Summer is finally over and autumn has kicked in as the temperatures have dropped and cool nights have kept the air-conditioners off around the town.  The fishing hasn’t really slowed too much though with reports still coming in daily of interesting catches. The small black marlin photographed by Tayla Clatworthy this week is just one of those catches.

There have been some interesting changes in the water over the last week with a cold green current flowing and coral spawning galore.  The big tides affected the reef fishing anglers, but now the tides are great for getting in for that drift out wide. Meanwhile from the shore, there have been plenty of queenfish near Learmonth Jetty and quite a few crabs in the gulf.

After Gamex a roadblock was conducted 80km out of town to check on anglers leaving town after a big week of fishing. Police checked drivers for alcohol readings, Fisheries checked for amounts of fish being transported and Transport checked car and trailer road worthiness. Out of the 100 vehicles stopped only 40% had frozen fish in some quantity. The majority of boats that entered (40 from 65) were targeting the tag and release sections of the event, and the amount of fish tagged and released far outweighed the fish brought in to the gantry (pardon the pun!). The statistics of this event with 446 billfish tagged and over 12 pending state, national and world records, could place it at the top of tournaments in Australia. We are yet to find out if this is the case for the ratio of anglers to fish tagged and records broken. Regardless of that, EGFC have had many positive comments from those people who attended the event and EGFC welcome any feedback from anglers, locals and visitors.

The official opening of the EGFC clubhouse is on 23^rd April from 6pm. All current members and sponsors will be sent an invitation.  RSVP’s will be essential as numbers will be limited.  Invitations will be sent out next week. Following the opening there will be a Recfishwest Fishing Clinic on the Saturday at Town Beach. All kids and adults are welcome to come down. You can register for this clinic at one of the Tackle Shops, the School or the fuel stations.

The AGM for the EGFC will be on 27^th April starting at 7pm sharp. All current committee members will stand down and nominations for positions will be presented and a new committee elected. Some positions are paid and if you are interested in being a part of this exciting year, please email secretary@egfc.com.au or mail to PO Box 121, Exmouth, 6707.