The Game Fishing Association of Australia - Charlie Chambers
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I S H I N G
M E F 1 J OURNA L
A 2 0 2
G
L
THE OFFICIA
GF A A
Supplied free to
member
s of GFA A -affili
ated
clubs or
$11.9
5
HISTORICAL
SPECIAL FEATURE
Charlie
Chambers
By John McIntyre
The Game Fishing Association of Australia www.gfaa.asn.au
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HISTORICAL SPECIAL FEATURE | P15
EDITOR
Peter Coote
M: 0419 266 843
E: secretary@gfaa.asn.au
SUB-EDITORS
GFAA 2021 Journal Group
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Jacques Polomé
ADVERTISING
For three decades, Charlie Chambers was the dean of Australian game fishing skippers, Doug Sanderson
captaining several of the most successful vessels and guiding legendary anglers to some M: 0411 641362
of the most significant captures in our country’s fishing history. This biography from the E: dsanderson@green-group.net
pen of John McIntyre creates an image of game fishing from the 1940s onwards.
PUBLISHER
The Gone Fishing Association of
CONTENTS
Australia Inc
GFAA thanks those many ABN: 24 498 365 663
anglers, association PO Box 57,
executives and others who North Beach WA 6920
04 Message from the President have contributed to the
05 Past presidents, life members content of this Journal.
and IGFA representatives The Association welcomes
06 GFAA office bearers unsolicited content and
08 GFAA State Associations & Clubs comments from anglers
14 Code of Practice and clubs through its
communications channels.
15 Historical feature: Charlie
Chambers The Association will proudly
share the achievements of
23 Annual GFAA awards and trophies
fellow anglers.
27 GFAA National Junior Tournament
33 GFAA merit pins and patches To be on the list for the latest in
GFAA communication please send
34 Special achievement clubs your request to info@gfaa.asn.au
38 Rules and Equipment Regulations
45 Australian record requirements
49 GFAA recognised gamefish
species – Tag & Release
THANKS
GFAA would like to thank the many who have volunteered content, ideas and their
50 GFAA recognised gamefish time to the production of this 2021 Journal. For those whose names may have been
species – Capture missed, our apologies, your efforts are nonetheless very much appreciated.
51 GFAA Australian record Peter Babarskas (LM), Gary Bezzina, Nathan Billings, Ian Bladin, Ben Bright, Josh Bruynzeel,
application form Daniel McCarthy, Kristin McCarthy, Peter Coote, Dee Cox, Peter Cox, Ashley Dance, Emilie
54 Australian saltwater records Donovan, Hooked Bluewater Sportfishing Tackle, Mark Jamieson, Craig Kermond, Tom and
Chloe Laurance, Jason Legg, John McIntyre (LM), Mick Meiers, John Munro, Kevin and Sharon
70 Australian freshwater records Oates, Andy Pearson, Jason Rogers, Doug Sanderson, Bruce Simpson, Chris Sparka, Tackle
71 Historical records World Hervey Bay, India Thompson, Topwater Sportsfishing and Grahame Williams OAM (LM).
72 Queensland records
© 2021 The Game Fishing Association of Australia Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without
78 GFAA Communications the express written permission of The Game Fishing Association of Australia Inc.
4 FROM THE PRESIDENT
Message from the President
Welcome to the GFAA Journal the executive joins me in congratulating all of the winner and
for 2020-21. I hope you enjoy this participants for their efforts during the past season.
year’s edition, which you will notice As always, our esteemed historian and Life Member John
is slightly different in its format McIntyre has written a very interesting article about one of
and layout compared to previous the legends of game fishing spanning almost four decades
years. In part this has come about following the end of World War II.
due to the feedback we have
received from members, in addition As a word of caution, the photographs accompanying
to a change in the set-up. All of this article might be considered by many as quite graphic,
the usual information remains, so however within the historical context of the article, it must
as always, it becomes your guide be understood that the practices and norms of period from
to rules, records, guidelines and other important information. the late 1940’s though to the 1960’s have not been generally
Thanks go to Peter Coote for putting it all together. followed in more recent times.
Of course we all know what a difficult year we have been In last year’s edition, I highlighted the research project
through, starting with bushfires devastating many of the we were undertaking regarding sailfish genetics. We
coastal communities where a large number of our members have had great support and assistance from members in
reside and also many more go to fish. My hope is that we Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland in
can all rally around and support them where we can, whether providing fin clip samples to begin the project, which is being
it’s by holidaying in the area or fishing their tournaments to undertaken by University of Queensland PhD student Laura
show them that as a group we understand and sympathise Smith. Just as importantly, our Conservation officer, Dr Evan
with their plight. Jones, recognised the need for a means of storing that type of
genetic material and he donated a freezer capable of keeping
The arrival of Covid-19 put an end to fishing in most States samples at an optimum temperature of minus eighty degrees.
for a significant amount of time and the Executive made the
decision to suspend point scoring for annual trophies and I am sure you all will join me in thanking Evan for this very
also national records to ensure everyone was fairly dealt important item of equipment.
with. Since July things slowly returned to something closer On behalf of myself and the Executive, best wishes for the
to normal, although border closures meant that many were upcoming year and we are all hopeful that 2021 will be a
unable to get away on holidays and get out fishing. considerable improvement on 2020.
Another unfortunate aspect of the travel restrictions was Tight Lines.
the fact that we were unable to hold our AGM under the
normal circumstances and it was disappointing not to be
able to congratulate the winners of the national and junior
awards in the usual way. Again, in what was a difficult year President
PAST PRESIDENTS 5
Past Presidents, Life Members & IGFA Representatives
GFAA Past Presidents Life Members *Deceased IGFA Representatives
Clive W Firth (Foundatoin)* 1937-47 Clive W Firth* 1939 TRUSTEE
Thomas A BelI* 1948-49 GR (Jim) Cowell* 1951 Brett Cleary
GR (Jim) Cowell* 1950-51 Thomas A Bell* 1951
NEW SOUTH WALES
John A Kelly* 1952-53 AB Carrodus* 1951
Bob Lowe, John Burgess, Glen Booth
Thomas A Bell* 1954-59 MJ Lawson* 1957
William L Southam* 1960-61 Michael Lerner* 1959 NORTHERN TERRITORY
Ernest W Palmer AO* 1962-63 Ernest W Palmer AO * 1965 Peter Cox
Richard Rowe* 1964-67 Dr H James Delohery* 1973
Dr H James Delohery* 1968-71 William B Coombs* 1975 QUEENSLAND
Terrence M Caughlan* 1972-73 Elwood K Harry* 1979 Tim Simpson, Albert Threadingham, Bill
William B Coombs* 1974-75 W John O’Brien MBE* 1981 Sawynok, Dr Evan Jones, Laurie Wright,
Patrick V Gay AM 1976-77 Peter Goadby OAM* 1981 Doug Sanderson
W John O‘Brien MBE* 1978-79 Patrick V Gay AM 1981 VICTORIA
John C Johnston* 1980-81 John C Johnston * 1983 Chris Baty
C Ian Cutler* 1982-83 Daphne V Nielsen* 1983
Malcolm D Ramsay* 1984-85 C Ian Cutler * 1985 WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Bill Heyward* Nov-Dec 1985 Malcolm D Ramsay * 1989 Mark Maher, Matthew Gates,
K NeiI Patrick 1986-87 K Neil Patrick 1991 Jeff Cooper, Ben Patrick
Robert Ellis 1988-89 Bruce Downie* 1993 SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bruce Downie* 1990-91 Robert H (Bob) Lowe 1997 Rolf Czabayski
Col Roberts 1992-93 Col Roberts 1997
Robert H (Bob) Lowe 1994-95 Grahame A Williams OAM 2000 TASMANIA
Alan Messenger 1996-97 Tom Roche* 2004 Brett Cleary
Grahame A Williams OAM 1997-12 Brett Cleary 2016 ACT
Brett Cleary 2013-15 Peter Babarskas 2018 Sanchia Glaskin
Doug Sanderson 2016-19 John McIntyre 2019
6 GFAA OFFICE BEARERS
Executive Officers State Executive Officers
President Vice-President New South Wales Queensland (North) Queensland (South)
IAN BLADIN ANTON VOGIATZIS GRAHAME WILLIAMS OAM MICK MEIERS JOSHUA COX
M: 0428 458 039 M: 0404 028 838 M: 0404 028 838 M: 0427 804 719 PO Box 632, Buddina, QLD 4575
E: president@gfaa.asn.au E: vicepresident@gfaa.asn.au E: vicepresident@gfaa.asn.au E: mick.meiers@gfaa.asn.au M: 0403 431 480
E: j.cox@gfaa.asn.au
Secretary Treasurer South Australia Tasmania Victoria
PETER COOTE PETER COX TOM EGAN EMILIE DONOVAN ALEX KING
PO Box 57, North Beach, WA 6029 PO Box 1111, Nhulunbuy, NT 0811 PO Box 2232, Mount Gambier PO Box 5, Deloraine TAS 7304 M: 0439 101 201
M: 0419 266 843 M: 0417 879 031 SA 5290 M: 0417 105 398 E: aking@bargroup.com.au
E: secretary@gfaa.asn.au E: treasurer@gfaa.asn.au M: 043 987 7772 E: tas.eo@gfaa.asn.au
E: tomegan0076@gmail.com
Records Officer Junior Coordinator Northern Territory Western Australia Western Australia
PETER BABARSKAS KEVIN OATES JASON ROGERS North South
M: 0418 940 775 PO Box 884, Wonthaggi, VIC 2995 PO Box 365, Nightcliff, JOHN CLARK JOHN CRAMER
E: peter.b@gfaa.asn.au M: 0428 783 228 NT 0810 PO Box 8073, Broome 6725 M: 040 777 2625
E: kevin@gfaa.asn.au M: 044 731 7765 M: 041 791 9364 E: jmcramer@outlook.com.au
E: jsewclark@bigpond.com
Address for all correspondence:
The Secretary, PO Box 57,
North Beach WA 6920
Email: secretary@gfaa.asn.au
Conservation Officer Publicity Officer
ASSOC PROF EVAN JONES DOUG SANDERSON
M: 0428 715 166
E: conservation@gfaa.asn.au
M: 0411 641362
E: dsanderson@green-group.net www.gfaa.asn.au
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8 GFAA STATE ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS
Why join a GFAA-affiliated club?
The Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) is the longest- However, one of the most important benefits of membership of
established national fishing association in the world. It has been, and clubs affiliated with the GFAA is to give input to club, State and
remains, a model and example for gamefishing associations around national executives with governments and related organisations and
the world. departments. This involvement ideally leads to representation on
As such, the GFAA is affiliated with the International Game Fish government committees and advisory councils — a very necessary
Association (IGFA) and plays an active part in the leadership of the step.
sport of gamefishing on a world level. Thus, GFAA clubs and association members are more often
The constitutional membership of the GFAA is the Australian becoming the contact point for government seeking advice and
States and the Northern Territory (the Canberra Game Fishing Club information, as well as contact points for lobbying on behalf of
is affiliated with the New South Wales Game Fishing Association). members.
Thus, gamefishers, wherever their place of residence, have a voice
and representation — just as was planned by those who founded the Along the same lines, the GFAA offers gamefishers:
national body in 1938. • Representation at national and international seminars on billfish
Each of the State and Northern Territory branch memberships is and other pelagic species by all gamefishing sectors.
made up of affiliated clubs. The club members – the fishers – in turn, • An active voice and contribution to ensure that recreational
receive the benefit of membership. offshore fishers have access to and an equitable share in fish and
There are many reasons for the success and longevity of the GFAA, bait resources.
all of which are directly related to benefits for the members. These • The opportunity to take active executive positions in clubs, State
include: associations and the national body, the GFAA.
• The administration of club, State and Australian records for
male, lady and junior anglers — not only traditional offshore The GFAA Executive strives to maintain affiliation fees at the
gamefishing records, but also fly and land-based game.
minimum level necessary to give service and efficient operation.
• Organised club structures that help give knowledge on technique
The association’s interests in science and conservation are
and where to find fish. Club-organised tackle and ‘how-to’
clearcut and the association is regarded, rightly, as a world leader.
instructional nights and the like.
The gamefish tag & release programs and tournament minimum
• Fellowship and social functions within the clubs.
• Competition, both intra- and inter-club. That is, competition weights are just two examples of leadership in ethical fishing and
with other clubs, competition within the State and national conservation.
competition. In addition, the GFAA now has a research foundation. The wisely
• Representation for club, State or country in international allocated grants that have been made so far are already providing
competition. The GFAA and members of its State associations benefits to fish and fishers.
and member clubs are welcome and recognised at international The GFAA is your organisation. The support and membership you
tournaments. Such teams have competed successfully in give will result in multiplying benefits for you, the angler.
international tournaments in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii,
Put simply ... IF YOU GAMEFISH, IT IS IN YOUR INTEREST TO
Tahiti and Nova Scotia.
BELONG TO A GFAA-AFFILIATED CLUB.
• The dissemination and application of knowledge, which is
important over a lifetime of fishing with a GFAA club. For the location of your nearest GFAA-affiliated club, consult the
• Receipt of member club and State associations’ newsletters and full GFAA club listing in this journal or visit www.gfaa.asn.au or email
the GFAA’s Official Gamefishing Journal. secretary@gfaa.asn.au
Frederick Reef.
GFAA STATE ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS 9
GFAA State Associations & Clubs
NEW SOUTH WALES CENTRAL COAST GFC NEWCASTLE & PORT STEPHENS
Geoff Hallam GAME FISH CLUB
New South Wales Game Fishing Po Box 187, Gosford, NSW 2250 Troy Radford
Association M: 0408 881 714 55a Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay,
E: president@ccgfc.com.au NSW 2315
PRESIDENT W: www.ccgfc.com.au M: 0439 012 714
Garry Chenoweth E: pacificblue_plumbing@hotmail.com
Po Box 730, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315 COFFS COAST G & SFC W: www.npsgfc.com
M: 0415 241 478 Rob Lang
E: president@nswgfa.com.au Po Box 4123, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 NEWCASTLE GAME FISHING CLUB
M: 0434 517 683 Scott Morris
SECRETARY 9/91 Hannell Street, Wickham,
Nigel Rushworth E: president@ccgsfc.com.au
W: www.ccgsfc.com.au NSW 2293
Po Box 730, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315 M: 0412 127 400
0423 727 195 EDEN S & GFC E: scott@jagfloors.com.au
E: secretary@nswgfa.com.au Geoff McMahon W: www.ngfc.com.au
W: www.nswgfa.com.au Po Box 466, Eden, NSW 2551 PORT HACKING GAME FISHING CLUB
M: 0408 766 076 David Joyce
State Affiliated Clubs E: nevahome16@gmail.com Po Box 270, Caringbah, NSW 1495
BATEMANS BAY GFC W: www.edengamefishingclub.com M: 0405 191 488
Derek Noffke JERVIS BAY GFC E: davidjoyce83@hotmail.com
Po Box 322, Batemans Bay, NSW 2536 Dave Fenech W: www.phgfc.com
M: 0402 316 030 Po Box 56, Huskisson, NSW 2540 PORT MACQUARIE GAME FISHING
E: derek.noffke1@det.nsw.edu.au M: 0491 212 861
W: www.batemansbaygfc.org CLUB
E: offtap1@msn.com Janeck Kaczorowski
BERMAGUI BGAC W: www.jervisbaygfc.com Po Box 981, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444
Ron De La Mare KIAMA GFC M: 0439 959 927
Po Box 52, Bermagui, NSW 2546 Mark Way E: janeck.tracy@bigpond.com
M: 0428 244 955 Po Box 447, Kiama, NSW 2533 W: www.pmgfc.com.au
E: bettyrond@hotmail.com M: 0427 377 865
W: www.bbgac.com.au SHELLHARBOUR GAME FISHING
E: myway@bigpond.net.au CLUB
BOTANY BAY GFC W: www.kiamagfc.com.au Mark Coles
Silvana Ayoub LAKE MACQUARIE GFC 36 Laurel Street Albion Park, NSW 2427
Po Box R1717, Royal Exchange Joanne Ham M: 0432 072 259
Sydney, NSW 1225 Po Box 53, Swansea, NSW 2281 E: coles48@bigpond.com
E: bbgfcsecretary@gmail.com M: 0421 660 299 W: www.shellharbourgamefishing.com.au
W: www.botanybaygamefishing.com.au E: secretary@lmgfc.com.au SHOALHAVEN GAME FISHING CLUB
BROKEN BAY GFC W: www.lmgfc.com.au Liz Sikora
Craig Findlay LORD HOWE ISLAND GFC Po Box 5
Po Box 78, Newport Beach, NSW 2106 Vivienne Crombie Greenwell Point, NSW 2540
M: 0408 052 799 C/O Lord Howe Island Post Office M: 0402 715 861
E: crfindlay@gmail.com Lord Howe Island, NSW 2898 E: lizpatio@gmail.com
W: www.royalmotor.com.au/boating- E: crombielhi@gmail.com W: www.shoalhavengfc.com.au
groups/game-fishing
MERIMBULA BG & LAC SYDNEY GAME FISHING CLUB
CANBERRA GFC Peter Haar Karen Wright
Sanchia Glaskin Po Box 76, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Po Box W23, Watsons Bay, NSW 2030
Po Box 94, Woden, ACT 2606 M: 0417 021 066 M: 0427 557 705
M: 0409 923 585
E: phaar@bigpond.net.au E: president@sgfc.com.au
E: Sanchia.glaskin@gmail.com
W: www.mbglac.com.au W: www.sgfc.com.au
W: www.canberragamefishing.com
10 GFAA STATE ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS
SECRETARY MACKAY GFC
ULLADULLA GAME FISHING CLUB
Dawn Earle Craig Breadsell
George Lirantzis PO Box 8171, Mount Pleasant, QLD 4740
Po Box 204, Ulladulla, NSW 2529 PO Box 632, Buddina, QLD 4575
P: (07) 5444 7611 M: 0400 320 321
M: 0419 300 400 E: mackaygamefishclub@gmail.com
E: ulladullagamefishingclub@gmail.com E: qgfa@bigpond.com
W: www.ulladullagamefishing.info W: www.qgfa.com.au MISSION BEACH GFC
Pam McLaughlin
WOLLONGONG GAME FISHING CLUB State Affiliated Clubs PO Box 90, Mission Beach, QLD 4852
Genelle Murphy M: 0400 324 592
C/O Towradgi Bowls and Recreation Club BRIBIE ISLAND GFC E: mbgfc@live.com.au
2A Towradgi Road Barry Meredith
PO Box 100, Bribie Island, QLD 4507 MOOLOOLABA GFC
Towradgi, NSW 2518 Chris Dickinson
M: 0414 645 768 M: 0402 423 681
E: bazz_meredith@yahoo.com PO Box 1115, Mooloolaba, QLD 4557
E: secretary@wollongonggfc.com.au M: 0437 337 996
W: www.wollongonggfc.com.au CAIRNS BLUEWATER GFC INC E: secretary@mgfc.com.au
Denise Brown W: www.mgfc.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY PO Box 4741, Cairns, QLD 4870 MORETON BAY GFC
M: 0411 957 844 Carol Hutton
Northern Territory Game Fishing E: secretary@cairnsbluewatergfc.com.au PO Box 371, Capalaba, QLD 4157
Association W: www.cairnsbluewatergfc.com.au M: 0433 412 149
PRESIDENT GOLD COAST GFC E: admin@mbgfc.com.au
Bruce Simpson Shari Newton W: www.mbgfc.com.au
PO Box 410, Palmerston, NT 0832 PO Box 972, Paradise Point, QLD 4216 NEWPORT GFC
M: 0439 070 805 M: 0415 910 060 David Trask (President)
E: brucesaz@westnet.com.au E: gcgfc@yahoo.com C/- PO Box 3013, Clontarf DC, QLD 4019
W: www.gcgfc.com.au M: 0412 886 077
SECRETARY E: newportgamefish@gmail.com
Bruce Simpson HERVEY BAY GFC
David Postan PORT DOUGLAS FC
PO Box 410, Palmerston, NT 0832 Jenni Sorensen
M: 0439 070 805 PO Box 31, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655
M: 0457 502 938 PO Box 1062, Port Douglas, QLD 4877
E: brucesaz@westnet.com.au M: 0417 716 835
E: kilohana206@gmail.com
W: www.hbgfc.org.au E: jls@ozemail.com.au
State Affiliated Clubs W: www.portdouglasmarlinchallenge.com
INGHAM ROD AND REEL CLUB
DARWIN GFC Christine Bird REDCLIFFE PENINSULA GAME &
Steve Roberts (President) PO Box 1256, Ingham, QLD 4850 SPORTFISH CLUB
PO Box 41866, Casuarina, NT 0811 M: 0457 502 938 Greg Evans
E: info@darwingamefishingclub.com.au E: irrc@outlook.com 14 Amity Drive, Rothwell, QLD 4022
M: 0407 010 957
NHULUNBUY REGIONAL SFC INNISFAIL GFC E: secretary@rpgsc.com.au
Chris Arnold (President) Nicholas Pervan W: www.rpgsc.com.au
PO Box 870, Nhulunbuy, NT 0881 7 Ernest Street, Innisfail, QLD 4860 RIBBONS LADIES GFC
E: fishingclubgove@gmail.com M: 0400 004 837 Dianne Hance (President)
E: contact@igfc.com.au PO Box 5251, Cairns, QLD 4870
QUEENSLAND W: www.igfc.com.au M: 0408 471 114
LITTLE SHIP GFC E: info@ribbons.org.au
Queensland Game Fishing Steve Carroll W: www.ribbons.org.au
Association Inc. PO Box 1313, Cleveland, QLD 4163 SUNSHINE COAST GFC
M: 0412 843 777 Bob Bury (President)
PRESIDENT
E: lsgfc@powerup.com.au PO Box 998, Buddina, QLD 4575
Joshua Cox
1 Daisy Place, Bokarina, QLD 4575 M: 0418 989 923
E: president@scgfc.com.au
M: 0403 431 480
W: www.scgfc.com.au
E: president@qgfa.com.au
W: www.qgfa.com.au12 GFAA STATE ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS
TOWNSVILLE GFC BASS STRAIT GFC
TASMANIA
Bernard Travers Rebecca Robertson
PO Box 5981, Townsville MC, QLD 4810 Tasmanian Game Fishing M: 0434 369 848
M: 0412 556 166 Association E: bassstraitgamefishingclub@outlook.com
E: tgfcinfo@gmail.com BEAUMARIS MOTOR YACHT
W: www.townsvillegamefishclub.com PRESIDENT
John Edwards SQUADRON GFS
WEIPA BILLFISH CLUB PO Box 264, Lindisfarne, TAS 7015 Michael Busuttil
Andrea Kennedy M: 0427 942 340 Tel: (03) 9589 5156
PO Box 627, Weipa, QLD 4874 E: edwardsassociates@bigpond.com E: bmys@bigpond.com.au
M: 0427 577 630 GIPPSLAND LAKES ANGLING, GAME
E: weipabillfishclub@gmail.com SECRETARY
Emilie Donovan AND SPORTS FISHING CLUB INC
WHITSUNDAY GFC INC PO Box 5, Deloraine, TAS 7304 Tony Kemna
Stacey Gerhart M: 0417 105 398 M: 0428 401 819
PO BOX 621, Airlie Beach, QLD 4802 E: info@faroutcharters.com.au
E: TGFA.Secretary@gmail.com
M: 0427 467 377
E: whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com GREENVALE S & GFC
State Affiliated Clubs Tony Grech
W: www.whitsundaygamefishclub.com
TUNA CLUB OF TASMANIA INC M: 0417 342 446
YORKEYS KNOB SPORTFISHING CLUB E: tony@harrylarry.com.au
Darren Hendrie Robin Banks (Secretary)
P.O. Box 100, Yorkeys Knob, QLD 4878 PO Box 507, Sandy Bay, TAS 7006 KNOX BOAT FISHING CLUB
P: (07) 4055 7711 M: 0419 871 195 Gerard McMahon
E: marina@ykbc.com.au E: info@tunacluboftasmania.org.au M: 0421 540 055
W: www.ykbc.com.au W: www.tunacluboftasmania.org.au E: mardav68@bigpond.com
GAME FISHING CLUB OF NORTHERN LATROBE VALLEY GFC
SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASMANIA INC Scott Henning
Emilie Donovan (Secretary) M: 0447 096 820
South Australian Game Fishing PO Box 5, Deloraine, TAS 7304 E: scott_henning@hotmail.com
Association M: 0417 105 398
E: info@gfcnt.com.au NORTHERN METRO SPORTS FISHING
PRESIDENT W: www.gfcnt.com.au CLUB
Tom Egan Paul Rowe
PO Box 2232, Mt Gambier SA 5290 ST HELENS GAME FISHING CLUB INC M: 0430 585 285
M: 0439 877 772 Angela Matthews (Secretary) E: paul.rowe@lenderschoicefs.com.au
E: tomegan0076@gmail.com 7 Richard Court, Akaroa, TAS 7216
M: 0407 046 571 ORBOST ANGLERS SPORT & GAME
SECRETARY E: angematthews@bigpond.com FISHING CLUB
Glen Sparks Jim McClymont
PO Box 2232, Mt Gambier SA 5290 SOUTHERN GAMEFISH CLUB INC M: 0419883218
M: 0419 866 670 Katie Russell (Secretary) Email: orbang@bigpond.net.au
E: gsparks@internode.on.net 43 Derwent Terrace, New Norfolk, TAS 7140
M: 0419 576 108 SOUTH GIPPSLAND GFC
State Affiliated Clubs E: sgfclub@outlook.com Sharon Allen
M: 0429 145 566
GFC OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA SPORTS FISHING CLUB OF Email: shazallen@live.com.au
Nichola Bradley (Secretary) TASMANIA INC
John Christian (Secretary) SWORDFISH AND TUNNY CLUB OF
PO Box 95, Stephney, SA 5069 AUSTRALIA
M: 0410 3327 PO Box 179, Moonah, TAS 7009
M: 0439 552 212 Kelvin Taylor
E: nichola_1984@hotmail. com M: 0427 270543
W: www.gamefishsa.com E: admin@sportsfishtasmania.com.au
W: www.sportsfishtasmania.com.au Email: gumgurra@sandhurst.net.au
ADELAIDE GFC VICTORIAN GFC
Stu Ferenci (Secretary) VICTORIA Brian Higginbotham
4 Cuttle Street, Aldinga Beach, SA 5173 M: 0428 319 212
M: 0417 417 213 Game Fishing Association of Victoria
Email: higgichicks@optusnet.com.au
E: eo@recreationsa.org PRESIDENT
W: www.adelaidegamefishingclub.com VICTORIA POLICE ANGLING CLUB
Anton Vogiatzis
INC.
PORT MACDONNELL M: 0404 028 838
Tim Hose
OFFSHORE ANGLING CLUB E: antonvog@hotmail.com
M: 0428 521 449
Glen Sparks (Secretary) SECRETARY E: timothy.hose@bigpond.com
PO Box 2232, Mount Gambier, SA 5290 Arthur Cunningham
M: 0419 866 670 P.O. Box 3245, Morwell, VIC 3840 WARRNAMBOOL OFFSHORE & LIGHT
E: gsparks@internode.on.net M: 0417 365 752 GFC
W: www.pmoac.com E: imr22@bigpond.net.au Ashley Dance
M: 0418 513 943
State Affiliated Clubs E: ashley@danceconstructions.com.au
BALLARAT SPORTS & GAME FISHING WESTERNPORT ANGLING CLUB
CLUB Kevin Toohey
Alex Rickard M: 0407 872465
M: 0408 539 048 Email: kksteel@tpg.com.au
E: alexrichard@hotmail.comGFAA STATE ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS 13
COCKBURN POWER BOATS CLUB KING BAY GAME FISHING CLUB
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
FISHING SECTION Ian Lannary (President)
Western Australian Game Fishing Tim Carson (Fishing Section Captain) PO Box 179, Karratha wa 6714
Association PO Box 7100, Spearwood WA 6163 M: 0427 998 788
M: 0429 676 237 E: presidentkbgfc@gmail.com
PRESIDENT E: joja9699@bigpond.com W: www.kbgfc.com.au
Rhyss Whittred W: www.cockburnpowerboats.com.au MARMION ANGLING & AQUATIC CLUB
M: 0400 122 878 Dean Williams (Game Fishing Rep)
E: president@wagfa.asn.au EXMOUTH GAME FISHING CLUB
PO Box 42, North Beach WA 6920
Darren Roche (President)
SECRETARY P: (08) 94471733
PO Box 121, Exmouth WA 6707 E: enquires@maac.com.au
Raquel Roche M: 0428 447 712
PO Box 528, Exmouth WA 6707 W: www.maac.com.au
E: president@egfc.com.au
M: 0428 642 280 W: www.egfc.com.au NATURALISTE GAME & SPORT
E: secretary@wagfa.asn.au FB: Exmouth Game Fishing Club - EGFC FISHING CLUB
Nigel Carling (President)
State Affiliated Clubs FREMANTLE SAILING CLUB GAME PO Box 441, Busselton WA 6280
FISHING SECTION M: 0417 178 041
BROOME FISHING CLUB John Cramer (Captain) E: ngfclub@outlook.com.au
John Clark (President) PO Box 860, Fremantle WA 6959 FB: Naturaliste Game & Sport Fishing Club
PO Box 8073, Broome WA 6725 M: 0407 772 625 NOR-WEST GAME FISHING CLUB
M: 0417 919 364 E: jmcramer@outlook.com.au John Smith (President)
E: president@broomefishingclub.com W: www.fsc.com.au PO Box 1176, Bently DC WA 6983
W: www.broomefishingclub.com GERALDTON & DISTRICTS M: 0400 225 549
BROOME NORTH FISHING CLUB FISHING CLUB E: john@truworkwear.com.au
Jono Conventry (President) Anthony Barnett (President) W: www.nwgfc.com.au
PO Box 5528, Cable Beach Broome PO Box 1831, Geraldton WA 6530 PERTH GAME FISHING CLUB
WA 6725 M: 0427 778 564 Peter Coote (President)
M: 0418 906 816 E: gdofccommittee@gmail.com PO Box 57, North Beach WA 6920
E: broomenorthfishingclub@gmail.com W: www.geraldtonfishing.westnet.com.au M: 0419 266 843
FB: Broome North Fishing Club E: president@pgfc.com.au
W: www.pgfc.com.au14 CODE OF PRACTICE
Code of Practice for a Responsible Gamefish Fishery
Codes of Practice are important to set standards for organisations and high standards do exist and are strongly encouraged.
have been developed for a wide range of activities and industries, It is important that a Code of Practice for gamefishing in Australia be
including the seafood industry. Many of the principles incorporated promoted, especially since some sectors of the public and the media
into Codes of Practice might seem obvious or general, but they are not well informed about this form of angling.
clearly demonstrate to those inside and outside the organisation that
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GFAA • Minimise direct effects on wildlife, including seabirds, marine
To a large extent, the GFAA has operated under a form of ‘Code of mammals and reptiles.
Practice’ for many years. The constitution of the GFAA contains a set • Minimise taking onboard material that will produce pollution
of objects (or aims) that are a very useful starting point in this regard. or rubbish. Observe proper provisioning processes. Minimise
Taking the relevant points from the Objects of GFAA (the ones that packaging.
relate to fishing ethics, conservation and so on), it is clear that the • Follow all relevant regulations by governing institutions. Adhere
Association has set itself high standards. That is: to bag and size limits. Respect and adhere to protected species
• To formulate and support fair, uniform and ethical angling rules. legislation. Be aware of zoning within marine parks and marine
• To conserve gamefish and food fish resources for the recreational protected areas.
and economic use of present and future generations. • Be informed about the biology of gamefish. For example, be aware
• To affiliate with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and of how to identify various gamefish species for more accurate
work closely with that Association as well as scientific institutions recording of tagging and capture data.
and government bodies interested in fisheries conservation and • Tag and release fish with care. Learn the correct procedures
management. for tag and release and catch and release to ensure maximum
• To encourage and further the study of recreational angling, the likelihood of survival of tagged and released fish. Record and
related fish species and the habitat requirements of such species. forward accurate post-release information in a timely manner.
• To develop and support fish tagging programs and other scientific • Take only what is needed. Exercise restraint when taking any
data collection. species of fish even if no bag limits exist. Be realistic about the
• To act as a data accumulation centre for fishing results and to amount of baitfish taken for fishing. Try to return unused live
make such information available to governments and others for baitfish to the area in which they were caught.
furthering education in the wise use and conservation of the • Dispatch fish quickly and humanely. All fish that are taken should
species. be killed as quickly and humanely as possible.
• To analyse the pressure of recreational and commercial fishing • Convey the benefits of gamefishing to the public. Take
upon the respective gamefish species. opportunities to educate the non-fishing public about the benefits
• To disseminate information and knowledge of scientific studies of of gamefishing, of tag and release and support of research.
commercial fishing and gamefishing to GFAA member clubs and to Encourage others to join affiliated gamefishing clubs.
the general public. • Cooperate and participate in research and development activities
• To assist and participate in domestic and international gamefish that will enhance the sustainability of the resource. Offer free
seminars and symposiums where the expertise, data and purposes access to fish for recognised research programs. Participate in
of the Association may be helpful in assisting other organisations biological sampling programs.
with similar objectives. • Participate and assist in the collection of catch and effort
• To make grants to gamefish-oriented organisations or institutions statistics.
for the support of research and education in the sciences related • Consider and respect the rights of others when engaged in
to gamefish and the sport of angling. any aspect of gamefishing. This includes other anglers, and
commercial fishers’ rights to harvest common property resources.
These objects are largely pursued through the rules and regulations
of the Association. The GFAA Research & Development Foundation CODE OF CONDUCT FOR
has also been formed to assist in funding the pursuit of many of these FISH AGGREGATING DEVICES (FADs)
specific goals. • Respect other FAD users at all times.
• FADs are for the benefit and enjoyment of all recreational sectors.
THE CODE • Courtesy should be given to fishers who are already using the
Principles of a Code of Practice for gamefishing in Australia (not FAD.
only for members of clubs, it should be noted) include the following. • FAD users should take turns in fishing the FAD and accommodate
Gamefish anglers will strive to: new arrivals.
• Fish to the ethical standards espoused by the GFAA. Follow • All fishers should keep boats, lines and lures a safe distance from
the rules and regulations set by the GFAA. Always conduct the FAD.
gamefishing activities in an ethical manner. • Do not use braid (Spiderwire) near the FADs. This line type causes
• Show due care and responsibility for the habitat of gamefish and cutting damage to the mooring line of the device. This will result
other marine life. Don’t discard anything overboard, including in the FAD breaking free and the ground tackle being lost.
plastic, metal and fishing line. Report pollution. Pick up floating • Do not tie your boat up to the FAD.
rubbish. Take care in anchoring over sensitive reef areas. Only use • Report any damage to the FAD to the appropriate owner.
biodegradable chemicals onboard. • Comply with bag limits and only take what you need.The photographs accompanying this article might be considered by many as quite graphic, however within
the historical context of the article, it must be understood that the practices and norms of period from the late
1940’s though to the 1960’s have not been generally followed in more recent times.
Charlie Chambers
By John McIntyre
For three decades, Charlie Chambers was the dean of Australian game
fishing skippers, captaining several of the most successful vessels and
guiding legendary anglers to some of the most significant captures in our
country’s fishing history.
Author: John McIntyre
Photography: Chambers Family, John McIntyre Collection, Peter Goadby Collection, Athel D’Ombrain, Consolidated Press, John Mondora.16
Champion boat “Murrawolga”
owned by Max Lawson, skippered
by Charlie Chambers.
Max Lawson’s “Murrawolga” shortly after launching circa 1948.17
11 Sharks - Moreton Bay. Anzac Day 1956.
Charles Elliott Chambers, always known as Charlie or in Charlie was demobilised in 1946 and took employment with a
earlier days “Chick”, was born on February 21, 1921 at Erina leading Sydney department store working on display signs and
in the Australian state of New South Wales. His mother advertising material. He met and married his wife Margaret
was a German emigrant and his father, who died when he (nee Bedson) in 1947, whilst working at the store. He moved
was ten years old, was from Britain. He was raised jointly on to work as a sign writer with the largest milk distributor in
by his mother and grandmother, assisted by his mother’s two the State, specialising in decorating their vehicles, both horse
sons from her first marriage to her German husband. One of drawn and motorised.
Charlie’s half-brothers, Phillip, who was over twenty years
older than Charlie, lived with his family at Watsons Bay, in The most skilful and successful big game fisherman of
the eastern suburbs of Sydney, close to the Heads entrance this era, immediately after World War 2, was the Sydney
to Sydney Harbour. Often retailed was the tale that “fishing” businessman Maxwell J. (Max) Lawson, who was also the
was the common language at Watsons Bay which, in those best known fine art and general auctioneer in Australia. Max
days was populated principally by people associated with had fished for game fish and big sharks off New South Wales
commercial fishing, boat- building, boat repairing and vessel from the mid 1930’s and had launched the 38 ft. twin engine
hire. Phillip treated Charlie like a son and from an early age game fishing cruiser Murrawolga in 1947. Charlie joined Max
Charlie was an avid fisherman, taking part in beach, harbour as his skipper in December 1950 but he had fished aboard
and rock fishing in the company of Phillip and his friends. at various times since late 1947. During this time he studied
for and passed examinations for his Master’s tickets for large
Upon leaving school, Charlie embarked on a career as sea-going vessels.
a painter, decorator and sign-writer, the latter occupation
particularly suited to his skills as a very proficient artist. The They proved to be a winning team, Max’s determination
onset of World War 2 saw Charlie enlisted in the Second and ability to fish in all weathers and Charlie’s boat handling
Australian Imperial Force (AIF) where he attained the rank and organisational skills led to Murrawolga being the boat
of Lance Bombadier in the First Australian Medium Artillery to beat in all local and State big game angling competitions
Regiment. He was later transferred into the Royal Australian and tournaments. Many later famous anglers commenced
Air Force (RAAF) for pilot training which did not take place. their careers on Murrawolga under Charlie’s watchful eye,
He achieved the rank of corporal and moved into the RAAF including the author/ angler Peter Goadby and the then
Marine Division, training and serving on crash boats in stars of Australian radio, Bob and Dolly Dyer. Bob Dyer was
northern Australia, Sarawak and Borneo, in South East Asia. a transplanted Tennessee USA entertainer who had come to18
Tennesssee II Port Stephens Ca1961.
Australia with vaudeville stage shows before the
War. His wife Dolly was a Sydney dancer who had
worked on the Tivoli theatre circuit, where they met.
Skilful promotion and publicity stunts saw the Dyers
enjoy considerable success and prosperity, enabling
them to commence their leisure time career in off-
shore fishing.
Charlie skippered the vessel for many significant
captures, including Max’s then milestone of 150
marlin boated. Max’s white pointer shark of 1582
Charlie Chambers aboard “Tennessee 111” 1968.
lb (719 kg) landed after a torrid battle on 39 thread
(130 lb- 60kg) tackle on April 13, 1952 set a new
record as the heaviest fish ever boated in New South Wales. Following Max’s wishes, Charlie had taken the crew for a
As usual, Charlie’s quiet but calculating manner and skilful “quiet” fish for the table when the huge white shark spoiled
boat handling removed much of the danger of tackling this the plan! All came out well on the day.
motor car sized fish of fearsome reputation. Always remarked
upon was Charlie’s calm demeanour, and other crew and In 1956, Max’s doctors advised him to slow down and to
visitors aboard his vessels were sure that they were in the reduce his activities. In 1957, he reluctantly sold Murrawolga
safe hands of a man who was completely non- assertive, but to a fellow Sydney Game Fishing Club member but managed
confident in his abilities. to find time to fish as a welcome guest on Club members’
boats. In the event, Max lived on to the grand old age of 90
His own personal milestone was his landing of his white years, passing away in 1985.
pointer shark of 2100 lb (954.5 kg) on April 26, 1956 to top
Max Lawson’s fish to become, and to remain, the heaviest Bob and Dolly Dyer immediately engaged Charlie Chambers
fish ever caught in the State. This will likely be the case well as their personal skipper, a position that he held for 18 years
into the foreseeable future as the species is now protected through a variety of boats and a feast of experiences on the
in Australia and is unable to be legally caught. Charlie was ocean, helping the Dyers to achieve their various fishing goals.
really an accidental angler on the day as Max had joined with Their boat Tennessee 2 was a 38 ft twin engine sport fishing
his World War 1 comrades for the annual Anzac Day March. cruiser built by the renowned Australian timber boat building19
Tennesssee III.
firm of Lars Halvorsen and Sons to a design jointly developed At one stage, Bob competed with the legendary Alf Dean
by Bob Dyer and Harold Halvorsen. She featured one of the of South Australia for the All Tackle white pointer shark
first flying bridges, with full controls, seen in Australia. record, establishing the high mark with a 2342.5 lb (1062 kg)
capture. Dean later eclipsed this record with a still unbeaten
The Dyers had served their “apprenticeship” in off-shore
2664 lb (1208.38 kg) fish. Over the years that the Tennessee
angling and Charlie’s presence on board provided them with
a man whose quiet confidence, and fishing and boat handling 2 team fished the waters off Brisbane hundreds of sharks
skills enabled them to move to another level. Charlie was were captured, including an amazing 21 over a three day long
a man famed for never raising his voice or appearing to be weekend. Charlie was very much the man on the helm of the
excited or impatient with either man or beast. boat or on the gaff with most of these landings.
In the 1950’s, and into the early 1960’s, the city of In 1960, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
Brisbane, in the northern State of Queensland, was home mandated a ban on the use of mammal flesh in the capture
to a thriving whaling industry and had one of the two shore of sharks and game fish. The Game Fishing Association of
based processing plants in the country, on Moreton Island at Australia (GFAA) imposed an identical ban soon after. The
Tangalooma, near the outflow of the Brisbane River into the coincidental closure of the shore whaling operations at
ocean. The residue from the commercial processing activities Tangalooma hastened the demise of the shark fishing in the
attracted schools of oceanic sharks, including white pointers area shortly thereafter.
of unimaginable size, and tiger and whaler (bull) sharks in Charlie continued to operate the Dyer vessels as they fished
numbers and sizes never seen before.
in various Australian tournaments and abroad in Hawaii, New
The Dyers voyaged to these waters over a number of Zealand and in the Bahamas. Locally they were the team to
seasons to test their skills. Charlie piloted them to many beat and were victors in all the major events including the
major landings, including IGFA and Australian All Tackle first national tournament, The All Australia Competition of
and line class records for white pointer and tiger sharks. 1963. In addition to organising for the fishing expeditions and20
competitions, Charlie maintained the vessels and loaned his of Islands to pursue light tackle fishing for mackerel, wahoo
sign writing and carpentry skills in the production of sets and and barracuda during the winter months. Their interest in the
props for the Dyer’s top rating quiz shows, travelling around region further north was piqued by an exploratory charter
the country in a hectic schedule of pre-recorded programmes. aboard the large steel vessel Tropic Seas, run by the veteran
In the mid 1960’s, local interest had swung to rumours of crocodile hunter and fisherman Vince Vlasoff of Cairns. A
huge fish to be found in the far northern waters off Cairns, trip of several weeks up to the far northern Lizard Island and
Queensland. The Dyers, accompanied by Charlie, utilised a Princess Charlotte Bay convinced them that the region was
fishing lodge on Brampton Island in the Whitsunday Group untapped for fantastic fishing.
Charlie Chambers, Max Lawson and Len Laurence- circa 195021
Around the same time, a former US
Army member and now expatriate,
George Bransford, had put a 31 ft
vessel called Sea Baby into charter to
confirm his belief that the Cairns Great
Barrier Reef region was home to some
of the largest marlin in the world.
After a series of exciting but fruitless
tussles with huge black marlin, the
break- through came on September
25, 1966 with the capture of a 1064
lb ( 484kg) black marlin by Bransford’s
young US crewman, Richard Obach
on 80 lb ( 37kg) tackle to establish a
new World and Australian record. This
fish was the catalyst for the over 50
years of astounding angling that has
occurred on the Great Barrier Reef
since.
The Dyers had purchased a 38 ft
Australian built Bertram twin engine
cruiser christened Tennessee 111.
They had determined that the Spring
season was probably the best time
to search for big marlin off North
Queensland and to this end had set
sail on the long trip from Sydney
to Cairns. They were actually in
Mourilyan Harbour, near Innisfail,
when they heard of the astounding
news of Richie Obach’s marlin, caught
the previous day. They immediately
set out for the waters of Euston Reef,
wide off Cairns where Charlie guided
them to the capture of two big black
marlin- 738.5 lb (336 kg) on 130 lb (60
kg) tackle for Bob and 655 lb (298 kg)
for Dolly, also on 130 lb. Both were
Australian record claims and were the
start of many outstanding captures by
the Dyer/ Chambers team.
After undertaking several weeks of
exploratory fishing in the region, they
mulled over the possibilities for the
next season and whether their hopes
for the area would come to fruition.
1098lb Black Bob Dyer
The decision was taken to acquire and
place a new and specially rigged 25
ft Australian Bertram sport fisherman safely and was christened Little Tenn and operated as a fast day boat from Cairns.
at Cairns. Charlie subsequently
The following season saw them capture and release numerous sizeable black marlin
undertook the long road trip from
and many varieties of light gamefish. For the 1970 season, they again ventured north with
Melbourne to Cairns, a 2500 miles
Tennessee 111 for more comfort and space at sea. Again it was a moderately successful
journey towing the sizeable load on
trip with all marlin released and the time spent was accepted as being valuable in adding
a heavy duty multiple wheel trailer,
to the team’s experience and knowledge of the region.
behind a light truck. The trip was
not without its dramas on the then In 1971, Charlie travelled to Florida USA to supervise the purchase and shipping of the
poor highways linking the eastern Dyer’s 53 ft Hatteras flybridge cruiser Blue Rhapsody. Charlie ran the vessel from Florida
Australian centres, including the loss to New Jersey, via the Inter-coastal Seaway, to enable her to be loaded aboard a freighter
of a wheel through a fractured trailer as deck cargo. Upon her arrival in Sydney she was quickly piloted north to Cairns. The
axle. The vessel eventually arrived season saw many sizeable marlin released after tagging with the new US Woods Hole22
Blue Rhapsody March 2011.
Marine Laboratory tags. Still the elusive 1000 pounder- the kg), the latter being the Dyer/ Chambers team’s heaviest ever
“grander” remained to be caught. marlin. From this time on, they resolved to only tag and release
marlin. They certainly had nothing to prove and had exceeded
For the 1972 season, Charlie guided Blue Rhapsody well
their wildest dreams with fish captured and weighed, and a
north to Princess Charlotte Bay and the waters of Lizard
huge number released.
Island, which the team declared to be potentially the most
productive grounds in the Coral Sea. On September 23, 1972 The constant travel and long intervals away from family
well outside the outer reef drop-off Bob hooked into a big persuaded Charlie to retire at the end of the 1973 season,
black marlin on 130 lb tackle, and after a lively fight they upon the boat’s return to the home port of Sydney. He had
managed to subdue the giant fish. At the weighing station at run the various Dyer vessels for 18 years and had guided and
Cairns Game Fishing Club, the scales pulled down to 1086 lbs skippered them to some of the most celebrated game fishing
(494 kg), their first grander. ever seen- Charlie Chambers was the dean of Australian
The capture of this big marlin seemed to open the gates, game boat skippers, a loyal and dedicated man who was also
for over the next month Bob weighed two more giant blacks- one of nature’s gentlemen.
1098 lb (499 kg) and 1145 lb (520 kg). The former fish was Charlie did not “swallow the anchor” for very long and
captured on 80 lb (37 kg) tackle to establish a new IGFA and undertook skippering duties for a number of Sydney based
Australian record. The season concluded for Blue Rhapsody owners but he now managed to stay reasonably close to
with Captain Charlie at the helm, with many smaller marlin
home. Regrettably, on August 3, 1981, Charlie suffered a fatal
tagged and released- the tally overall now reached into the
heart attack and died aged only 60 years, ending a life well
hundreds.
lived and so full of adventure and achievement. His ashes
The 1973 Cairns marlin season saw the team boat and were subsequently scattered on his beloved ocean by fellow
weigh two more “granders”-1138 lb (517 kg) and 1220 lb (554 members of Sydney Game Fishing Club.ANNUAL GFAA AWARDS AND TROPHIES 23
Annual GFAA awards and trophies
Each year GFAA-administered trophies for Capture and and Geoffrey Woolley Trophy must be submitted to GFAA by
Tag & Release are awarded to anglers fishing in Australian clubs through their State Association, and will be judged by
waters. The Capture trophies are the Tom Bell Trophy and the GFAA Executive. All other trophies are based on tag cards
the Peter Goadby Trophy. The Tag & Release trophies are the received by NSW Fisheries. To be eligible for the Peter Bennett
John O’Brien Trophy, the Sir Garrick Agnew Trophy, the Bob Trophy the angler must be under 16 years of age at the time of
Lowe Trophy, the Peter Bennett Trophy, and the trophy for the the event.
Highest Point-scoring Boat, which was donated by Tailored It should be recognised that a claim need not be an
Marine Accessories. Australian record to win the trophy. However, sufficient data
In 2003 anglers had three new trophies to fish for: the must accompany the application to satisfy the Executive of its
Geoffrey Woolley Trophy for the most meritorious tag & validity. The decision to award a trophy, or otherwise, rests
release achievement by an adult angler, the Grahame Williams totally with GFAA and no correspondence will be entered into.
trophy for the most sharks tagged by an angler, and the John There are also three trophies available at the Australian
and Anne Brooker Trophy for the most southern bluefin tuna International Billfish Tournament, a prestigious tournament
tagged by an angler. held every year from a different location: the Ern Palmer
In 2004 another trophy was added: the Neil Patrick Trophy for Trophy awarded to the winning team, the Moreton Bay
the most other gamefish tagged by an angler. Trophy awarded to the runner-up team (previously champion
In 2012 the David Litchfield Trophy was added for the highest international team), and the Mal Ramsey Trophy awarded to
point scoring boat tag & release marlin in Australian waters. the champion angler (previously champion Australian team).
The operative year for all trophies is from 1st July in one year Note: The use of the ‘billfish only’ tag is mandatory to be
to 30th June the following year. Entries for the Tom Bell Trophy, eligible to win any GFAA billfish trophies and awards.
Peter Goadby Trophy, Bob Lowe Trophy, Peter Bennett Trophy
EW PALMER TROPHY 1982 South Queensland – Laurie Munroe, 1996 Tag & Release: Ulladulla Sport & Game Fishing
From 1963-1975 awarded to the winning team at any All- Pat Gay, Mal Ramsay (Moreton Bay) Club – Chris Brack, Gary Foster, Shaun Malone,
Australian contest under the auspices of GFAA All-Australian 1983 North Queensland – Jack Erskine, Mike Trevaskis, Steve Pisani, Ed Kennett; Capture:
competition. From 1981 awarded to the winning team(s) Tom Roche, Jim Dalling (Moreton Bay) Botany Bay GFC – John Sipthorp, Anthony Smith,
at the Australian International Billfish Tournament (AIBT). South Australia – Ern Palmer, Bill Coombs, John David Stephens, Glen Crawford, Grant Cammack
1984
Johnston (Moreton Bay) (Botany Bay)
1963 Tennessee II, Sydney GFC – Bob Dyer,
South Queensland – Bill Siganto, Arthur Trass, 1997 Tag & Release: Port Macquarie GFC –
Dolly Dyer, Basil Davidson (Sydney) 1985
David Farley, John McPherson (Moreton Bay) David Wilson, David Sinclair, Tony Graham, Jeff
1965 JAC III, Sydney GFC – John Kellion, Peter Goadby, Wilson, Bob Ronfa;
John McIntyre, Kevin Brennan (Sydney) 1987 North Queensland – Eddie Wong, Leigh O’Brien Capture: Broken Bay GFC – Graham Bland, John
1967 Adriatic III, Port Hacking GFC – (Jnr), Damien Savis (Jnr), Tina McMillan (Jnr), Franklin, Bert Lloyd, Arthur Foy (Port Stephens)
Frank Lipanovich, Fred Leate, John Davidson, Terry (Townsville)
1998 Lake Macquarie GFC – Geoff Wyett, Jason Nunn,
Healy (Sydney) 1988 Hong Kong – Bob McKernan, Alan Curtis, John Peter Sanderson, Allan McCafferty (Port Stephens)
1969 Kestelle, Broken Bay GFC – Bob Oliver, Frank Ridley (Townsville)
1999 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC – Chris Russell,
Pfeiffer, Ern Leslie, Eric Howarth (Port Hacking) 1989 St George Sportfishing Club – Al Hooper, Barry David Russell, Richard Robinson (Port Stephens)
1971 Kakana, Sydney GFC – Neil Sutton, Yates, Roy Allen, Neil Sutton (Townsville)
2000 Canberra GFC – Gary Cairns, Ron Smith, Darren
Bob Barstow, David Steele, 1990 St George Sportfishing Club – Al Hooper, David Sterzenbach, Steve Bawden
C Barstow (Port Hacking) Yiend, Roy Allen, Neil Sutton (Townsville) (Batemans Bay)
1973 Georgina, Broken Bay GFC – Don Swavley, 1992 GFC of South Australia – Bob Forbes, Lance Vater Sydney GFC – Vern Padagas, Jeff Wood (Port
2001
Jens Christnesen, Phillip Swavley, Peter Swavley (Townsville) Hacking)
(Broken Bay) 1993 Gold Coast GFC – Ian Bladin, David Bladin (RQYS)
2002 Wollongong GFC – Peter Brown, Bob Pearson,
1975 Kakana, Sydney GFC – Neil Sutton, 1994 GFC of South Australia – John Johnston, Allen John Pearson (Port Hacking)
David Steele, Bob Barstow (Broken Bay) Turnbull, Rolf Czabayski (Gold Coast) 2003 Bermagui BGAC – Steve Pearce, Lucas Nunn
1981 Victoria 2 – Len Rowler, Joy Rowler, 1995 Tag & Release: Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
2004 Batemans Bay GFC – Karen Mitchell, Jane Cutler
Bob Denham (Moreton Bay) – Steven Corder, Clifton Corder, Kevin Corder, John
Ambrose, Benny Hancock; Capture: Botany Bay 2005 Great Lakes GFC (NSW) – Robert Fitzalan, Brock
GFC – Michael Bednaic, Les Vella, Ron Van Ham, Bunderus, Richard Baker, Paul Meredith, Lynne
Mark Gunning (Botany Bay) Meredith
2006 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (NSW) –
Michael Blanche, Daniel Johnston
2007 Sunshine Coast GFC (QLD) – Robert Smith, Mark
Bird, Conor Lynch
2008 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (NSW) – Garry
Holt, Alan Ward, James Holt, Marc Storr
2009 Botany Bay GFC (NSW) – Keith Johnson, Fred
Johnson, Geoff Brooks24 ANNUAL GFAA AWARDS AND TROPHIES
2010 Sydney GFC (NSW) – Phillip Webster, 2004-05 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (224,310 pts)
Daniel Carlson, Jeff Hudson, Andrew Davis 2005-06 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (132,032 pts)
2011 Exmouth GFC (WA) – Neil Silver (c), 2006-07 Sunshine Coast GFC (175,506 pts)
Seth Nafte, Chris Pol 2007-08 Sydney GFC (108,256 pts)
2012 Exmouth GFC (WA) – James Roscik (c), Matt 2008-09 Sunshine Coast GFC ( 132,579 pts)
Nikkula, Steve Moore, Rowan Smith, Andrew 2009-10 Exmouth GFC ( 240,977 pts)
Griffiths, Jeremy Klar 2010-11 Exmouth GFC (144,073 pts)
2013 Broome FC (WA) – Chris Nisbet, Jason Bull, 2011-12 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (191,414 pts)
Richard Black, Al Sartori, Steve Ring 2012-13 Sunshine Coast GFC (211,428 pts)
2014 Our Time: Capt Matt Gates, Jim Ireland, Richard 2013-14 Exmouth Game Fishing Club
Black, Colin Dawe
2014-15 Gold Coast GFC (163,130 pts)
2015 Cairns Bluewater GFC (Qld) – Sue Crocker, 2015-16 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
Townsville GFC – Mick Meiers, Hervey Bay GFC –
Doug Sanderson 2016-17 Sunshine Coast GFC (197,134 pts)
2017-18 Sunshine Coast GFC (289,122 pts)
2016 Askari – Corey Hard, Shane Sipthorp,
Mitch Liddell, Rhys Younan-Wise, Jay Housman 2018-19 Sunshine Coast GFC (172,040 pts)
Bravo – Jon Jarvis (Perth), Peter Falkner 2019-20 Weipa Billfish Club (181,255 pts)
2017
(Darwin), Gavin Jones (Darwin) SIR GARRICK AGNEW TROPHY
2018 Haulin: Graeme Heal, Gabriel Gomez, Awarded to the angler who tagged and released the most billfish
Jason Edwards, Tom Miller, Mick Campbell MAL RAMSAY TROPHY in Australian waters.
2019 Hervey Bay GFC: Doug Sanderson, Mick Meiers, Awarded to the champion angler at the AIBT.
1987-88 Michael Delaunay (16)
Sue Crocker 2003 Lucas Nunn – Bermagui BGAC 1988-89 Graham Deanshaw (27)
2004 Paul Broderick – Tathra AFC - GFS 1989-90 Lance Vater (14)
MORETON BAY TROPHY 2005 Steven Gardener – Bermagui BGAC (NSW)
Awarded to the runner-up team at the AIBT. 1990-91 Len Brooks (31)
2006 Daniel Johnston – Newcastle & Port Stephens
1991-92 Len Brooks (54)
2003 Ulladulla S & GFC – Don Goswell, Troy Dowling GFC (NSW)
2007 Conor Lynch – Sunshine Coast GFC (QLD) 1992-93 Leon Wregg (44
2004 Tathra AFC - GFS – David Fitzpatrick, Jacinta 1993-94 Bryan Frost (29)
Riseley, Paul Broderick 2008 James Holt – Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
(NSW) 1994-95 Steve Chambers (17)
2005 Port Hacking GFC (NSW) – John Dunphy, Mark 1995-96 Stephen Williams (26)
2009 Fred Johnson – Botany Bay GFC (NSW)
Mikkelsen, Daniel Mikkelsen, Steve Tucker, Grant
2010 Aris Keramidas – Sydney GFC (NSW) 1996-97 Tony Graham (35)
Grounds
2011 Kurt Williamson – Exmouth GFC (WA) 1997-98 Michelle Jansz (88)
2006 Great Lakes GFC (NSW) – Ozzie Collins, David
Ross, Bill Walker, Craig Walker 2012 Sahra Pittman – Exmouth GFC 1998-99 Peter Pescell (98)
2013 Troy Dahlstrom – Broome FC 1999-00 Tony Pink (31)
2007 Not Won
2014 Murray Teasdale – Exmouth GFC (WA) 2000-01 Fred Temminck (24)
2008 Gold Coast GFC – Simon Christidis, 2015 Sue Crocker – Cairns Bluewater GFC (Qld) 2001-02 Tie: Andrew Yeh and Vic Levett (28)
Peter Hargraves, Peter Purcell, Ross Talbot
2016 Mitch Liddell – Boat: Askari
2009 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC (NSW) – Scott 2017 James Dedman – King Bay GFC
Lee, Jason Lee, Katie Lee, Phillipa Seldon
2018 Janelle Hodgson – Exmouth GFC
2010 Lake Macquarie GFC (NSW) – Simon Carosi, 2019 Rolf Czabayski – GFC of SA
Jacinta Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Dean Wood
2011 Exmouth GFC (WA) – Bernie Vale (c), Darren JOHN O’BRIEN TROPHY
Garraway, Shaun Lennon, Kim Renner, Paul Rowe, Awarded to the highest tag & release point-scoring GFAA club.
Matt Lupton 1983-84 Cairns GFC
2012 Perth GFC (WA) – Josh Bruynzeel (c), 1984-85 Townsville GFC
Chris Fonti, Chris Pol, Nathan Sibley 1985-86 Townsville GFC
2013 Broome FC (WA) – Geoff Ellens, Emile Ellens, 1986-87 Cairns GFC
Steve Parlumbo, Joe Sutherland 1987-88 Moreton Bay GFC
2014 On Strike: Capt Josh Bruynzeel, Chris Fonti, Chris 1988-89 Townsville GFC
Wylde, Megan Schukowsky 1989-90 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
2015 Cairns Bluewater GFC (Qld) – Dan Bergamo, 1990-91 Gold Coast GFC
Matthew Bergamo, Anthony Bergamo, Benjamin 1991-92 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
Bergamo and Ben Hardy 1992-93 Townsville GFC
2016 Athahldo – Josh Eggins, Paul Axisa, Lachie Eggins, 1993-94 Townsville GFC
Alan Geale, James Kinniburgh
1994-95 Roebuck Bay Game & Sportfishing Club
2017 Gold Strike II – John Fraurud, Brian Arnett 1995-96 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
(Exmouth GFC)
1996-97 Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC
2018 Azura: Dave Thomson, Eddy Lawler, Doug 1997-98 Sunshine Coast GFC
Sanderson, Riley Smith, Bob Witcombe
1998-99 Sunshine Coast GFC
2019 Dun Deal: Anthony Dunlea, Kevin Foster, Hannah 1999-00 Sunshine Coast GFC
Dunlea
2000-01 Sunshine Coast GFC
2001-02 Sunshine Coast GFC
2002-03 Broome GFC
2003-04 Sunshine Coast GFC (186,492 pts)You can also read
