Angling Competition 6th & 7th December 2025
Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club’s Sixth Competition of the 2025/2026 Season – A Strong Weekend Despite Mixed Weather
The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its sixth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of December 6th and 7th. The event lured enthusiastic anglers for one last competition prior to Christmas. Saturday morning began with excellent conditions, offering light winds and dry weather until rainfall arrived just before midday. Rain continued intermittently through the night and into mid-Sunday morning before the weather settled. Although Sunday remained windy for much of the day, conditions improved by the close of weigh-in at 5 pm. Across the weekend, anglers worked hard to turn a reel and weighed in a total of 50 fish along with two sharks, showcasing a healthy mix of species including snapper, King George whiting, trevally, flathead, leatherjacket and salmon.
In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, Harley Griffin finished first with four fish worth 65 points, followed by Byron Griffin in second place with three fish worth 50 points. The Junior Weight Competition was won by Manny Fahnle with a snapper weighing 550 grams, while the Junior Points Competition was taken out by Kolby Carton, who earned 1260 points for his King George whiting weighing 450 grams. In the senior divisions, Carrianne Peatey won the Senior Female Points Competition with a trevally worth 2016 points (1440 grams), and Michael Stefanakis secured the Senior Male Points Competition with a King George whiting worth 2044 points (730 grams). Carrianne also claimed the Senior Female Heaviest Weight Competition with a snapper weighing 1580 grams, while the Senior Male Heaviest Weight award went to Duncan Firth for his impressive 6685-gram snapper.
The Shark Competition was won by Frank Kastoras with a gummy shark weighing 2615 grams. The Secret Weight Prize was awarded to Chris Leonardos for his King George whiting weighing 680 grams, the closest match to the secret weight of 624 grams. Both the Squid/Cuttlefish and Gamefish competitions were uncontested for this round.
In keeping with post competition feasts, a barbecue meal was provided for members and was kindly sponsored by Bakers Delight Cowes. The weekend’s volunteers ensured a grand close to the weekend and a great start to the festive season, creating a welcoming atmosphere for members and supporters to celebrate the weekend’s achievements.
None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed during this competition. The members-only, competition-weekend $1000 “first-to-catch” prizes remain unclaimed and are available throughout the season for senior competitors who land an eligible species that meets or exceeds the nominated weight: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), King George Whiting (1000 grams), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), or Kingfish (25.0 kilograms). RPIAC continues to welcome junior anglers with complimentary membership for those aged 16 and under, supporting and encouraging participation in safe, sustainable, and enjoyable recreational fishing. With the Official Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Facebook page now surpassing 1000 followers, the club’s community engagement continues to grow. This was the final competition for 2025, and the RPIAC competition season will resume in the new year on the weekend of January 17th and 18th, 2026. For updates on upcoming events, competition results, and club activities, visit www.rpiac.com