The weather was perfect for what turned out to be a great fishing classic: beyond our expectations as a club holding its first competition. With 158 entries (29 of these being juniors), it was full steam ahead with registrations being taken over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.They came from all over the state - Geelong, Preston, Traralgon, Orbost, Maffra, Wodonga let alone our own backyard - Bruthen, Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale etc.
The 'catch and release' method proved a popular method of fishing but the 'brag' photos were something to behold. One story we heard was about a fellow fishing at Nowa Nowa who had caught an 84cm Flathead, but he wasn't entered in the competition! We did see the photos of this fish and it was massive (almost prehistoric)!
Another story from the weekend was the fellow who was fishing in a boat with some younger members who had to come back in to get his own 'ruler' as the antics of the two younger members was driving him mad and "I'll throttle them if I don't get away from them!"
The young lad who landed a big Flathead and had spent the $250 junior prize already (in his mind) - on a remote controlled car (he actually did win the juniors).
The 3rd place-getter was getting 'razzed' by other members of his party because he didn't even know he had a huge flathead on his line!
The girls who stopped off for a 'pit-stop' and threw in a line to catch the biggest whiting of the day - and the list goes on.
The Fishing Club Team event went to the GLFC rivals - Lake Tyers Beach Angling Club but much banter was made before the event about who was the better fishing club. The challenge is now on for next year.
As one of the organisers I must say it was a pleasure to meet such happy people who came together in a group with fishing as the common denominator. Not one word did I hear in a negative way; everyone from all over the state enjoying the camaraderie of others they may have just met. It was wonderful!
I would like to thank all the sponsors who supported our competition and all the local businesses who also supported us. There were stories we heard how the "bait shop" told us about the comp, the "caravan park" who sent confirmation of accommodation and advertised the comp was on etc.
The winners of the actual prizes are listed below - Congratulations on all who fished and caught something for their efforts. Better luck next time if you missed on catching a Flathead or it just " got away". Just as a side issue, the average size for the Flathead caught over the weekend was 542mm.
Seniors:
1st: Andrew Kikidoplous - 790 mm
2nd: John Bouke - 740 mm
3rd: Casey Goudswaad - 722mm
Juniors:
1st: Rhys Bryant - 753mm
2nd: Will Shoppe - 728mm
3rd: Matthew Pearce - 595mm
'Pinky Baade' Memorial Trophy - Longest Whiting - Kerry Jones - 386mm
U16: Wilson Gaudian, U12: Jessica Erbs, U8: Jake Perrett
Female Prize: Michelle Wright - 595mm
Fishing Club Team: LTBAC - John Bourke, John King, Gary Verrall, Ray Schmidt with a combined total of 2412 mm.
1st Junior - Rhys
2nd Junior - Will
3rd Junior - Matthew
U 16 winner - Wilson
U 14 winner - JessicaU 10 winner - Jake
Michelle Wright - Female winner
Joanne from Geelong won the prize for coming the furthest for our Competiton.
Team Winners - LTBAC - John Bourke, Gary Verrall, Ray Schmidt & John King 
Crowd gathered for presentations in our clubrooms
Some happy fishing persons enjoying time at the clubrooms before presentation after a hard day on the water.
