POOR weather conditions on the weekend of March 20-21 limited the field in the 2nd Moreton Bay Shark Fishing Classic to 11 boats and three land-based teams. Those who participated fished hard to tag 26 sharks in the boating section, with all being whalers.

No sharks met the six times minimum line class for weighing in this division, although Wayne Alex on Huntress fought an estimated 60kg whaler on 8kg line for over four hours before the wire trace parted at the boat. Land-based anglers managed to weigh two sharks, both of which were bull sharks. Simon Harmon subdued a 97kg whaler on 60kg line from Combyuro Point to take out the highest ratio capture award, and Sonya Ruis landed a 42kg specimen from the Pumicestone Passage entrance to take out Champion Female and Overall Champion Angler in the land-based division.

The smallest boat in the fleet, Noah Way, a Stessl Truck 4.65m centre console with anglers Gordon Macdonald, Greg Cuff and Joshua Cuff took out Champion Team by tagging 10 whalers, most of which were caught on 4kg line. Scott Cutmore on Ally One took out Overall Champion Angler, Champion Male Angler, Champion Angler 8kg and Champion Angler Tagging, with six sharks tagged on 8kg line. Joshua Cuff tagged two whalers to take out Champion Junior Angler and Gordon Macdonald was Champion Angler on 4kg with his four releases. A junior encouragement award was presented to Brandon Wessels for his efforts during the tournament. During the presentation BBQ at The Moreton Bay Trailerboat Club, several prizes were won for lucky entry and lucky tag card draws, many of which were donated by The Tackle Warehouse.

The Moreton Bay Gamefish Club will be hosting the event again next year and invite all anglers to participate. Enquiries can be directed to Noel Webb on (07) 32865762. – MBGFC