AFTER another strong 2022-23 season, the Weipa Billfish Club had plenty to celebrate at last week’s annual general meeting and presentation ceremony.
Some stellar achievements were recognised as the club prepares for its major event on the calendar, the Hastings Deering-sponsored Weipa Billfish Tournament.
Always held on the long weekend in October, club members and visiting anglers are hoping the wind stays away and conditions are flat for the deep water event.
In the 2022-23 season, Weipa club members tagged 201 sailfish and 27 black marlin in local waters.
Additionally, two black marlin were tagged near Townsville by a club member, while a further two were tagged off Bermagui in southern NSW.
2022-23 AWARD WINNERS
Champion male angler: Tom Hockey 31,970 points with 32 billfish tagged.
Runner-up male angler: Darryl French 13,900 points with 16 billfish tagged.
Third male angler: Ben Bright 12,800 points with 14 billfish tagged.
Champion female angler: Emmi Roberts, 11,000 points with 11 billfish tagged.
Runner-up female angler: Theona Down 10,300 points with 10 billfish tagged.
Third place senior female angler: Andrea Kennedy 5,300 with 5 billfish tagged.
Champion junior angler: Tobee Torenbeek-White 2070 points with 2 billfish tagged.
Runner-up junior angler: Isaac Griffin 1800 points with 2 billfish tagged on a countback from Amy Torenbeek-White, also with 1800 points with 2 billfish tagged.
Champion boat: Wine Down 45,800 points with 46 billfsih tagged.
Runner-up champion boat: No Bull 42,900 points with 45 billfish tagged.
Third champion boat: Last Cast/Screamer 33,770 points with 33 billfish tagged.
Champion fly angler: Ben Bright, 1500 points (1).
First billfish of the season: Tom Hockey: 10/09/2022.
Last billfish of the season: James Prentice: 29/06/2023.
Most meritorious effort: Tom Hockey for introducing so many anglers to billfishing.
