The bass fishing event of the 2005 Fujitsu Qld Police Games, incorporating Emergency Services, was held on May 24 and 25 at Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Murgon. This was the first time the Games included a catch-and-release bass fishing event.

The first morning session was tough with only four anglers measuring in bass. Gympie policeman Vic Tipman led the pack after trolling with Jackall lipless crankbaits. The second session was a bit better once anglers started to work out the productive techniques, with 17 bass measured in. Toowoomba fireman Peter Robinson shot to the lead after the second session, also trolling Jackalls at a very slow pace between the two boat ramps.

The next morning anglers had to contend with a heavy fog. Kilkivan Policeman Graeme Reeves persisted in his little tinny without any sounders or GPS and was rewarded with two quality bass, the biggest measuring 42cm to the fork. Graeme took out 8th place and won a much needed Protecta-net.

Despite some overnight nerves and a loss of appetite at breakfast, Peter Robinson caught his bag early in the session. Husband and wife anglers, Vic and Diane Tipman caught a couple of impressive fish and the pressure was on Peter for the race to the gold medal. The end of the last session saw Peter measuring in an impressive overall total of 6/6 bass at 2.29m winning the gold medal. Peter also took out the Biggest Bass Trophy with a 47cm fork length bass. Vic Tipman retained second place measuring in an overall total of 6/6 fish at 1.97m and taking out the silver medal. Dianne Tipman won the bronze medal with a 5/6 limit of 1.89m. Toowoomba Police Prosecutor, Tony Costa just missed out on the Bronze Medal by 30mm with his 5/6 1.83m bag but took home a lures pack containing SMAK spinnerbaits and other assorted lures.

The Biggest Golden Perch trophy was taken out by Diane Tipman with a 44cm golden. Police Assistant Commissioner Col McCallum presented the medallions and prizes to the winners. Prizes were also on offer, thanks to our generous sponsors.

Thanks go out to all our sponsors and to ABT Bass Pro Matthew Mott for passing on his experience at the briefing. Special thanks also go out to Gordon Turner and Norm Williams who assisted with the coordination of this event. We are looking forward to the next Qld Police Games to be held in 2007. – Brad Clark