FROM THE PRESIDENT
Tightlines Tiddles
Well, can you believe it, Summer point score is here for the 2020/2021 season. We look towards the fishing action being something positive to look forward too. Firstly I would like to thank Simon Fisher who has been Vice president of the club for the past 5 Years. Simon and his partner Bree just welcomed into the world a beautiful baby Girl. All the best Simon, Bree and new baby Fleur. I would like to thank the previous Committee for their efforts, and pushing ahead with the running of the Geoff Woolley Monster Mako Tournament during the Covid period there is many hoops to jump through but they showed the way forward. Inside this months magazine we have a great article from our friends the scientists Tristan & Olivia who had a great time onboard Tantrum during the Mako tournament. We look forward to more articles plus a talk as guest speakers at our club meetings hopefully in either November or December, watch out for that! Lastly i would like to encourage all members to come down to your club by road or by boat it has been a lean year on the bar front, so come on down, we will be looking at ways of holding a couple of club functions before the end of the year.
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Calendar of Events SGFC October 2020 3rd - 4th Summer Pointscore 6th Club Meeting 17th - 18th Summer Pointscore 18th October Gone Fishing Day 24th Club Preso Afternoon 27th Committee Meeting November 2020 6th Club Meeting TBA 7th - 8th Summer Pointscore 21st - 22nd Summer Pointscore 24th Committee Meeting 28th - 29th Lord Howe Island GFC Tournament + Central Zone Weekend December 2020 1st Club Meeting 5th - 6th Summer Pointscore 19th - 20th Summer Pointscore 29th Committee Meeting
Geoff Woolley Memorial Moster mako Tournament 2020 202202020Fishing Report
The Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament for 2020 has been run and won. Thank you to all of the competitors and congratulations to all of winners! On a relatively quiet first day Groundswell showed their dominance tagging 3 sharks and fending off a last minute surge by Tantrum who tagged a quick two just prior to the end of fishing, including one for junior angler Jonah Levi. Small fry Jayden Miluarno fishing Undertaker tagged a nice mako in the morning and Junior Codi Qahoush from Allie Hunter captured a 111.4kg mako which put them in the lead overall for the heaviest shark category. Day two dawned and things started to heat up on the competition front. On the tag and release front Markoo managed a quick double in the morning and continued to tick them over throughout the day ending the day with a total of four for the day including a nice tiger. Not to be left out Royale also got going, ending the day with four fish tagged in a tit for tat battle for the lead. On the capture front the end of the day saw Magnum, Rage and Royale all heading to the weigh station with mako’s 2.2m, 2.3m and 2.4m short lengths respectively. After a few tense hours the scales revealed the ultimate winner of the Heaviest Shark category. SGFC would like to thank all of our club sponsors and competitors who make these tournaments possible. We would also like to thank boats Magnum and Hall Pass who generously donated their sched prizes to juniors in the tournament. Thank you also to the committee and Annita for all your hard work, these tournaments don’t organize themselves and with the covid situation this year it was more difficult than ever before. Congratulations to our winners and we look forward to seeing you all again next year! Final Results: Heaviest Shark – Royale 157kg mako Champion Boat Tag and Release – Markoo (on countback) 3 mako’s, 1 tiger shark Champion Junior Capture – Codi Qahoush, Allie Hunter, 111.4kg mako shark Champion Junior Tag & Release – Jonah Levi, Tantrum Champion Small Fry Tag & Release – Jayden Miluarno, Undertaker
Geoff Woolley Memorial Moster mako Tournament 2020 Champion Team Tag & Release Markoo Heaviest Mako Royale
Champion Junior Tag & Release Jonah Levi, Tantrum
Champion Small Fry Tag & Release Jayden Miluarno, Undertaker
Champion Junior Capture Codi Qahoush, Allie Hunter 111.4kg mako shark
I was so happy to be asked to join the Tantrum crew for the SGFC Mako shark tournament this year. To top off the excitement of fishing with such experienced anglers, I also got to fish with the marine biologists too. We set off on the cold Saturday and just as we were exiting the heads, we ran into mechanical problems. We pushed on though with one engine. We reached Browns and let the lines out. We started burleying and hoped that we would get some action quickly. After listening to the skeds and with no luck for us yet, we persevered. In the afternoon, we finally we had a fish. Howie wound it in and tagged it instantly. Soon after we had another hit. This time it was my turn. I took the rod and I fought the fish and succeeded in tagging and releasing it. It was a 120kg blue shark and it was amazing. Due to us only having one engine working, we headed back to the club. Unfortunately, we could not compete on the second day of the tournament. Fortunately, I still won the junior tag and release category of the tournament. I had the best time with the Tantrum crew and the scientists. I learnt a lot and I am very grateful for the experience. I also really loved eating Howie’s tacos – definitely a highlight!. Jonah Levi
Fishing with Tantrum
We have a new leader for the Snapper Trophy. Young gun Dann Moses weighing in a 2.76kgs snapper. Dann writes: "My dad and older brother have won the SGFC Snapper trophy in the past so I’m hoping to take it out this year. Ethan is keen to not let that happen but I’m fishing more than he is now since he is going into Year 12 I haven’t caught any big game fish yet but been on a heap of trips so Dad tells me its only a matter of time". Good to see the young ones getting amongst it. At the time of writing Dann Moses is still in the lead. Get out there!
The Snapper trophy fight for 2021 is on! Simon Fisher was the first to put his on the scales (pictured left) but young Dann Moses has raised the bar with a 2.76kg beauty.
11/9/20 boat screamin' semen' up close and personal with the great white who visited bulli on friday
Congratulations to Mark Holmes onboard Obsession for winning the Yellowfin section of the Tuna Slam with a 55.1kg yellowfin tuna.This years payout for the Yellowfin half of the slam pool is $2,300 As no bluefin tuna were weighed the bluefin prize money will be added into next years Tuna Slam Next years pool starts at $2,300 Thank you to all those that entered.
Tuna Slam 2020
Marine ecosystems are complex systems with countless species interacting both with each other and with their environments. When designing management strategies for fish, it is important that we consider the interactions the fish has with its environment. The science of studying these interactions is known as ecology. The focus of the Marine Ecology Group at Macquarie is understanding these interactions to better manage marine species and their environments. The gummy shark fishery in Tasmania is a recent example of how failing to factor in environmental interactions can have unforeseen consequences1. Gummy sharks aren’t just an important fishery species in Tasmania, they are also an important prey source for sevengill sharks. In the early 2000’s gummy shark catch decreased but they were still considered a healthy fishery. However, decrease in catch mirrored a decrease in the number of gummy sharks found in sevengill shark stomachs. With sevengills being opportunistic predators, lack of food drives them into the shallows and can impact many coastal fisheries. Research into interactions between species is needed to be able to predict these impacts.
Scientists Tristan Guillemin and Olivia Seeger from Macquarie University, in Sydney, are often seen hanging around the weigh station during fishing competitions. Ever wonder what their research is about? Tristan is part ofthe Marine Ecology Group which investigates how marine fish interact with each other and their physical environment.Olivia is part of the Neurobiology Lab who are interested in how animals sensory systems are adapted to their lifestyle including how humans can impact sensory function. Check out the articles below to find out more about the science they conduct at game fishing competitions. Why is it so important to understand fish ecology? Tristan Guillemin Marine Ecology Group – Headed by A/Prof Jane Williamson
Scientist on the Way Station
Gamefish (such as tuna, billfish, dolphinfish and sharks) are important to both recreational and commercial fisheries. Being such oceanic species, collecting samples from these fish is often a difficult task for scientists. Through collaboration with game fishing clubs and associations, Tristan’s research focuses on the understanding the ecology of gamefish. His past work has looked at understanding how parasites interact with gamefish and what these interactions can tell us. He has also studied whether different species of marlin differed in their ecosystem roles. For his PhD, Tristan will spend the next three years studying the ecology of blue marlin throughout the Pacific. Specifically, his research will try to understand what drives the movement of blue marlin across the Pacific (matching tag and release data to different environmental conditions such as temperature and weather cycles) and how their feeding changes throughout their huge range (by analysing the biochemistry of marlin muscle tissue). This research will help us predict marlin movements and seasons and also identify the prey important to marlin so that we avoid overfishing the food they depend on.
Additionally, the GFAA have helped deploy acoustic and satellite tags for scientist to assess post-release survival in a range of fish species.
Can we improve catch and release survival rates?––– PhD student Olivia Seeger Neurobiology Lab – Headed by A/Prof Nathan Hart Catch and release is designed to increase fish population stock and sustain native and endangered species for future generations. Over the years catch and release efforts have increased in popularity and a number of fishing strategies have been introduced to maximise a fish’s survival post-release. The Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) have been avid supporters of sustainability of game fishing through their use of mark and recapture tags,which provides important information on growth rates and dispersal of fish.
Figure 1: Despite a few structural differences, the fish eye functions similarly to the human eye. The retina is an essential part of the eye that enables vision. It is a layer of cells that absorbs light to send to the brain. The brain then processes this information and forms the images we see in our environment. The vitreous is in direct contact with the retina and change in acidity can disrupt normal visual function
Olivia and Tristan would like to thank the GFAA and a special thank you to the Sydney Game Fishing Club and their fishers. The SGFC has donated numerous samples over the years that have contributed immensely to not only their research but dozens of others. With the help and patience of fishers Olivia and Tristanhope their research will lead to healthier fisheries for fishers to enjoy for years to come. References 1Barnett, A., Abrantes, K., Stevens, J.D., Yick, J.L., Frusher, S.D. and Semmens, J.M., 2010. Predator–prey relationships and foraging ecology of a marine apex predator with a wide temperate distribution.Marine Ecology Progress Series,416, pp.189-200.
Although these data indicate that some fish populations have responded positively to catch and release fishing (~ 80% survival), recent studies suggest intense capture stress could affect sensory function and may provide potential information to further improve survival rates after release. In animals and humans, prolonged or extreme exercise can cause substantial biochemical changes, such as a build-up of lactic acid generated in muscles.These changes can cause the blood to become acidic which can, in extreme cases, disrupt normal physiological functioning (e.g: impaired liver function, respiratory function, sensory function, etc.). Vision is likely to be one of the first sensory systems affected by these biochemical changes. The transfer of ions from the eye’s blood vessels provides the necessary substances for the retina to function(Figure 1). If there is a build-up of lactic acid in the blood the vitreous humour—the clearjelly-like fluid that fills the space between the lens and retina—becomes acidic and, in turn, has the potential to affect the function of the retinaand reduce visual sensitivity.Physiological disruptions to vision due to changes in biochemistry is crucial in most species for both prey capture and detection/avoidance of predators, thus ultimately their survival. It remains unknown the extent of acidosis required to cause damage to the eye and recovery rate of any potential damage. Olivia has been addressing the physiological response of theblood and vitreousin post-capture fish(Figure 2).If the biochemical changes are likely to impact the survival of the animal, we hope to apply this knowledge in the management of captured fish; this could include pharmacological interventions to reduce plasma acidity or recommendations for changes in fishing practice that could improve post-capture recovery. The information from this project will benefit fisheries management in protecting and conserving native and endangered species for future generations andimprove fish populations, beneficial not only for the environment but also the fishing community.
Figure 2: Vitreous samples are taken from post-captured fish by inserting a sterile needle into the eye of a fish and withdrawing the vitreous using a sterile syringe. Above are photos of vitreous samples being taken from a tiger shark and a marlin
Wollongong Game Fishing Club Tournament 1 day Tournament Saturday 19th September 2020
Casey boys produced the goods today Adam got this nice 236 kg Mako on 24kg kick starting summer point score & Central zone points 19-9-20
Big Thanks to all you awesome sponsors that made this tournament posible and also a big thanks to all the teams that participated. Special thanks to Graham Williams doing another fantastic job with running the skeds and working in with the Wgfc tournament Committee. Here are the full results. / winners Small Fry T&R Jayden Millauro, Mako on 15 kg line, 3450pts Jnr T&R Codi Quhoush, Blue Shark on 15kg, 2875pts Snr Male Angler T&R Mitch Norbury, 3 Blue sharks on 8kg an 1 blue shark on 24kg, total 11875pts Most Sharks T&R Angler, Mitch Norbury with 4 sharks Champion boat T&R Down Time 11,875pts. Small Fry Capture Jayden Millauro, Mako on 15kg, 7089pts Snr Male Angler capture, Billy Plummer, 310kg Mako on 37kg 3895.9pts HEAVIEST Shark, Billy Plummer, 310kg Mako CHAMPION Boat Capture, Undertaker with 7089.6pts Big Mako over 250kg Shoot out Prize went to Big Ed with a 310kg Mako. Congrats to all the winners and to those of you who unfortunately lost good fish or missed out better luck for next year.
Another daytime Sydney sword caught on JIGSAW 29/8/20 by Isaac Caruana
What is the difference between a dog and a fox ? About 5 drinks. Why Dogs are Better Than Wives 1. On a car trip, your dog never insists on running the heater. 2. Dogs don't let magazine articles guide their lives. 3. When your dog gets old, you can have it put to
Saving Up A small tourist hotel was all abuzz about an afternoon wedding where the groom was 95 and the bride was 23. The groom looked pretty feeble, and the feeling was that the wedding night might kill him because his bride was a healthy, vivacious young woman. But, lo and behold, the next morning, the bride came down the main staircase slowly, step by step, hanging onto the banister for dear life. She finally managed to get to the counter of the little shop in the hotel. The clerk looked really concerned and said, “Whatever happened to you, honey? You look like you’ve been wrestling an Alligator!” The bride groaned, hung onto the counter and managed to speak, “Ohhhh God! He told me he’d been saving up for 75 years, and I thought he meant his money!!!”
The Ride Home Little Billy’s Father picked up his 9-year-old son after school to take him home. On the way, they were stopped at a traffic light. Little Billy looked out the window and saw two dogs humping. “Daddy,” he asked, “what are those dogs doing?” Not wanting to get into a discussion about the facts of life with his son at his tender age, and in a hurry to get through traffic to go home, Little Billy’s father replied, “Well, son, the little dog on top must have hurt his feet on the hot cement, so the doggie underneath is just helping out by giving him a ride home. Okay?” Little Billy glanced back at the dogs, sighed, and said, “Isn’t that just the way it always is. You try to help someone out, and they f@#k you in the a**.”
SAINTLY WHISPERS
can hear in the video, who had never caught a Gamefish before. And so we headed for home, thirty five miles away. With some luck the current will move in closer and bring with it the Tuna and bait and hopefully some Marlin will follow. Tight lines, Ivan
Ambition report 20th.September'20
At last something to write about... For weeks I have been hearing about the Yellowfin Tuna off Port Stephens and the Bluefin Tuna well out of reach down South not getting any closer than Kiama. The action well out of reach of most Sydney based boats especially since the weather has been less than favourable. Finally the mighty Yellowfin Tuna at least are getting closer. I went out on Saturday a little more optimistic than usual because I'd noticed a couple of long liners working wide and North of Broken Bay. Also a warm current is pushing down with the break almost within my reach. However I was a little apprehensive also since the weather report was a little bit iffy. We were going anyway, worst case scenario we'd be coming home with the weather best case the bureau was wrong. We started trolling in 300 fathoms after passing through some very green water of 18.5 degrees which was a lot better than the 17 at the shelf. There was still very little life, other than Whales and the occasional Albatross in the area. But with still 14 miles to the break I noticed a blip on the radar, too small for a tanker and too large and far away for a Game boat, possibly a Long Liner. As we got closer to it, about 5 miles away, the water colour changed and warmed then out of the blue a double strike. After a relatively short fight we landed two Yellowfin 25 to 30 kilo's. Consequently I worked the area but there was no sign of life, still neither birds nor bait so I moved on, out towards the Long Liner. After another hour of searching I decided to head back to where we caught the fish. You wouldn't believe it, we were within a couple of hundred metres off the spot when we had another strike, this one a much bigger fish. After a solid fight that only a Yellowfin Tuna can put up we landed a 50 kilo fish much to the excitement of the crew , as you can hear in the video, who had never caught a Gamefish before. And so we headed for home, thirty five miles away. With some luck the current will move in closer and bring with it the Tuna and bait and hopefully some Marlin will follow. Tight lines, Ivan
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