Weekend Competition June 15th

It’s not often that FSC angling section members get to threaten a long-standing species record from bygone days. Well, that was the case on June 15th when the monthly competition was held after being washed out the previous weekend. Respected angler Bob Petersen, once a strong contributor and member of the Angling Section committee, has had his name against the heaviest sand whiting for many years. His catch of 0.375kg would have been a sight to behold.

Fast forward to June 15, and Ray Wilson invited new member Chris Walkey on board his 6.4m Razerline in the absence of co-owners Sue and Pat Keenan-Smith who were sunning themselves in Exmouth. The section is buoyed by the interest shown by existing and new members in the competitions in recent months, though only four boats were involved on June 15 due to circumstances.

Chris has been fishing all his life, and is more than competent, as he revealed when fishing with Ray. With dirty water, the duo drifted over 6-7m of water north of Mewstone, with small sandies keeping them entertained but frustrated. After a shift east, a king george came on board, then Chris landed a 0.304kg sand whiting, a lovely plump fish. Not to be outdone, soon after Ray was lucky enough to hook and land a 0.364kg sandie, a fat big fish roundly admire by those on board. A check of the record books back on land showed that Bob Petersen’s catch remains as the best sand whiting weighed in during a competition. Close but no cigar, Ray. But Ray was lucky enough – just lucky enough – to pip Chris at the weigh when he scored 79.634 points to win the comp by one point. His catch included sandies, herring, squid, leather jacket, tarwhine and king george (2).

Chris, though, won the mystery fish prize, a king george, while Joe Venter, who didn’t have the best of days consoled himself with a cup of amber fluid at the clubhouse after having $110 added to his House Support Scheme by taking out the Lucky Boat award. Section captain John Bech had a productive day, catching five species, including some big squid, while his wife Denise didn’t enjoy the outing at all. When she turned as green as a Granny Smith, caring hubbie transported her back to the club and a comforting bowl of soup. Then in the great tradition of seafarers, John headed back out to fish!

Event Report by Ray Wilson | Angling Section