Association (NSW) and NSW Game Fishing Association." "Another striped marlin satellite tagged & exciting project news! Firstly, the sixth satellite tag this season has been deployed by Al McGlashan, this time wide of Sydney at the end of March. The fish was caught bait and switching and was a well-conditioned, healthy striped marlin estimated at 80kg. We have also received interesting data back from two previously tagged striped marlin with the tags detaching from the fish and transmitting data via satellite back to the NSW DPI team. The second striped marlin tagged by the McGlashan team whilst fishing off Jervis Bay on 13 January has transmitted data with the satellite tag detaching after 61 days. Modelling of the data received shows that the fish headed in a NE direction to deep offshore waters SE of Taupo Seamount (over 350 km off the NSW coast) at the end of January before steadily tracking back on a SW bearing to a point approx. 250 km SW of Cape Howe at the Victoria–New South Wales border. The marlin then headed north at the beginning of March, working its way back towards the continental shelf off Bermagui and then heading south back towards the shelf edge off Cape Howe when the tag detached from the fish in mid-March. The depth profile data shows that the fish undertook the typical yo-yo oscillations of striped marlin recorded in other worldwide studies. This is thought to be associated with foraging and hunting prey with the fish typically diving from surface waters, down to 50- 150 m interspersed with a few deeper dives to over 200 m with one dive reaching more than 400 m. These dives occurred regularly, multiple times a day over the two months. The striped marlin spent most of its time in surface waters over 21°C with more than 60% of its time in water 22°C - 25°C. The lowest temperatures were recorded on several deep dives – with the lowest temperatures recorded being 12 °C."
A SEA-RIOUSLY FUNNY COLLECTION OF FISHING JOKES Why do fish always know how much they weigh? Because they have their own scales! What do you get when you cross a snowman and a shark? Frostbite! What do you call a fish that wears a bowtie? Sofishticated! Why did the fisherman quit fishing? Because he was hooked on it! What kind of fish do you find in a nightgown? A nightcrawler! Why did the crab never share? Because he was a shellfish! Why don’t fish play basketball? Because they are afraid of the net!
What do you call a fish that plays soccer? A goalfish! What did the fish say when he swam into a wall? Dam. What’s a fish’s favourite instrument? A bass guitar. What do you call a fish that wears a tuxedo? Fin-ally dressed! What do you call a fish that can sing? A tune-a fish! Why did the fisherman stop telling jokes? Because he kept getting the punchline wet! What do you call a fish that wears jokes? A clown fish! What do you call a fish that likes to garden? A koi-culture! Why are fish so smart? Because they are always in schools! What do you call a fish that loves to watch movies? A film-eel!
Love the SAINT
SAINTLY WHISPERS
The second interesting point was around how the boat made their distress radio call. Apparently the first Mayday call had longitude and latitude, but was in decimal rather than degrees. This seems such an easy mistake - maybe someone had been fiddling with the settings on your MFD not realising the impact. The result was that boats headed to the location in the Mayday call, but didn’t find a boat there. Some learnings from the presentation to address this:
Some important tips on using your radio At our club meeting on 7th May, we had a very informative presentation from Marine Rescue Port Jackson, which covers most of our fishing area. If you missed it, you really missed out on a very interesting and relevant discussion. The presentation slides are up on our website, but I thought it might be useful to share some of the key points. The weekend before, during the Port Hacking competition, there was an unfortunate event with a boat sinking during the comp. They were shark fishing, and had been fishing for 6h when they suddenly noticed the boat was going under. There were two issues I found interesting. First, someone went back into the submerged cabin to grab the Epirb. They came out with the fire extinguisher. Storing this so that it can easily float free, or at least very accessible is critical. We also discussed using the Life Cell, which can also function as a floatation device. And how storing that in the bathroom or “out of the way” probably isn’t the most sensible idea.
In a Mayday situation, use the red DISTRESS button on your radio. If you press this down for 4 seconds, it will send out your GPS location and boat details to all AIS equipped vessels in the area. For a Mayday call, cover your location, situation (eg: “we have 3 POB”) and intention (eg: “we are jumping off”). Wait 2 minutes, and then repeat if no response If you are another boat that hears a Mayday call, resist the temptation to jump on the radio and offer assistance or advice. Keep the channel clear for Base to respond. If Base then asks if there are boats in the area, and you can assist, then you can respond. If you hear a Mayday call, it’s a really really really good idea to have a pen and pad handy near the helm, so you can write down the location. You may need to relay this Mayday message if the boat is out of range or unable to repeat. In this situation you’d call Base with “Mayday Relay” rather than “Mayday Mayday” Obviously getting a boat that can help to the right location is time critical. The Marine Rescue boats have a direction sensor, which can help guide the vessel to the bearing that your call is coming from. Even better would be to install an AIS B transponder on your boat, which is what most commercial boats must have. They aren’t that expensive, and use your VHS antennae. That way any boat in the area with an AIS compatible MFD can help, and they’ll probably get to you a lot faster than Marine Rescue. Some other interesting points: - When some kind of problem does occur - say you’ve just hit a shipping container at speed-your focus as skipper should be: a. Navigate - eg: straighten the boat, point into the swell, is your boat functioning? b. Check your crew - is anyone injured? Is anyone missing? c. Communicate - once you’ve assessed the situation, then get on the radio and communicate this information clearly. - Make sure you understand the difference in calls: a. Mayday Mayday - imminent threat to life, urgent assistance required b. Pan Pan - you have an injury or serious problem. But the boat isn’t sinking just yet - you just need assistance as soon as possible c. Assistance required - you’ve had a mechanical problem, you’ve run out of fuel, you’ve got a rope around your props. You need a tow back to port - Marine Rescue are self funded. They get some government assistance, but most of their running costs come from donations. If you do need to get towed back, make sure your donation at the very least covers their fuel & running cost. You should know that towing a boat will take a lot of fuel. Don’t be like the ASSh4T that got towed back in from Brown’s Mountain and gave them $50