THE SALTWATER Flyfishers Association Sunshine Coast Longtail Tuna Chase, sponsored by The Tackle Shop Carseldine, is on again. This fun family comp will take place from March 18 (briefing night) at 7.00pm to Sunday March 21, 2004. The Moolooaba Yacht Club on Parkyn Parade Moolooolaba will be the venue.

The Longtail Tuna Chase is a great opportunity for flyfishers from all over Australia to put their longtail tuna fishing skills to the test, with the emphasis on having fun. Competitors will be vying for trophies in the categories of Champion Male, Female, Junior and Team, and prizes donated from our generous sponsors will be given out to every competitor who fishes the Chase.

The Longtail Tuna Chase is in its fifth year, with 70 competitors catching 270 tuna last year over two and a half days. One of the highlights of the competition is the 6am start, where all the competition boats line up, a siren is sounded, and all boats move off as one – very exciting to watch! At the unofficial de-brief at the end of each fishing session, after the capture sheets are handed in, anglers stand around and discuss success stories (and lament the ones that got away). With such a crowd of anglers standing around discussing flyfishing, there’s always some good information on flies and techniques to be used in the next day’s fishing session.

With the longtail tuna schools only being 100m to 1km off the coastline, they are easily accessible in 4m tinnies with 25hp and above. The teams this year will consist of two anglers per boat, with the option of a driver (non-fishing crewmember). So come along and test your skills on this great sportfish and learn new skills from other flyfishers. Entry forms are available from our The Tackle Shop Carseldine or at The Tackle Warehouse Coorparoo, Fishing World Maroochydore and aussiefly.com.au.

All enquiries can be directed to the club via email at --e-mail address hidden-- or by phone on 0429 637 088. – Steve Dahl, Saltwater Flyfishers Association Sunshine Coast

Sponsors: The Tackle Shop Carseldine, Columbia, Air Flo, Sure Catch, Tiewell, Scott Rods, E.J. Todd, G Loomis, Mayfly, Scientific Angler, Innovator, Australian Fishing Network, Alvey Reels, Wilson Fishing Tackle Specialists, Mustad, Fenwick, Talon Aurora, Pure Fishing, Shimano, Aussie Fishing Park, Eloura Tower Beach Front Resort, QFM, G.F. Promotions, Bush ‘n’ Beach, Navman, CJM Accounting, Qantas Link, Carlton & United Breweries, Woodworkers Door Centre, Paint City, Rod’s Engineering, Dophin Marine, Style Eyes Eyewear, Bli Bli Realty, Fishing World, Tie ‘n’ Fly, ABN Amro Morgan, Caloundra City Power Boats, Tradelink Plumbing Supplies, Billy Gill Suncoast Signs, Maroochy Tourism & Travel, Let’s go Fishing, Century Batteries.