ANGLING SECTION’S 2022 AWARDS NIGHT

The newly-renovated Coffee Lounge, crowned with a super-functional vergola roof with open and shut louvres, proved the perfect venue for the Angling Section’s Xmas Bash and awards night on December 16.

The venue was terrific. It was an ideal size for the 30 members and partners – though it could easily accommodate 50 – as the gathering enjoyed some crays and fish done on the barbie, with two big magnificent feta and beetroot salads from the Galley, along with some chips.

The night welcomed back some usual suspects as winners while a few others also muscled in on the action.

Ray Wilson took out the major award as overall, and male champion, pipping Angling Section captain John Bech by the skinniest of margins, a mere 10 points. Had John caught one sand whiting –one itsy bitsy sand whiting – on the final field day it would have been enough for him to claim season’s honours.

But it wasn’t to be as Ray won his sixth title in the last seven years.

John’s wife Denise, though, kept the Bech’s flag flying high by again claiming first place in the women’s section, while the pair also won $50 vouchers for heaviest king george whiting, tailor and flathead.

Relative newcomer Roy Martin blew away all contenders in the demersal section – aside from the pink snapper prize claimed by John Cramer – when he landed vouchers for the heaviest dhufish, break-sea cod and baldchin groper. And to top it off Roy, who fishes with wife Andree, snared the Catch of the Year with his 9kg dhuie.

Work commitments kept Craig Thomas sidelined for much of the season but the 2020-21 champion took out the $75 voucher for most species (seven).

Vouchers this year will be redeemed at Southside Boating and Fishing, who were also substantial contributors for the King George Classic in November.

The Section also made special mention to John Bech, Nev and Di Norkett, Pat and Sue Keenan-Smith, Joe Venter, Chris Walkey and Ray Wilson for providing seafood for the barbie, and their barbecuing skills.

The winners

Champion male and overall winner: Ray Wilson

Champion female: Denise Bech

Champion boat: Chris Walkey and Ray Wilson

Adult male, second: John Bech

Adult male, third: Chris Walkey

Bob Tucker Memorial Trophy: Joe Venter

Most species in a field day: Craig Thomas

Heaviest dhufish, baldchin and break-sea cod:  Roy Martin

Heaviest snapper: John Cramer

Heaviest herring: Joe Venter

Heaviest sand whiting: Chris Walkey

Heaviest king george whiting and tailor: Denis Bech

Heaviest flathead: John Bech

Heaviest skipjack: Ray Wilson

Catch of the Year (9kg dhufish): Roy Martin