With light winds and great weather on Saturday, and wind and abundant rain on Sunday, the 11^th Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) angling competition for the 2024/2025 season, held over the 15^th and 16^th of March, was a great success.  Anglers ventured around the waters of Phillip Island in search of some worthy catches.  At the close of weigh-in at 5:00 pm on Sunday the weekend’s tally was 39 fish, 1 shark, 1 game fish, and 1 cephalopod, ensuring the weekend’s Weigh-in Masters, Martin Xuereb, Duncan Firth, and Paul Goodwin, were fully engaged.  The eligible species caught throughout the weekend included King George whiting, snapper, kingfish, salmon, mackerel, flathead, gummy shark, and cuttlefish.

RPIAC encourages all anglers to develop skills and awareness of sustainable and responsible angling and welcomes young anglers to engage in their angling competitions, offering complementary membership to children aged 16 and under.  Participation involves bringing eligible species, caught during the competition weekend, to weigh-in at the RPIAC clubroom.

The weigh-in windows, between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, provided a forum for lively conversations and fishing tales to reveal the secrets of the deep, the weekend’s hotspots and the best techniques.  Thanks to the weekend’s volunteers, Jill, Lorraine, Karen, Julie, and Ron, anglers and supporters were re-energised with beverages, barbecue sausages, and baked potatoes with cheese and coleslaw after the post-competition presentation.

The Squidgie Mixed Bag Points competition, for participants aged 9 and under, was another magnificent contest with Byron Griffin winning the Squidgies competition with 1 fish worth 20 points.

The Junior competition, for anglers aged 10 to 16, saw Ryan Brett claim prizes for the Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions.  Ryan caught a great 1225-gram snapper, and a monster mackerel worth 1015 points (725 grams).

The Senior Heaviest Weight competitions were won with some impressive catches.  Robert Monk and Lauren Wright delivered the biggest and the best in the weight competition, weighing-in a 1935-gram snapper and a 710-gram salmon, respectively.  The Senior Points competitions were won by Michael Stefanakis and Anne-Marie Richards with some chunky King George whiting.  Michael weighed-in a beast worth 1722 points (615 grams), and Anne-Marie had a beastie worth 1456 points (520 grams).  The gummy shark of the weekend, with a clean weight of 3025 grams, was caught by Brendan Garlepp to win the shark prize.  James Nicolaci impressed everyone, setting a new RPIAC record for a Kingfish with a gross weight of 16200 grams, surpassing the previous record of 15250 grams.  James’ Kingfish won the game fish prize with a clean weight of 14600 grams.  The Squid/Cuttlefish competition was won by Robert Monk, who caught a kraken cuttlefish, weighing 3220 grams.  The Secret Weight prize was awarded to Sam Orr for his 565-gram King George whiting, which was closest to the weekend’s magic number (secret weight 562 grams).

With one more fishing competition remaining in the season, the odds of claiming an RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentive are fading.  Each competition weekend has angling members mindful of the $1000 first-to-catch prizes for eligible species that equal or exceed the nominated weight.  Only one of these have been claimed this season (King George Whiting greater than 1000 grams), and some possibilities remain: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

The RPIAC clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Fridays (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh in.  The final angling competition for the 2023/2024 season will be held over the weekend of the 29^th / 30^th March 2025, where the Squidgie and Junior Club Champions will be announced.  For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

None of the $1000 first-to-catch prizes offered in this season’s RPIAC members Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed this weekend.  Whilst the 1000-gram King George whiting prize was claimed in November, and 2 weekend competitions remain, angling members are optimistic about catching any of the 4 remaining eligible species that equals or exceeds the nominated weight: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC encourages all anglers to develop skills and awareness of sustainable and responsible angling and welcomes young anglers to engage in their angling competitions, offering complementary membership to children aged 16 and under.  Participation involves bringing eligible species, caught during the competition weekend, to weigh-in at the RPIAC clubroom between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday and/or Sunday.  At Sunday’s competition conclusion a post-competition presentation celebrates the camaraderie and outstanding efforts of all angling members and supporters.  Pizza and garlic bread fed this weekend’s attendees, followed by some delicious slice delights.

The Squidgie Mixed Bag Points competition, for anglers aged 9 and under, was a close contest and opportunities to participate in the last few competitions are still available.  Saige Nicolaci caught 3 fish, worth 50 points to finish the weekend in second place, whilst Harley Griffin caught 3 fish, worth 55 points to take out first place.  Saige and Harley were thrilled to win Clip ‘n Climb Phillip Island prizes and are fully prepared to scale new heights with some indoor climbing.  The Junior competition, for anglers aged 10 to 16, was dominated by RPIAC’s reigning Junior Champion, Denver Firth.  Denver weighed in a 415-gram snapper, to claim the Junior Weight competition, and a King George whiting worth 1386 points (495 grams) to win the Junior Points competition.

The Senior Heaviest Weight competitions were won by Brendan Garlepp and Carrianne Peatey, each weighing in a snapper, of 2515 grams and 1505 grams, respectively.  The Senior Points competitions were won by Trevor Gleeson and Tenille Preddice.  Trevor had a massive tailor, worth an impressive 2213 points (885 grams), whilst Tenille scored 1246 points (445 grams) with a King George whiting.  With no entries in the Game Fish competition or Squid/Cuttlefish competition only 2 possibilities for a prize remained.  In the Shark competition, Martin Xuereb, won with a cleaned gummy shark, weighing 14100 grams, and Michael Stefanakis was awarded the Secret Weight prize for a 425-gram King George whiting, which was closest to the secret weight (421 grams).

The RPIAC clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Fridays (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh in.  The next angling competition is scheduled for the weekend of the 15^th / 16^th of March 2025.  There are still many opportunities to take part in the scheduled angling competitions and compete for comp-weekend prizes and the club championships.  For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

This past weekend, the Rhyll Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its eagerly anticipated 9th angling competition, marking another interesting chapter in the 2024/2025 season.  The event, held on the 15th and 16th of February, saw anglers of all ages shaken but not stirred, under conditions that could only be described as challenging for the sport.

As the competition kicked off at the stroke of midnight on Friday, just after Valentine’s Day finished, participants were greeted with difficult weather conditions, featuring strong winds, rain, and hail.  The clubrooms buzzed with activity during the 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm weigh-ins on Saturday and Sunday where anglers presented their prized catches as supporters were bemused.

With a total of 21 fish and 1 shark entered in the competition, there were stories of both disappointment and success.  Eligible species, encountered over the weekend, included King George whiting, snapper, flathead, pike, and gummy shark.  The RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives for eligible species, caught by members on competition weekends, stay banked with 3 more competitions remaining.  With only 1 of the $1000 first-to-catch prizes claimed this season, anglers remain optimistic about catching a remaining eligible species that equals or exceeds the nominated weight: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC welcomes young anglers, offering complementary membership to children aged 16 and under, encouraging them to develop their skills and awareness of sustainable and responsible angling.  The post-competition presentation awards celebrated the outstanding efforts of all angling members.  Anglers aged 9 and under, in the Squidgie Mixed Bag competition, excelled to catch fish and outdo their peers.  Saige Nicolaci, Harley Griffin and Byron Griffin continued with their angling excellence and were thrilled with a three-way tie for first place in the Squidgies’ competition, each catching 1 fish worth 20 points.  The Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions, for anglers aged 10 to 16, also showcased the upcoming talent within the club, with Denver Firth taking home the heaviest weight prize for his impressive 570-gram pike.  Gus Fahnle triumphed in the junior points category with a King George whiting, amassing 1,204 points for a 430-gram fish, demonstrating skill in tough conditions.

The Senior Heaviest Weight competitions were no less competitive.  Brendan Garlepp claimed the male category’s Senior Heaviest Weight prize with a 1275-gram snapper.  Carrianne Peatey won the female Senior Heaviest Weight prize after she caught a snapper weighing 1115 grams.  The Senior Points competitions were won by Duncan Firth and Tenille Preddice, each catching King George whiting, worth 1736 points (620 grams), and 1596 points (570 grams), respectively.  Despite an abundance of mini-gummies in Westernport, 1 gummy met the RPIAC criteria of a partial length greater than 60 cm.  The best of the weekend, with a clean weight of 3415 grams, was caught by Nigel Firth to win the shark prize.  The Squid/Cuttlefish and Gamefish competitions were uncontested.  The Secret Weight Competition saw Mark Griffin closest to the mark with a King George Whiting that weighed in at 285 grams (secret weight 252 grams).

The event concluded on a high note on Sunday, with the club providing a delightful meal of roast chicken and salad for its members, celebrating the community spirit and the shared passion for angling.  With thanks to all volunteers, including Matt, Chris, and Nikky, no one left hungry or dehydrated, and the weekend’s supporters certainly made this another successful competition. The RPIAC clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Fridays (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh in.  The next angling competition is scheduled for the weekend of the 1^st and 2^nd of March 2025.  There are still many opportunities to participate in the scheduled angling competitions and compete for comp-weekend prizes and enter the club championships.  For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

Each day’s weigh-in, between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, kept the weigh-in masters busy as a total of 54 fish, 2 sharks, and 1 game fish were recorded.  The eligible species included snapper, whiting, salmon, leather jackets, flathead, mackerel, gummy shark, and a Kingfish.  The weather was steamy as club members gathered for the post-competition awards presentation to acknowledge extraordinary feats.  An equally extraordinary feast of barbecue sausage submarines were kindly sponsored by Brett and Jillian Slade and Bakers Delight Cowes, made possible by the RPIAC’s exceptional weekend-volunteer catering team, embodying the club’s spirit of generosity and community, to close-out a magical weekend.

Whilst the conditions allowed many hours of fishing the elusive RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives remain banked.  With the 1 kilogram King George whiting prize claimed last year by Nigel Firth, none of the four remaining members-only, competition weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes, were claimed.  However, anglers remain optimistic that they will catch an eligible species that equals or exceeds the nominated weight: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC encourages participation in recreational angling and welcomes newcomers to learn more about participation in the club’s activities.  RPIAC offers complimentary membership to children, aged 16 and under, so they can develop skills and an awareness of sustainable and responsible angling. 

With holidays over, RPIAC celebrated some great achievements in the Squidgie category, for anglers aged nine and under.  With many anglers returning empty-handed, Harley Griffin and Byron Griffin impressed everyone in a two-way tie for first place in the Squidgie Mixed Bag competition, each catching 5 fish worth 70 points.  The Junior Weight competition was uncontested, whilst the Junior Points competition saw Ryan Brett triumph and win the Junior Points prize with a pinkie snapper worth 684 points (855 grams).

The Senior Heaviest Weight competitions had the scales bouncing with some nice fish, and were won by Brendan Garlepp and Carrianne Peatey, weighing in a pair of snappers weighing 1965 grams and 1750 grams, respectively.  Flathead and King George whiting were the species responsible for victories in the Senior Points competitions.  Trevor Gleeson had the best flathead of the weekend, worth 3258 points (1810 grams), and Tenille Preddice caught a winner King George whiting, scoring 1918 points (685 grams).  With squid all around Phillip Island, none greater than the 1-kilo minimum weight made it to the weigh-in room, leaving the squid/cuttlefish competition uncontested.  The Shark competition was a tale of one winning gummy shark, weighing 3975 grams, and was brought in by Alex Bowden.  The Game Fish prize was won by Gus Fahnle for an impressive Kingfish, turning the scales to 9100 grams.  The Secret Weight prize was awarded to Jillian Slade, for a mackerel weighing 345 grams (secret weight 347 grams). The RPIAC clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Fridays (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh in.  The next angling competition will be held over the weekend of the 15^th / 16^th of February 2025.  There are still many opportunities to take part in the scheduled angling competitions and compete for comp-weekend prizes and the club championships. For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

A total of 42 fish and 5 game fish were weighed-in at the RPIAC clubrooms during the designated timeslot of 4:00 to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.  The RPIAC weigh-in master and Club Captain, Chris Leonardos, was assisted by Paul Goodwin and Russ Gallagher, ensuring the weekend’s weigh-in was swift and focussed.  The range of eligible species included snapper, King George whiting, tuna, flathead, trevally, and pike.  As Sunday’s weigh-in concluded, the results were tabulated, and the pace slowed to Island-time.  Anglers and supporters gathered at the RPIAC clubrooms, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the post-competition presentation, enjoying a meal of Cafe Bazarre pizzas, to celebrate the weekend’s achievements.  Again, a great deal of effort from volunteers, particularly Lorraine, Julie and Matt, and the great team who made the whole weekend another success.

The RPIAC’s Extraordinary Catch Incentives for eligible species, caught by members on competition weekends, remain banked.  Following Nigel Firth’s success last year with a King George whiting, which exceed 1000 grams, none of the remaining $1000 first-to-catch prizes were claimed.  Although, many remain optimistic about catching another eligible species that equals or exceeds the nominated weight: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC encourages participation in recreational angling and welcomes newcomers to learn more about participation in the club’s activities.  RPIAC offers complimentary membership to children, aged 16 and under, so they can develop skills and an awareness of sustainable and responsible angling. 

With the holiday season offering an abundance of summer recreation, the Squidgie competition, for anglers aged nine and under, celebrated the wonderful achievement of angling-gun Harley Griffin.  Harley presented 2 fish, worth 35 points, for weigh-in and claimed first place.  The Junior’s competition, for anglers aged 10 to 16, saw Jacob Magro return in style to win the Junior Points and Junior Weight prizes with a King George whiting worth 994 points (355 grams), and a mackerel weighing 280 grams, respectively.

With an abundance of fish in Westernport and the ocean-side of Phillip Island, the challenge was to find the biggest.  The Senior Heaviest Weight competitions were won by Len Bates, with a 935-gram snapper, and Tenille Preddice, with a 850-gram trevally.  James Nicolaci dominated in the Male Senior Points competition, setting a new RPIAC record, with a massive pike, reminiscent of an anaconda, worth 3995 points (3995 grams).  Tenille Preddice returned to the podium to claim the Female Senior Points competition with a sleek King George whiting, worth 1540 points (550 grams).  Despite reports of massive gummy sharks in Westernport, only the smaller specimens were being caught, and nothing close to RPIAC’s 60 cm minimum partial-length made it to weigh-in.  James Nicolaci triumphed again in the game fish competition, weighing-in a clean and chunky 17250-gram tuna.  The Secret Weight prize was awarded to Chris Leonardos, closest to the secret weight with a 345-gram King George whiting (secret weight 343 grams). The RPIAC clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Fridays (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh in.  The next angling competition will be held over the weekend of the 1^st / 2^nd of February 2025.  There are still many opportunities to take part in the scheduled angling competitions and compete for comp-weekend prizes and the club championships.  For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

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 18^th and 19^th 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.

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its fifth angling competition of the 2024/2025 season over the weekend of November 23rd and 24th.  Anglers were also competing for the prestigious Bill Wallis Trophy, which is awarded for the highest aggregate of Bill Wallis units for up to two eligible species.

Despite the hot and humid weather with periods of strong winds on Saturday and showers on Sunday morning, the event saw a solid turnout of anglers eager to participate.  A total of 50 fish, 2 sharks, and 1 calamari were weighed in over the weekend.  Eligible species caught over the weekend included snapper, King George whiting, gummy shark, flathead, and trevally.

RPIAC continues to offer complimentary memberships to children aged 16 and under, fostering a future generation passionate about sustainable and responsible angling.  In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, for anglers aged up to 9, Byron and Harley Griffin each caught 1 fish worth 20 points, earning them runner-up spots.  Saige Nicolaci won the competition by catching 4 fish worth a total of 65 points.  The Junior Points and Junior Weight competitions, for anglers aged 10 to 16, were won by Jack Wright, who caught a King George whiting worth 770 points (275 grams) and a snapper weighing 915 grams.

The Senior Points competitions were won by Kate Jinnette, who caught a flathead worth 1,584 points (880 grams), and Sam Linklater, with a chunky King George whiting worth 1,820 points (650 grams).  In the Senior Weight competitions, Debra Orr and Martin Xuereb were winners with impressive snappers tipping the scales at 3,040 grams and 6,790 grams, respectively.

The Shark competition was won by Sam Orr, whose clean gummy shark weighed 4,910 grams.  James Nicolaci won the Squid/Cuttlefish competition with a southern calamari weighing 1,470 grams.  Chris Leonardos took the Secret Weight prize with a snapper weighing 3,685 grams, closest to the secret weight of 3,614 grams.

The Bill Wallis Trophy was awarded to Martin Xuereb, who had the highest aggregate of 6,790 Bill Wallis units.  Martin’s name will be etched onto the trophy, leaving a lasting impression for future generations of RPIAC anglers.

This competition also marked the close of the Heaviest Snapper Competition, kindly sponsored by Trevor Thompson, which ran during the RPIAC angling competitions in October and November.  At the close of the angling competition on Sunday at 5 pm, the heaviest snapper, weighing 6,865 grams, was caught by James Nicolaci, who claimed the $500 prize.

Only 4 first to catch, members only, competition weekend incentives for extraordinary catches remain for members in this angling competition season.  The nominated species for a first-to-catch $1,000 prize, for fish equal to or exceeding the nominated weight, are: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC anglers eagerly await the next competition on the weekend of December 7th and 8th, 2024. For further details on upcoming events and club activities, visit the RPIAC website at:  www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its fourth competition of the 2024/2025 angling season over the weekend of November 9th and 10th.  The event drew enthusiastic participation from angling members, eager to showcase their skills and enjoy a weekend of competitive fishing.  A total of 79 fish, 5 sharks, and 1 calamari were weighed during the competition.

The weekend’s weather included clouds, wind, a little rain, ample sunshine, and mild temperatures, making for an overall pleasant fishing experience.  The competition, which began at midnight on Friday and concluded at 5 pm on Sunday, featured some outstanding catches, including snapper, King George whiting, trevally, flathead, sharks and calamari.

RPIAC encourages participation in recreational angling, and children aged 16 and under receive complimentary membership to the angling competitions to develop skills and an interest in sustainable and responsible angling.  The Squidgies Mixed Bag competition, for participants aged 9 and under, saw Byron Griffin secure first place by catching five fish worth 90 points, while Harley Griffin came in second place with four fish worth 70 points.  The Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions for anglers aged 10 to 16 saw Thomas Grogan triumph with a snapper weighing 2,800 grams and a trevally worth 1,190 points (850 grams), respectively.

In the Senior Female Heaviest Weight category, Kim Muscat emerged victorious with a snapper weighing 4,070 grams.  James Nicolaci took the Senior Male Heaviest Weight prize with a snapper weighing 6,865 grams.  James now leads the race for the $500 Heaviest Snapper prize with one competition weekend remaining.  Lauren Wright won the Senior Female Points competition with a King George whiting worth 1,414 points (505 grams), and Nigel Firth captured the Senior Male Points competition with a King George whiting worth 2,898 points (1,035 grams), also earning the $1000 Extraordinary Catch Incentive for his whiting, which exceeded 1,000 grams.

The RPIAC’s Extraordinary Catch Incentives celebrate exceptional catches and with the incentive for King George whiting being claimed this weekend, only four $1,000 incentives for angling members with extraordinary catches during a competition weekend remain.  The four eligible species remaining for each first-to-catch $1,000 prize, by equalling or exceeding the nominated weight, are: Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

Timothy Fahnle claimed the Shark Competition prize with a Gummy shark weighing 16,050 grams, while Alex Bowden won the Squid/Cuttlefish prize for a calamari weighing 1,290 grams.  Brian Bowers won the Secret Weight prize for his snapper, which weighed 2,690 grams (the secret weight being 2,641 grams).

The RPIAC eagerly anticipates the next competition on the weekend of November 23rd and 24th.  Anglers will also be competing for the prestigious Bill Wallis Trophy, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.  For further details on upcoming events and club activities, visit the RPIAC website at www.rpiac.com.

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its 3rd weekend angling competition for the 2024/2025 season on the weekend of October 19-20, 2024.  This year, the competition coincided with the highly anticipated 2024 Phillip Island MotoGP event, allowing anglers to maximize their experiences in both angling and motorsport.

Competitors gathered to fish in the beautiful waters surrounding Phillip Island, including Western Port Bay and Bass Strait, targeting a variety of saltwater species.  Despite starting with some rain and wind, the weather improved, offering participants a gentle breeze and sunshine to cast their lines.  Over the weekend, a total of 63 fish were weighed in, featuring an impressive array of species, including snapper, King George whiting, trevally, gummy sharks, and calamari.

With recent reports of huge Snapper entering the bay, the $5,000 incentives for angling members with extraordinary catches, during a competition weekend, remains in the bank.  The five eligible species nominated for each first-to-catch $1,000 prize, by equalling or exceeding the nominated weight, are: King George Whiting (1,000 grams), Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

RPIAC encourages participation in recreational angling and children, aged 16 and under, receive complimentary membership to the angling competitions to develop skills and an interest in sustainable and responsible angling.

The competition featured several categories, with standout performances from young anglers.  In the Squidgies Mixed Bag competition for participants aged 9 and under, Harley Griffin secured second place with three fish worth 50 points, while Saige Nicolaci claimed first place with four fish worth 75 points.  In the Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions for anglers aged 10 to 16, Thomas Grogan excelled, weighing in a snapper at 770 grams and a King George whiting that earned 1288 points (460 grams) respectively.

In the senior divisions, Kate Jinnette triumphed in the Senior Female Points competition with a King George whiting worth 1442 points (515 grams).  Brian Bowers took home the Senior Male Points award with the biggest King George whiting of the season, worth a massive total of 2170 points (775 grams).  Tenille Preddice dominated the Senior Female Weight competition with a snapper weighing 2710 grams, while Trevor Gleeson secured the Senior Male Weight title with a remarkable 5610-gram snapper.  Adding excitement to the competition, RPIAC is also running a Heaviest Snapper contest for fishing weekends in October and November.  Currently, the leading catch is a 6200-gram snapper caught by Kevin Reid.  Alex Bowden had an impressive weekend, winning both the Shark competition with a massive gummy shark weighing 13,950 grams and the Squid/Cuttlefish competition with a Southern calamari weighing 1365 grams.  The Game Fish competition went uncontested, while John Wright claimed the Secret Weight prize with a trevally weighing 650 grams (secret weight 614 grams).

The post-competition presentation on Sunday was a great celebration of participation, made successful with the efforts of the volunteers on the day.  Many thanks to Peter Rowan who was the weekend’s barbecue master, and the generous assistance from RPIAC’s sponsor Bakers Delight Cowes.  The event showcased not only the talent of local anglers but also the vibrant community spirit surrounding the RPIAC.  The club is open on Fridays from 5 pm and on competition weekends from 4 pm to coincide with weigh-in.  The next competition will be held over the weekend of the 9^th / 10^th of November 2024.  For more information about upcoming events or to join the RPIAC, visit their website at www.rpiac.com.

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its second thrilling weekend-long competition of the 2024/2025 season, showcasing the talents of its members from Saturday, October 5th, through Sunday, October 6th.  The weather forecast predicted strong winds and rain, but luckily, there were brief periods where conditions calmed down, allowing anglers to make the most of the competition.

Over the weekend, a total of 42 fish were weighed in, including snapper, King George whiting, tailor, flathead, salmon, grass whiting, and trevally.  In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition for anglers aged 9 and under, Saige Nicolaci won first prize with three fish worth a total of 55 points.  Brothers Harley and Byron Griffin, reigning RPIAC Squidgie Club Champions, tied for second place, each catching one fish worth 20 points.  The Junior Points and Junior Weight competitions were both won by reigning RPIAC Junior Club Champion, Denver Firth.  Denver weighed in a technicolor grass whiting worth 700 points (175 grams) and a chunky 1415-gram salmon, respectively.

In the Senior Female Points Competition, Kim Muscat emerged victorious with a tailor worth 1350 points (540 grams).  Trevor Gleeson won the Senior Male Points Competition with a King George whiting worth 1554 points (555 grams).  Tenille Preddice claimed the Senior Female Heaviest Weight Competition with a snapper weighing 4450 grams.  Kevin Reid won the Senior Male Heaviest Weight Competition with an impressive snapper weighing 6200 grams.  Kevin is currently in the top position for the RPIAC October-November Heaviest Snapper competition, which runs during the four weekend competitions in October and November.  Angling members still have three weekend competitions to weigh in their heaviest snapper to win the $500 prize, donated by Trevor Thompson.

Using the new brag mat/catch and release system, angling members who prefer to release their snapper can “weigh-in” with photographs of their catch, where the weight of snapper will be determined by overall length.

The Shark Competition, Game Fish Competition, and Squid/Cuttlefish Competition were uncontested this time around.  The Secret Weight Prize was awarded to Brendan Garlepp for his snapper, which weighed 2515 grams, just shy of the secret weight of 2543 grams.

After the presentations, anglers and supporters were treated to a roast chicken dinner.  Special thanks to Lorraine and Nicky for their outstanding efforts in food preparation and kitchen excellence, and to Bakers Delight Cowes for their continued support.

None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed, and the members-only, competition weekend, $1000 first-to-catch prizes for senior competitors remain in the bank.  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).

With the weather set to improve, there are 10 weekend competitions remaining this season, and members can compete for weekend prizes and the club championships.  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.

The RPIAC clubrooms are open on Friday nights from 5 pm, providing a great opportunity for anglers to get hooked-up and share their fishing stories.  For more information about RPIAC and events, visit www.rpiac.com.