The Game Fishing Association of Australia had their AGM recently and trophies were awarded for various sections for the year ending June 30th. The northwest did well with different sections being taking out by juniors including Exmouth’s very own Taylor Clatworthy. Taylor came third in Australia for most tagged sharks by a junior. Another win was taken out by the local boat In Deep for Highest Point Scoring Tag and Release Boat in Australian Waters. This is another great reflection of the fishing in Exmouth and the northwest and hopefully it will entice people to visit Exmouth for the Australian International Billfish Tournament in 2011 and 2012.

Sadly the winds have kept most anglers at home this last week, however, the weather forecast is looking good for the school holidays and with temperatures rising we expect the fishing to heat up too. The shore fishing can be great fun for kids and several of the fishing areas off the access roads around the west side have produced good sized spangled emperor.

Many kids these days like to catch and release; a great place for that is around the marina with plenty of variety and action. The beaches either side have also been showing up queenfish, trevally and the odd whiting. If the kids are going to catch and release, it is a good idea to have a bucket of salt water handy to place the fish in to retrieve the hook. This is far better for the fish than having it on the hot ground or sand. A gentle release by placing the bucket in the water also helps with the survival of the fish. If you are to handle the fish, it is best to be wearing wet fishing gloves and kids gloves are available for fishing these days which also helps protect against skin cancer.

Young Hayden Michaels is back in town with his sister Brookie and family for the school holidays. Hayden’s start to his holidays was huge with the massive estuary cod pictured this week. Hayden did most of the work on his own, but Dad had to help hold the fish for the picture. Well done Hayden! The family are planning to fish the Billfish Bonanza in late October with the junior anglers. With a new junior section in this event, the EGFC expect there to be a few new young contestants aiming for the Craig Smith Art Trophy and prizes.