Angling Competition 20th & 21st September 2025
Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Launches 2025/2026 Season with Competition and Open Day
The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) kicked off its 2025/2026 angling season this past weekend, with the first competition coinciding with the club’s annual Open Day.
Despite wet and windy weather making conditions tough for competitors, a handful of determined anglers weighed in a total of just six fish over the weekend. While the fishing was quiet, spirits remained high, and members enjoyed reconnecting for the start of the new season.
In the Senior Male Heaviest Weight Competition, Chris Leonardos took out first place with a couta weighing 635 grams. Chris also claimed victory in the Senior Male Points Competition with a King George whiting worth 1274 points (455 grams).
The Secret Weight Prize was awarded to Michael Stefanakis, whose King George Whiting weighed 440 grams, coming closest to the secret weight of 412 grams. All other categories were uncontested.
The weekend’s highlight came on Sunday with the RPIAC Open Day, which drew a strong crowd despite the weather. Members, families, and visitors enjoyed the community atmosphere, raffles, and Fishing Car Boot Sale supporting junior anglers.
Special guest Peter “Fergy” Ferguson, well known from Fishin’ with Fergy, delivered an engaging talk on how anglers can improve their snapper fishing. His insights into seasonal patterns, bait selection, and local conditions gave attendees plenty of tips to put into practice this season.
The raffle was also a major attraction. The top prize—a day’s fishing with Fergy himself—was won by Margaret Bowers, while the second prize, an Atomic fishing rod, went to Len Petch.
None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed, and the members-only, competition weekend, $1000 first-to-catch prizes for senior competitors stay banked. The incentives up for grabs are for eligible species that equal or exceed the nominated weight and include King George Whiting (1000 grams), Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).
All junior anglers who participate receive complementary membership to RPIAC, allowing them to compete for prizes and the club championships in the Squidgie (anglers aged 9 or younger) and Junior (anglers aged 10 to 16) categories.
At the post-competition presentation, anglers and supporting members were treated to a sausage sizzle generously sponsored by Bakers Delight in Cowes. The club also acknowledged the support of Clip’n’Climb Cowes, who have donated a prize to be awarded later this season.
The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club, located on Beach Road, Rhyll, adjacent to the boat ramp, prides itself on being a family-friendly club that promotes responsible and sustainable fishing practices. With 12 competitions scheduled this season, members and newcomers alike have plenty of opportunities to get involved.
For more information about the club, competitions, and upcoming events, visit www.rpiac.com
