Angling Competition 7th & 8th December 2024
Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club’s Sixth Competition Wraps Up for Christmas
The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its sixth angling competition of the 2024/2025 season over the weekend of December 7th and 8th. Despite challenging weather conditions, with high winds and rain challenging the determination of participants, the event lured enthusiastic anglers for one last competition prior to Christmas.
The weigh-ins at the clubrooms on both days brought an array of impressive catches. A total of 32 fish were weighed in, and the weekend’s species included snapper, King George whiting, flathead, salmon, trevally, sharks, tuna, and calamari. Members across all age groups were there, underscoring the club’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable angling, and fostering a love of fishing among its youngest members.
In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, for anglers aged 9 and under, Saige Nicolaci claimed the win with two fish earning 40 points, while Byron Griffin and Harley Griffin each caught one fish, earning 20 points each as runners-up. In the Junior category for anglers aged 10 to 16, Manny Fahnle blitzed the Points and Weight competitions, with a King George Whiting earning 1,442 points (515 grams) and a snapper weighing an impressive 2,645 grams, respectively.
The Senior Points competitions showcased strong performances, with Carrianne Peatey winning the female category with a King George Whiting worth 812 points (290 grams), and Trevor Gleeson securing the male category with a hefty King George Whiting worth 1,876 points (670 grams). In the Senior Weight competitions, Kate Jinnette landed a snapper weighing 1,585 grams, and Albert Abram reeled-in a 3,900-gram snapper. The Shark category saw a standout catch by Frank Kastoras, whose school shark tipped the scales at 17,200 grams.
With the first Game Fish prize for the season, James Nicolaci brought home a clean 4,100-gram tuna, and Alexander Bowden won the Squid/Cuttlefish competition with a 1,465-gram calamari. The Secret Weight Prize went to Steve Degering for his 435-gram King George whiting, coming closest to the secret weight of 442 grams.
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.
With the fishing season heating up there are still four $1,000 “first-to-catch” incentives up for grabs for members who land extraordinary catches during competition weekends, which meet or exceed the nominated weights: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).
The RPIAC angling competition resumes on the 18th and 19th of January 2025 and there are many opportunities to participate in the weekend competitions and compete for the club championships. The RPIAC wishes everyone safe and enjoyable fishing throughout the holiday season. For further updates on upcoming events and competitions, visit the RPIAC website at www.rpiac.com.
