The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) brought the 2025/2026 angling season to a close with its final weekend competition held over March 28th and 29th, delivering a fitting finale to another successful year of fishing, and community involvement.

Weather conditions across the weekend provided mixed opportunities, with light rain and wind on Saturday making for a challenging start, before a fine and settled Sunday offered what many anglers described as the best fishing conditions of the entire competition season.

A total of 52 fish, 1 shark and 2 gamefish were weighed in across the weekend, highlighting a solid spread of catches to round out the year. Eligible species included King George whiting, flathead, snapper, trevally, mackerel, leatherjacket, pike and salmon, reflecting the diversity of fishing available across Western Port.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag competition, Byron Griffin finished in first place with five fish worth 90 points, narrowly ahead of Jude Brown, who claimed second place with five fish worth 85 points.

The junior competitors once again demonstrated their growing skill and consistency. A week after setting a new RPIAC Club Record with a 1225-gram Kingg George whiting, Kolby Carton won the Junior Points competition with another impressive King George whiting worth 1736 points (620 grams), while James Dyason secured the Junior Weight competition with a standout pike weighing 1875 grams.

In the senior categories, Peter Hall won the Senior Male Weight competition with a snapper weighing 1695 grams, while Debra Orr claimed the Senior Female Weight prize with a leatherjacket weighing 510 grams. The Senior Male Points competition was won by Matt Brown, who landed the biggest King George whiting of the weekend, worth 1820 points (650 grams). Anne-Marie Richards took out the Senior Female Points competition with a King George whiting worth 1582 points (565 grams).

The Gamefish competition was won by Duncan Firth, who weighed in a tuna of 3370 grams, while the Shark competition was claimed by Sam Treacey, presenting the largest gummy shark of the weekend weighing 12,200 grams. The Squid/Cuttlefish competition was uncontested, and the Secret Weight prize went to Brendan Anderson, whose salmon weighing 345 grams came closest to the secret weight of 311 grams.

Despite a full season of competitive fishing and mixed conditions across multiple events, the club’s Extraordinary Catch Incentives remained unclaimed for the entire season, meaning all members-only, competition-weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes will again be sought in the next season.

The conclusion of the competition also marked the announcement of the 2026 Squidgies and Junior Club Champions, recognising consistent performance across the entire season. In the Squidgies division, Jude Brown finished as runner-up with a total of 30 fish worth 535 points, while Harley Griffin was crowned 2026 RPIAC Squidgie Club Champion after catching 37 fish for a total of 655 points.

In the Junior division, Kolby Carton finished runner-up with an impressive 9694 units, while Denver Firth was named the 2026 RPIAC Junior Club Champion, finishing the season strongly with a total of 14,021 units.

The presentation concluded with a roast chicken dinner, providing members and supporters with an opportunity to reflect on the season, celebrate the achievements of anglers across all age groups, and to thank all volunteers and the competition sponsors, including Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling, Clip’n’Climb Cowes, Bakers Delight Cowes, Jim’s Bait and Tackle, and Phillip Island Marine, ensuring the event was an outstanding success.

The club’s Senior Club Champions will be announced at the RPIAC Presentation Night on April 18th, 2026, bringing the season to an official close. The RPIAC clubrooms are located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and are open to members and visitors on Fridays from 5pm and on competition weekends coinciding with weigh-in. For more information, visit the club’s official Facebook page or www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) enjoyed a huge weekend of fishing activity with the 2026 RPIAC Westernport Whiting Classic held on March 13th and 14th, overlapping with the club’s 11th angling competition of the season over March 14th and 15th.

Weather conditions across the three days ensured anglers had every opportunity to wet a line, with Saturday providing the best fishing conditions of the weekend.

The Westernport Whiting Classic proved another successful event for the club, with 99 King George whiting weighed in across the two-day open competition. The Heaviest Fish on Friday prize, sponsored by GIO Insurance, was won by Theo Kastoras with a 543-gram King George whiting. The Westernport Whiting Classic trophies were proudly sponsored by Haymes Paints, recognising the achievements of anglers across the various competition categories.

Junior competitors were well supported through prizes sponsored by Jim’s Bait and Tackle and Endeavour Fuels. The Junior Runner-up prizes were awarded to Riley Kraulis and Jay Woolley, who weighed in King George whiting of 590 grams and 202 grams respectively. The Junior Heaviest Weight prizes were won by Jarvis Rinaldi and Lenny Kell, whose King George whiting weighed 595 grams and 203 grams.

The Senior Female category, sponsored by Phillip Island Marine, saw Kelly Stevens take the runner-up position with a 636-gram King George whiting, while Kate Jinnette secured the Senior Female Heaviest Weight prize with a 641-gram fish.

In the Senior Male category, sponsored by Bendigo Bank, Andrew Holden finished runner-up with a 663-gram King George whiting, while Tas Roussos claimed the Senior Male Heaviest Weight prize with a cracking 751-gram whiting.

Two popular random draw prizes also added excitement to the event. The major random draw prize, a Viper Winch sponsored by IMEM Services, was drawn from anglers who weighed in a King George whiting and was won by Mitchell Kell. A second draw prize, a four-round golf package sponsored by the Phillip Island Golf Club, was won by Lauren Wright.

A special prize for the heaviest King George whiting over 1 kilogram, sponsored by Norglass Marine Paints, remained unclaimed, highlighting just how challenging it can be to land a truly exceptional whiting in Westernport Bay.

The Westernport Whiting Classic presentation on Saturday evening coincided with live entertainment from local band Split Shot, while anglers and supporters enjoyed a roast pork dinner sponsored by the Cowes Corner Store and Bakers Delight Cowes, helping create a lively and memorable atmosphere at the RPIAC clubrooms.

The fishing momentum continued into the RPIAC’s 11th weekend competition, which was also well attended. By the close of weigh-in, 73 fish, 2 sharks and 1 cuttlefish had been recorded by weigh-in masters Martin Xuereb and Duncan Firth. Eligible species caught during the weekend included King George whiting, flathead, snapper, tailor, mackerel, leatherjacket, pike and salmon.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag competition, Harley Griffin and Byron Griffin tied for first place, each catching six fish worth 105 points, while Jude Brown finished second with three fish worth 55 points.

The junior competitions once again showcased the club’s emerging anglers. Jack Wright won the Junior Points competition with a King George whiting worth 1428 points (510 grams), while Kolby Carton claimed the Junior Weight prize with a pike weighing 855 grams.

In the senior weight categories, Theo Kastoras won the Senior Male Weight competition with a snapper weighing 1105 grams, while Carrianne Peatey secured the Senior Female Weight prize with a snapper weighing 990 grams.

The Senior Male Points competition produced one of the highlights of the weekend, with Trevor Thompson setting a new RPIAC club record after weighing in a huge tailor worth 3150 points (1260 grams). The Senior Female Points competition was won by Leah Valente, whose King George whiting worth 924 points (330 grams) secured the prize.

The Gamefish competition was uncontested this weekend, however the Shark competition was won by Vinco Anticevic, who presented the largest gummy shark of the weekend weighing 4715 grams. The Squid/Cuttlefish competition was won by Troy Carton with a cuttlefish weighing 1295 grams, while the Secret Weight prize went to Martin Xuereb, whose 525-gram snapper came closest to the secret weight of 522 grams.

With only one competition remaining in the season, the club’s Extraordinary Catch Incentives remain unclaimed for the year, meaning all remaining eligible species prizes are still banked. Anglers will have one final opportunity to secure one of the coveted $1000 first-to-catch prizes if a fish exceeding the nominated benchmark weights is landed during the final round.

The final RPIAC angling competition for the 2025/2026 season will be held on the weekend of March 28th and 29th, 2026, when the club’s Squidgie and Junior champions for the season will also be announced.

The RPIAC clubrooms are located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and are open to members and visitors on Fridays from 5pm, as well as on competition weekends coinciding with weigh-in. For more information, visit the club’s official Facebook page or www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its tenth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of February 28th and March 1st, with fine and tropical conditions greeting anglers across both days. Barely a breeze stirred the water during daylight hours, while high humidity added to the summer feel, making for comfortable but steamy conditions on Western Port and surrounding waters.

The favourable weather translated into a strong showing at the scales, with a total of 63 fish, 3 sharks and 1 gamefish weighed in by weigh-in masters Martin Xuereb and Duncan Firth. Eligible species presented included King George whiting, flathead, snapper, mackerel, leatherjacket, pike and salmon, reflecting the healthy spread of fish currently available.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag competition, Jude Brown claimed first place with three fish worth 55 points, while Harley Griffin and Byron Griffin tied in second place, each landing three fish worth 50 points. In the junior ranks, Denver Firth secured the Junior Points competition with a quality King George whiting worth 1442 points (515 grams), while Gus Fahnle won the Junior Weight competition with a salmon weighing 815 grams.

The Senior Weight competitions featured some standout catches. Daniel Salvotelli won the Senior Male Weight prize with a massive salmon weighing 2400 grams, while Tenille Preddice claimed the Senior Female Weight competition with a pike weighing 835 grams. In the Senior Points competitions, impressive flathead dominated proceedings. Vinco Anticevic took out the Senior Male Points prize with a huge flathead worth 3384 points (1880 grams), and Lea Bowen won the Senior Female Points competition with an outstanding flathead worth 1485 points (825 grams).

The Gamefish competition was won by James Nicolaci, who weighed in an upsized Kingfish of 10,100 grams, while the Shark competition was claimed by Sam Treacey, who presented the biggest gummy shark of the weekend, weighing 13,600 grams. The Squid/Cuttlefish competition was uncontested, and the Secret Weight prize went to Troy Carton, whose snapper weighing 450 grams came closest to the secret weight of 464 grams.

Despite the productive conditions and healthy catches, the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives remain unclaimed this season. All members-only, competition-weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes are still banked, with eligible species required to meet or exceed the nominated weights of 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 season nearing its climax, anticipation continues to build that one of these remarkable benchmarks may soon be met.

Excitement is also building ahead of the highly anticipated RPIAC Westernport Whiting Classic, which will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of March. The open event welcomes anglers of all ages to compete in senior and junior divisions for prizes and trophies valued at more than $10,000. With online-only entry closing on the 11th of March, anglers have less than 2 weeks to sign up for what is shaping up to be a highlight of the Western Port fishing calendar.

The next RPIAC weekend competition will overlap with the Westernport Whiting Classic and will be held on March 14th and 15th, 2026, ensuring a big, long-weekend of fishing action. The RPIAC clubrooms, located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp, remain open to members and visitors on Friday evenings from 5 pm and during competition weekends for weigh-in. For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website:  www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its ninth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of February 14th and 15th, with anglers enjoying mild summer fishing conditions and another solid turnout at the scales. A total of 48 fish and 1 gamefish were weighed in by weigh-in masters Martin Xuereb, Duncan Firth and Andy Chihotski, keeping the clubrooms lively during the designated 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm weigh-in period on both days.

Eligible species encountered across the weekend included King George whiting, flathead, snapper, leatherjacket and salmon, reflecting the variety currently available throughout Western Port and surrounding waters.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag competition, Jude Brown delivered a standout performance to claim first place with five fish worth 90 points, while Harley Griffin finished a close second with four fish worth 70 points. The Junior Points competition was won by Kolby Carton, who presented a King George whiting worth 1106 points (395 grams). The Junior Weight competition resulted in a rare tie, with Denver Firth weighing in a salmon of 505 grams and Kolby Carton matching the mark with a leatherjacket also weighing 505 grams.

The Senior Weight competitions were hotly contested, with Mark Griffin winning the Senior Male Weight prize with a salmon weighing 1220 grams, and Jennie Rickarby claiming the Senior Female Weight competition with a salmon weighing 630 grams. In the Senior Points categories, quality whiting and flathead dominated the leaderboard. Chris Leonardos secured the Senior Male Points prize with a superb 47 cm King George whiting worth 2100 points (750 grams), while Jennie Rickarby added to her weekend success by winning the Senior Female Points competition with a flathead worth 1404 points (780 grams).

The Gamefish competition was won by James Nicolaci, who weighed in a strong Kingfish of 6585 grams, while both the Shark and Squid/Cuttlefish competitions were uncontested this weekend. The Secret Weight prize went to Sam Orr, whose King George whiting weighing 440 grams came closest to the secret weight of 443 grams.

Following the presentation of awards, members and supporters enjoyed a barbecue, generously sponsored by Bakers Delight Cowes, providing a relaxed and welcoming conclusion to another successful competition weekend.

Despite the healthy spread of fish, the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives remain unclaimed this season. All members-only, competition-weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes are still banked, with eligible species required to meet or exceed the nominated weights of King George whiting (1000 grams), snapper (10.0 kilograms), gummy shark (20.0 kilograms), mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and kingfish (25.0 kilograms). With several competitions remaining, optimism remains high that an extraordinary catch may yet be recorded.

With only weeks to go until the highly anticipated RPIAC Westernport Whiting Classic, excitement continues to build. The open competition will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of March, welcoming anglers of all ages to compete in senior and junior divisions for prizes and trophies valued at more than $10,000. Entry details and updates are available via the Official Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Facebook page and website.

RPIAC continues to promote participation in recreational angling and offers complimentary membership to juniors aged 16 and under. The clubrooms, located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp, are open on Friday evenings from 5 pm and during competition weekends for weigh-in. The next angling competition will be held on February 28th and March 1st, 2026, with members looking forward to another productive weekend on the water.

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its eighth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of January 31st and February 1st, with anglers enjoying far more cooperative fishing conditions than those experienced in the previous round. The improved weather was reflected on the scales, with a strong 55 fish, 2 sharks and 1 cuttlefish weighed in across the two days by weigh-in masters Martin Xuereb and Duncan Firth.

Anglers encountered a healthy spread of species throughout the weekend, including King George whiting, flathead, snapper, mackerel, leatherjacket, pike and salmon, keeping the weigh-in room busy and reinforcing confidence that fishing across Western Port remains productive as summer holidays conclude.

The Squidgies Mixed Bag competition proved a tight contest, with Harley Griffin and Byron Griffin finishing tied for first place after each landed two fish worth 35 points. In the junior ranks, Denver Firth delivered an outstanding performance, winning both the Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions. Denver weighed in a flathead of 1425 grams to claim the weight prize and followed up with a quality King George whiting worth 1456 points (520 grams) to secure the points title.

In the senior categories, Sam Linklater won the Senior Male Weight competition with a snapper weighing 1430 grams, while Tenille Preddice took out the Senior Female Weight competition with a flathead weighing 455 grams. The points competitions were highlighted by some quality whiting, with Chris Leonardos winning the Senior Male Points prize thanks to a 49-centimetre King George whiting worth 2366 points (845 grams). Jennie Rickarby claimed the Senior Female Points competition with a King George whiting worth 1792 points (640 grams).

The Shark Competition was won by Theo Kastoras, who weighed in a solid gummy shark of 11,100 grams, while the Squid/Cuttlefish Competition was claimed by Albert Abram with a cuttlefish weighing 1475 grams. The Gamefish Competition was uncontested this weekend. The Secret Weight Prize went to Garry Richards, whose flathead weighing 460 grams came agonisingly close to the secret weight of 463 grams.

While fishing conditions were favourable, the elusive RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives continue to evade competitors this season. All members-only, competition-weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes remain banked, with eligible species required to meet or exceed the nominated weights of King George whiting (1000 grams), snapper (10.0 kilograms), gummy shark (20.0 kilograms), mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

The weekend also served as another reminder of the exciting months ahead, with the RPIAC Westernport Whiting Classic fast approaching. The open competition will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of March, welcoming anglers of all skill levels to compete in senior and junior categories for prizes and trophies valued at more than $10,000. Entry information and updates are available via the Official Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Facebook page. RPIAC continues to promote participation in recreational angling and offers complimentary membership for juniors aged 16 and under, encouraging skill development and responsible fishing practices. The clubrooms, located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp, are open to members and visitors on Friday nights from 5 pm and on competition weekends during weigh-in. The next RPIAC angling competition will be held on February 14th and 15th, 2026, with members eager to see whether the next round might finally produce an extraordinary catch.

Easterly winds have long carried an air of mystery and folklore amongst anglers, often spoken about in hushed tones at boat ramps and tackle shops alike. Many believe that an easterly shuts fish down, pushing them off the bite or holding them deep and inactive, and this weekend did little quash that belief.

Despite the tough fishing, the weekend still delivered several highlights for the club. The competition coincided with the official announcement of the 2026 RPIAC Westernport Whiting Classic, a major open event to be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of March 2026. The competition will be open to all anglers and will feature senior and junior categories, with prizes and trophies with a total value of more than $10,000. Entry details and updates are available via the Official Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Facebook page, and anticipation is already building for what promises to be a standout event on the Westernport calendar.

The weekend also saw RPIAC host Chrissy Lomagno, a leader with WIRFAB (Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating), who ran a fishing clinic at the clubrooms. While the weather prevented participants from wetting a line, the session was extremely well attended and proved highly valuable, with plenty of practical tips, techniques, and shared knowledge exchanged with attendees. The clinic was a strong reminder that fishing is as much about learning and community as it is about what ends up on the scales.

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.

The presentation of the weekend competition results was brief due to the limited number of catches, but anglers and supporters were treated to a warm and welcome roasted chicken dinner, with special thanks extended to Bakers Delight Cowes again, for their generous sponsorship.

The Squidgies Mixed Bag competition was uncontested this weekend, as was the Junior Weight competition. However, the Junior Points competition was won by the reigning Junior Club Champion, Denver Firth, who weighed in an impressive King George whiting worth 1288 points (460 grams). In the senior categories, Tenille Preddice claimed the Senior Female Points competition with a mackerel worth 357 points (255 grams), while Duncan Firth took out the Senior Male Points competition with a cracking King George whiting worth 1904 points (680 grams). The Senior Female Weight competition was uncontested, but the Senior Male Weight prize was won by James Nicolaci, the reigning RPIAC Male Club Champion, with a snapper weighing 840 grams.

The Secret Weight prize was awarded to John Wright, who also caught the first bream of the competition season, weighing 340 grams, closest to the secret weight of 431 grams. The Gamefish, Shark and Squid/Cuttlefish competitions were also uncontested.

None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed during this competition, meaning all remaining members-only, competition-weekend $1000 first-to-catch prizes remain banked.  These prizes are for eligible species that meet or exceed the nominated weight: King George whiting (1000 grams), Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms) and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

While the easterly winds may have kept catches to a minimum, the weekend still highlighted the strength of the RPIAC community, with strong engagement, valuable learning opportunities, and exciting announcements for the season ahead. 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 RPIAC angling competition is scheduled for the weekend of 31 January and 1 February, with members hopeful for more favourable winds and better fishing conditions. 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) held its sixth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of December 6th and 7^th. 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

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its fifth angling competition of the 2025/2026 season over the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd, where anglers also competed for the prestigious Bill Wallis Memorial Trophy. Saturday provided excellent weather for the start of the weekend, and the Rhyll boat ramp carpark reached capacity by 6 am. Conditions deteriorated significantly on Sunday, with 10 mm of rain recorded by 9 am, followed by increasing winds and gusts reaching 50 km/h by the close of weigh-in at 5 pm. Despite the challenging conditions, anglers weighed in a total of 64 fish, along with 6 sharks and 2 calamari.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, Harley Griffin achieved first place with five fish worth 90 points, while Jude Brown finished second with three fish worth 55 points. The Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions were both won by Gus Fahnle, who weighed in a 1675-gram snapper and a King George whiting worth 1484 points (530 grams), respectively. In the senior divisions, Carrianne Peatey won the Senior Female Points competition with a trevally worth 1358 points (970 grams), while Mark Griffin topped the Senior Male Points competition with a stranger/grass whiting worth 1560 points (390 grams). The Senior Female Heaviest Weight competition was won by Lauren Wright with a snapper weighing 4280 grams, and the Senior Male Heaviest Weight prize went to Tony Luongo for a snapper weighing 6215 grams.

The Shark Competition was won by Clem Mifsud with an impressive 7-gill shark weighing 26,300 grams, while the Squid/Cuttlefish Competition was taken out by Mark Griffin with a Southern calamari weighing 1300 grams. The Secret Weight Prize went to Theo Kastoras, whose snapper weighed 5745 grams, closest to the secret weight of 5432 grams. The Gamefish competition was uncontested.

This competition also marked the conclusion of the $500 Heaviest Snapper Competition, and the prize was awarded to Mark Griffin, whose 6830-gram snapper caught earlier in the season remained unbeaten at the final weigh-in.

A major highlight of the weekend was the awarding of the Bill Wallis Memorial Trophy, which was won by Chris Leonardos with a total of 7175 Bill Wallis Units. Chris achieved this excellent result through the combination of a King George whiting worth 1190 points (425 grams) and a snapper weighing 5985 grams, securing the highest aggregate score for up to two eligible species. His name will now be engraved onto the historic trophy for a third time.

Anglers and supporters also enjoyed the outstanding efforts of Jill, Matt, Lea and Di, who helped in the club room and ensured everyone enjoyed the post-presentation chicken dinner.

None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed this weekend, leaving all $1000 first-to-catch competition weekend prizes still available for senior member competitors. Eligible species must equal or exceed the nominated weights for Snapper (10.0 kilograms), King George Whiting (1000 grams), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms). RPIAC continues to offer complimentary membership to junior anglers aged 16 and under, encouraging participation in responsible and sustainable fishing. The clubrooms are open on Friday nights from 5 pm and on competition weekends from 4 pm, and with the Official Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club Facebook page now boasting over 1000 followers, the club’s community presence and engagement continue to grow stronger each season. The next RPIAC fishing competition weekend will be held on December 6th and 7th, and members are already looking forward to another exciting round of competition. For more information about RPIAC, visit www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) hosted its fourth competition of the 2025/2026 angling season over the weekend of November 8th and 9th. Despite wet and windy conditions on Saturday and only slightly improved weather on Sunday, a determined group of anglers took to the water and delivered some excellent results.

A total of 36 fish and 2 sharks were weighed in, with a mix of species including snapper, King George whiting, trevally, flathead, and sharks.

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, Jude Brown finished first with 4 fish worth 75 points, while Saige Nicolaci came second with 4 fish worth 65 points.

The Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions were both won by reigning Junior Club Champion Denver Firth, who weighed in a grass whiting of 205 grams and a King George whiting worth 1120 points (400 grams), respectively.

In the senior divisions, Debra Orr won the Senior Female Points Competition with the biggest King George whiting of the weekend, worth 1638 points (585 grams). James Nicolaci claimed the Senior Male Points Competition with a King George whiting worth 1498 points (535 grams). Anne-Marie Richards took out the Senior Female Heaviest Weight Competition with a King George whiting weighing 320 grams, while James Nicolaci also secured the Senior Male Heaviest Weight Competition with an impressive snapper weighing 5515 grams.

The Shark Competition was won by Theo Kastoras with a gummy shark weighing 7745 grams, and the Secret Weight Prize went to Garry Richards for his King George whiting weighing 290 grams, which came closest to the secret weight of 274 grams. The Squid/Cuttlefish and Gamefish categories were uncontested this time around.

None of the RPIAC Extraordinary Catch Incentives were claimed this weekend. The members-only, competition weekend, $1000 first-to-catch prizes for senior competitors remain up for grabs. Eligible species must equal or exceed the nominated weights: King George Whiting (1000 grams), Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

The $500 Heaviest Snapper Competition, running across the October and November competition weekends, is still in play and will conclude on the Bill Wallis Trophy competition to be held on November 22nd–23rd. Mark Griffin currently leads the race with his 6830-gram snapper caught earlier this season.

All junior anglers who participate receive complementary membership to RPIAC, allowing them to compete for prizes and 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 and on competition weekends from 4 pm, offering a welcoming place for members to weigh in their catches, share fishing stories, and enjoy the camaraderie of the club. For more information about upcoming competitions and events, visit www.rpiac.com

The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held its third weekend angling competition for the 2025/2026 season on the weekend of October 25–26, 2025. The weather was fine on Saturday and wet on Sunday, with little more than a gentle breeze over the two days — perfect conditions for some serious fishing. The 5-hour RPIAC Ladies fishing charter, with Island Offshore Charters, was also a great success thanks to Lea Bowen and all onboard.

An incredible 76 fish, 6 sharks, and 2 calamari were weighed in, with an abundance of snapper, King George whiting, trevally, tailor, flathead, leatherjacket, sharks, and cephalopods proving that the fish were well and truly on the bite — and that snapper season has definitely started!

In the Squidgies Mixed Bag Points Competition, the reigning Squidgie Club Champion Harley Griffin continued his impressive form, finishing first with 6 fish worth 105 points. Jude Brown took second place with 5 fish worth 85 points. The Junior Weight and Junior Points competitions were uncontested this weekend.

In the senior divisions, Debra Orr took out the Senior Female Points Competition with a King George whiting worth 1,288 points (460 grams), while Tyce Kleverkamp claimed victory in the Senior Male Points Competition with a tailor worth 2,825 points (1,130 grams). This outstanding catch also set a new RPIAC club record for tailor, surpassing the previous mark of 1,075 grams, held by the current RPIAC Club Champion, James Nicolaci.

Leah Valente won the Senior Female Heaviest Weight Competition with a 57 cm brag mat snapper of 2,290 grams, and Mark Griffin secured the Senior Male Heaviest Weight Competition with a snapper weighing 6,830 grams — currently the heaviest weekend-competition snapper of the season.

The Shark Competition was won by Theo Kastoras with a school shark weighing 13,400 grams, while Mark Griffin also took out the Squid/Cuttlefish Competition with a Southern calamari weighing 1,310 grams. The Secret Weight Prize went to Frank Kastoras, whose snapper weighing 4,455 grams came closest to the secret weight of 4,256 grams. The Game Fish Competition was uncontested.

After the presentations, anglers and supporters gathered at the clubrooms to enjoy another friendly post-competition celebration, reflecting on what has been the most successful competition of the season so far.

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 (1,000 grams), Snapper (10.0 kilograms), Gummy Shark (20.0 kilograms), Mulloway (25.0 kilograms), and Kingfish (25.0 kilograms).

The $500 Heaviest Snapper Competition, running over the October and November competition weekends, is still in play and will conclude on the Bill Wallis Trophy weekend competition, marking the fifth competition of the season. Mark Griffin is currently in first place with his 6830-gram snapper caught this weekend.

All junior anglers who participate receive complementary membership to RPIAC, allowing them to compete for prizes and 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 and on competition weekends from 4 pm, providing a great opportunity for anglers to gather, weigh in fish, and share their fishing stories. The next competition will be held over the weekend of the 8th / 9th of November 2025. For more information about upcoming competitions or to join the club, visit www.rpiac.com