Jan 2026: The outing that nearly didn’t happen!

January’s weather did not want to play along with the Club Forster Bluewater Fishing Club.  The Competition Outing was originally scheduled for the weekend of the 17th and 18th January.  Winds and waves however conspired to kibosh the event!

Fortunately, if a weekend competition is washed out, club rules allow for a one day outing the following Saturday.  Thus, on Saturday the 24th January, despite some members away and weather conditions being less than ideal, 4 boats, (the minimum required to make a competition valid) and 7 anglers  ventured forth to test their skills.

It was not however a fairy tale ending.  Only 14 fish were entered into the recorder, with a number of members coming home with a dreaded donut of fish!  Fish were also small overall.  A real highlight of the day however was a horse of a snapper (720mm) caught by our outgoing President Allan Bowden.  Allan has faithfully served the club as President over the last three years, stepping up to do so at a time when the club was struggling to find leadership. He is now unfortunately leaving the Forster area for new climes and has had to step down from the role.  It would seem though that the karma gods were not done, dealing out a big ultimate thank you to Allan.  Congratulations Allan, and thanks for all you have given the club over many years.  You leave a great legacy and will be missed.

Allan’s snapper of course took out the longest snapper category of the competition.  Other winners were Brain page with best teraglin (420mm) and Garry Smith with runner up flathead (467mm).  Overall winner was once again Martyn Barry with a total of 154.6 points, including longest flathead (480mm) as well as runner up snapper (430mm).  

All fish that are caught/and or released are according to DPI regulations as per club By-laws. Fish are either eaten by our members that catch them or given away to their friends and family. There is also a bag limit as to how many fish of each species can be caught. The club competitions also incorporate the option to practice catch and release.

For those interested in joining the Club Forster Blue Water Fishing Club, please see the club website (clubforsterbluewaterfishingclub.org) or contact Barry Wrench on 0428 557 090.