There will be smiles all round when teams take to the water off Weipa for the Clearwater Ladies Gamefish Day this weekend. Photo: Supplied.
This weekend’s Clearwater Ladies Gamefish Day is set to be a “cracker” as anglers prepare to make a bubbly offering to Poseidon for Weipa’s good weather to continue.
Twenty teams – comprising 58 anglers, including three junior competitors – will take to the water on 2 November and tournament co-ordinator Fifi Down said while the weather gods were currently playing nicely, she would not be taking any chances.
“The weather gods are playing the game with (weather app) Windy suggesting 5-10 knots in the morning, with the typical mongrel westerly kicking in in the afternoon,” she said.
“This is a long-range forecast, however, and I will still be gifting the ocean mermaids a sip of Champagne over the edge of the boat on Saturday morning to keep them happy.”
Anyone who is still keen to enter the tournament has until 5pm on 30 October to get their nomination in.
Ms Down said fishing close to the shore was still electric, with local angler Linda Jay bagging a 120-kilogram black marlin after an hour-long duel on 23 October.
With a theme of Rhinestone Cowgirls for the 2024 event, Ms Down said she hoped teams put as much thought into their outfits as players did for the 19 October Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Day at Carpentaria Golf Club.
“If our lady anglers dress up anything like the charity ladies golf day, we will be in for some wacky, wicked, wild and wonderful Rhinestone Cowgirl creations,” she said.
“Weipa women definitely enjoy a day to dress up to the nines and support a special cause.”
The tournament co-ordinator praised Weipa Billfish Club committee members Alistair Thorogood, Duncan Hockey and Monica Dalgleish for their efforts in getting the event to the start line and said she believed their contribution would make it two days to remember for teams.
“Their enthusiasm is infectious and is a driving force behind what will be an outstanding weekend affair,” Ms Down said.
While some of the colourful team names are not fit for publication, Ms Down said Titty Titty Bling Bling, Reel Knockers, and Breast and Fairest were among her favourite printable monikers, adding the support of sponsors meant the on-water action and gala presentation luncheon on 3 November were setting the competition up to be the best on record.
“I would like to recognise the unwavering sponsorship from our local businesses, who must field multiple requests throughout the year, and thank them immensely for having something left in the kitty at the end of the year for our occasion,” she said.
“We are truly humbled by your generosity and collaboration in allowing us to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.”
Colourful vessels, team names and anglers will be par for the course when the 2024 Clearwater Ladies Gamefish Day adopts a Rhinestone Cowgirls theme on 2-3 November. Photo: Supplied.
