FROM THE PRESIDENT
President’s Report Winter is well and truly upon us, but with the colder months come some exceptional fishing opportunities. Recent weigh-ins have proven that, with a quality 46kg Yellowfin Tuna landed by Connoisseur, followed by an impressive 76kg Southern Bluefin Tuna caught by WAWA. Both of these fish are currently in the Slam – well done to the anglers and crews involved. As we move into the month of July, a friendly reminder to renew your membership and ensure your financials are up to date before you land that potential record-breaker. The final results for the Central Zone are now in, and we are proud to announce that Sydney Game Fishing Club has once again taken out Champion Club – Tag & Release, Sydney has dominated the trophies in the Tag & release sections, a full report is inside the magazine. Congratulations to all participating boats and crews for your efforts throughout the Central Zone rounds. On the club maintenance front, we are currently in the consultation phase regarding the replacement of our club pylons. This will be a significant investment, as the existing pylons have reached the end of their lifespan and must be replaced to maintain safety and infrastructure integrity. Regarding our lease, we remain on a year-to-year agreement. We are in ongoing and constructive communication with the Department of Transport, and we are optimistic that once our plans for the pylon replacement are finalised, we will be in a strong position to negotiate a long-term lease arrangement. Thank you to all members for your continued support. Thank you Glenn Wright
TUNA SLAM June - July - August 2025
Calendar of Events SGFC July 2025 1st - SFGC Tuna Slam continues + Winter Pointscore 1st - Club Meeting 29th - Committee Meeting 30th -Book Launch The Last Days of Zane Grey At SGFC Club Augest 2025 1st - SFGC Tuna Slam continues + Winter Pointscore 3rd - End of Winter Point Score 5th - Club Meeting 26th - Committee Meeting 31st - SGFC Club Presentation (Lunch) September 2025 2nd - Club Meeting + Annual General Meeting 20th - Start Summer Point Score 20th + 21st SGFC Mako Tournament 26th - Committee Meeting
22nd 23th
Keep an eye on your inbox our 2025–2026 membership renewal invoices will be sent out in early July. Don’t miss out on renewing and stay part of the action for the upcoming season!
Join us on Sunday, 31st August from 12pm onwards for our official Season Presentation Day! Celebrate the highlights of the year as we present awards—including our Tuna Slam winners. Bookings are essential. Please contact Annita at: secretary@sgfc.com.au
Membership Renewal 2025-2026
Book launch
SGFC Presentation Lunch
We’re excited to announce that a special Book Launch will be held at the Sydney Game Fishing Club on Wednesday, 30th July. Come along to celebrate the release and enjoy an evening with fellow members and guests. Book Online at: www.vickihastrich.com
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21/6/25 Congratulations to Connoisseur just weighed a 46kg Yellowfin Tuna in the Slam caught north of Shellharbour he brought home 2 for dinner
With the SGFC Tuna Slam in progress it is time to get out there and give it a shot. The SGFC Tuna Slam runs from 1st. June until 30th.August. To enter you must contact the club secretary ( 0402 615 814 ) via phone call, txt message or email (secretary@sgfc.com.au), you MUST do this before putting out to sea. The Entry fee of $300 per boat covers the 3 months of June, July and August. To weigh a fish a minimum of 30 mins notice must be given to the weighmaster during the week and longer if possible on the weekend. Karen Wright is the weigh master (0407 557 705). If she is not available call the club secretary. All Tuna must meet NSWGFA minimum weights. Please note all tuna points go towards your winter pointscore and to SGFC totals for NSWGFA. Good luck to those that have already entered. I do know a couple of the boats will be out this weekend looking to get a jump start on the rest of you. Fishing boundaries... Northern Boundary : 33.05.000S Southern Boundary : 35.15.000S The prize money is comprised of the total of entry monies collected , less a twenty percent cut to the SGFC Club. The prize money (less 20%) is divided evenly between the heaviest Yellowfin and the Heaviest Bluefin. If either one is not caught its prize money is jackpotted to next year's Slam. To get the ball rolling the club has donated an initial thousand dollars to the pot.
22/6/25 WAWA just weighed a very nice Southern Bluefin Tuna 76kg caught off Baitstation last night hooked it around 7.30 at night. With calm weather around its worth a look
How to find tuna
Target tuna species found seasonally off Sydney
Tuna Tactics With Ed Aspden, Giles Cox & Jamie Mackay
Before you go: * Check the water charts to find optimal water temp, altimetry, currents and chlorophyll readings. * Marine Traffic – Look for where the long-liners are. * Reports – Facebook etc. usually better information of the SGFC Members Only page. When you are out there: * Birds – Gannets, Terns, Albatross, Shearwaters, Petrels/Prions * Bust-ups – if you see tuna, run to them! * Whales –Sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins * Radio – 22, 80
* Yellowfin Tuna - Year-round possibility but season tends to peak in April-August. * Southern Bluefin Tuna – The Sydney Bluefin season is highly dependent on the current running from the south. SBT will usually be in range by first or second week of July and can last until September. *Big Eye – Rare to catch off Sydney, usually sitting around 300m deep, coming up to surface at sunset/night/early morning. June-August * Albacore – Not reliable – should arrive in Winter months but have had low numbers caught in recent years. June-August.
A presentation to SGFC Members 3/6/25
Charts - RipCharts or equivalent Currents
Tuna Gear
Altimetry
* Currents - colliding/converging/slack – microwave reading from satellite so will still work with cloud cover, once every 24 hours. * Why? This is where the bait will build up as it is pushed in by currents and then cannot escape making it an easy hunting location for tuna. * Current lines – These provide a mixture of food and cover for baitfish and indicate an edge – bait-fish cannot handle sudden changes in water temperature; tuna use current lines with temperature breaks as a hard edge that they can hunt baitfish against.
* SGFC Tuna Slam has started, get your entries in! * If fishing the Slam there is no extra points for line class so recommend fishing 37kg. * Skirts - Yellowfin lumo/bradj/natural Saurie colours (light blue/green flash), red/black. * Bluefin - Not generally picky but the big ones seem to prefer Blue/Pink either skirt or fidgie tail colour. * Fidgies - single hook is legal, triple hook is not. Snelled with chafe tube for lower strength or fluro leader or snelled with 200lb - 300lb will work with no chafe tube as well. * Halcos – Max in KingBrown, Laser Pro in Chrome.
* The 0 line represents neutral or ideal conditions, as it marks the most stable water, typically found between opposing gyres—large rotating ocean currents that act like underwater whirlpools. * General rule is that ’fishable’ altimetry ranges between +10 to -10. * Altimetry Reading is microwave reading from satellite - once every 24 hours. * Why? Altimetry is significant in water charts for finding tuna because it reveals sea surface height anomalies, which indicate ocean currents, eddies, and upwellings—key features that concentrate baitfish.
* Trolling – find the birds/current lines/temperature breaks. * Cubing - Trap Bait for bulk for cubing, IQF pilchards for putting on the hook. * Black circle hooks, black swivel, 100lb flurocarbon trace (for abrasion resistance from tuna teeth). * When cubing put a live bait under a balloon approx. 30m from boat as well when cubing. * If you mark the fish down deep (up to 150m deep) consistently drop a jig on 80lb jigging gear.
Techniques
2024 SLAM WINNING TUNA 107.4kg
By Jamie Mackay
It’s hard to believe it’s over a year since we were in the middle of the best bluefin tuna run off Sydney in many years. I was fortunate to be on board Margarita, when Alex Johnson Landed his Slam winning 107.4kg blue. The date was 7/8/24 only a few weeks before the end of the Tuna Slam and the leader board had not changed since Pete Callig’s 101.7kg weighed at the beginning of July. For most of the month we were blessed by great conditions and fish holding consistently but by August it was starting to feel like the run was coming to an end with only 40 to 50kg fish being reported. Ironically that day we were planning on deep dropping Browns as the tuna run had slowed and the gemmies had moved in. After a day of deep dropping for only a couple of smallish gummies, we were South West of Browns drifting and saw tuna bust up, so we pulled up the electric gear and decided to set the five Talica 50’s with 37kg Topshot and a 37kg Ultimate Shimano roller top rods for a ‘quick’ troll to the Shelf on the way home. Weather was amazing, one of those incredible late Winter glass offs with an orange sunset over Sydney you could see all the way to the Blue Mountains. Then ‘bang’ literally as we hit the 107 fathom line at 5.30pm and about to pull up and close-up shop, the long rigger screamed out of the clip on a completely blind strike and we were hooked up, with 21 year old Alex Johnson on the rod. We didn’t get a look at it on the strike and the fish immediately went deep, over the next 40 mins speculation went from tuna to marlin to mako. The fact the fish had taken a blue over pink Profidgy did suggest tuna, but it was proving very deep and stubborn for a bluefin . Then we started to get some line under Ed Aspden’s expert skippering in the dark and along side the boat, still very green we got our first look at the very large bluefin. Over the next 2 hours Alex expertly angled the beast. Three nail biting times we had it almost on the leader within gaff shot, but each time it took one look at the boat and with a flap of a massive tail was gone. We knew this was a Slam Winning fish but as it got later into the night we started to
Jamie Mackay, Alex Johnson and Ed Apsden.
worry about sharks. Having a massive swim platform on the back of the Riv didn’t help, we literally had to walk out to the end of said platform and face gaffing this massive fish with no transom to lock in your legs. Thank our lucky stars there was zero wind or swell and fortunately we had Ernie and his Louie from Otto’s Tackle, seasoned leader and gaff men, and after an 1hr.40 min battle the heaviest bluefin of the SGFC season was on the deck was on the deck. It was day to remember a well-earned Slam pot shared between boat and angler and a fitting way to end what was an amazing tuna season. Good luck to everyone in this year’s 2025 Slam. Jamie Mackay Groundswell
www.tantrumlures.com
What Happens After the Big Catch? By Mia Wright
We all know the thrill—the strike, the scream of the reel, the moment a marlin breaks the surface in a silver arc. But once the lines are in and the photos are snapped, there's a lesser-known chapter to our sport, one that showcases how game fishing, when done right, plays a surprising role in sustaining the ocean that gives us so much. After scientists collect vital samples and we’ve taken our share for the table or future bait, the fish’s carcass is respectfully returned to the sea. Unlike commercial fishing, where offcuts often end up in landfill or are processed into low-grade fishmeal, game fishing allows the ocean to reclaim its nutrients—and that matters more than many realise. So, what actually happens when a carcass is sent back to the water? Much like a whale fall—a phenomenon where the body of a whale becomes a banquet for deep-sea ecosystems—large pelagic fish such as marlin, tuna, and sharks create what’s known as a fish fall. As the carcass sinks, it becomes a drifting, descending buffet. Predators like bronze whalers, shortfin makos, and trevallies may feed on it midwater. Once it reaches the bottom it continues to nourish an entire ecosystem, from scavenging crustaceans to deep-dwelling species like hagfish, rays, and even bacteria. A study by Higgs et al. (2014) found that a single large fish carcass can support over 140 species during decomposition. In waters closer to shore—such as long reefs and sandy gutters off Sydney Heads, these fish falls contribute to the food web supporting key species, including the endangered grey nurse shark, which relies on dense prey availability around these nutrient pulses. Recent data from CSIRO and the Australian Museum’s deep-sea research expeditions also show how nutrient inputs help sustain biodiversity across Sydney’s continental shelf. Rocky reef habitats at depths of 100 to 300 metres—often food-limited and light-deprived—are especially responsive to these sporadic but important events. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications found that returning large fish carcasses to the ocean can boost local deep-sea biodiversity by up to 70%, turning a single fish into a temporary oasis of life for weeks, or even up to a month.
Compare this to commercial fishing, where a study in Frontiers in Marine Science (Schartup et al., 2019) found that the mass removal of marine biomass, without returning carcasses to the sea, can reduce natural nutrient recycling by up to 60%. This disrupts food availability for marine wildlife and slows the recovery and growth of our important ecosystems. Game fishing, by contrast, is more selective, taking only a few fish at a time and returning most of the biomass back into the system. That return matters. The fish we give back helps sustain scavengers, decomposers, and even rare species that rely on these nutrient pulses to survive. It’s a quiet but powerful ripple effect—one that stretches far beyond the fight on the line. Game fishing will always be about the chase, the camaraderie, and the stories. But when we return a carcass to the sea, we’re doing more than finishing the day, we’re feeding the future of our fishery and playing a part in the health of the marine world that surrounds Sydney.
2025 GEOFF WOOLLEY MEMORIAL MONSTER MAKO TOURNAMENT 20th & 21st September 2025
The results for this year’s Central Zone are in, and we extend a huge congratulations to all the Sydney boats and anglers who participated across the rounds. Your outstanding efforts have earned Sydney Game Fishing Club an overwhelming lead in Champion Club Tag & Release. Champion Club SGFC – Tag & Release with an impressive 577,011 points. Major Awards: Champion Boat – Tag & Release: WAWA with 334,563 points 5th Place Boat – Tag & Release: On Call Individual Awards: Champion Angler – Tag & Release: Nicco Marsh, 183,031 points 3rd Place Angler – Tag & Release: Billy Marsh, 58,531 points 2nd Place Lady Angler – Tag & Release: Michelle Eagle, 51,525 points Capture Division Highlights: On Call placed 4th overall in Capture Champion Junior Angler – Capture: Ziggy, with 16,762.73 points Heaviest Tuna: Luke Dodd aboard Tenacious with a 68kg fish This year’s Central Zone Presentation will be held in conjunction with the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club Presentation Day on Sunday, 9th August. Congratulations once again to all winners and participants. Go Sydney GFC
The History of the Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament The Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament was established in 1998 under the leadership of then-President Otto Volz, whose vision was to encourage member participation in winter fishing. Otto's innovative approach included a 15kg line class restriction, designed not only to add challenge but also to educate anglers on the advantages and techniques of fishing with lighter line classes. The tournament was created as a fun, accessible winter competition, with a simple format focused on two primary categories: Heaviest Mako and Most Tagged & Released Sharks. Recognising the seasonal presence of tuna, Otto also included prizes for Heaviest Tuna and Most Tagged Tuna, as well as divisions for Junior and Small fry anglers to encourage youth participation. Initially held as a one-day event, the tournament quickly gained popularity. Due to increasing interest and participation, it evolved into a two-day format, allowing more opportunities for anglers to compete and contribute valuable catch data. The tournament took on greater significance in 2009, when then-Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett (Labor) controversially declared the Shortfin Mako Shark a protected species. At that time, GFAA President Grahame Williams OAM, sought statistical data to challenge the decision. He turned to Sydney's Mako Tournament, recognising it as a vital source of consistent and credible catch records. The data collected through this tournament was instrumental in the effort to have the Short fin Mako de listed and access restored. Over the years, the Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament has become more than just a highlight on the winter fishing calendar. It has also played a meaningful role in marine policy advocacy, showcasing how responsible game fishing and accurate data collection can influence environmental management decisions. In 2010, Otto Volz—having retired as President of Sydney Game Fishing Club and then serving as President of NSWGFA—continued to show strong support for the tournament he helped establish,Otto proposed an important update: making circle hooks mandatory. This initiative transformed the tournament into an educational platform, promoting sustainable fishing practices through the widespread adoption of circle hooks, especially as more boats transitioned to a tag-and-release approach. From 2007 through to 2020, the Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament maintained strong popularity, consistently drawing between 20 to 38 boats. However, in 2021, like many events across Australia, the tournament was impacted by COVID-19. Participation declined significantly, and for the past three years, the event has been rescheduled to September, aligning with the opening weekend of the Summer Point Score season in an effort to re-engage members and increase involvement. Despite recent challenges, the Mako Tournament has always retained its reputation as a fun and highly enjoyable event. For many, shark fishing off Sydney is not an every-weekend activity—it’s a special kind of adventure. Yes, it’s more work. Yes, the boat gets messy. But the thrill of anticipation when the baits are set, the sight of a shark fin breaking the surface, or the scream of a Tiagra as a Mako tears off—leaping 30 feet into the air, cartwheeling with unmatched speed and aggression—is something few fishing experiences can rival. The Geoff Woolley Memorial Mako Tournament represents not only the excitement and unpredictability of shark fishing but also the camaraderie, conservation values, and traditions that continue to define our sport and our club. By Karen Wright.
History of the MONSTER MAKO COMPETITION WINNERS
SAINTLY WHISPERS
Capture Tag & Release 1998 Gambit 166kg Whata Turnout 4 1999 Camelot 123kg Gambit 3 2000 Yogi Bear 145kg Fishy Business 4 2001 Little Audrey 225kg Mischief 5 2002 Wallbanger 133kg Real Charisma 2 2003 No Capture Gambit 2 2004 Avanti 156kg Real Charisma 8 2005 Everwilling 206kg Sticky beak 6 2006 No Capture No Tagged 2007 Wahoo 110kg Real Charisma 7 2008 Blue Murder 200kg Executioner 5 2009 Lockout 171kg Casey 7 2010 avalon 151kg Casey 3 2011 Everwilling 164.5kg Tantrum 7 2012 Avalon 190kg Ambition 15 2013 Blue Illusions 171kg Blue Illusions 9 2014 Executioner 160kg Tantrum 14 2015 Tanuii 185kg Tantrum 24 2016 Keenas 113kg Midnight 3 2017 153kg Smartbill 7 2018 Casey 182.5kg Undertaker 5 2019 Undertaker 151.5kg Mr Pig 4 2020 Royale 157kg Markoo 2 2021 Covid Covid 2022 No Capture Tantrum 6 2023 No Capture Tanacious 4 2024 Safe word 123kg Tantrum 3 1998 Gambit 166kg Whata Turnout 1999 Camelot 123kg Gambit 2000 Yogi Bear 145kg Fishy Business 2001 Little Audrey 225kg Mischief 5 2002 Wallbanger 133kg Charisma 2 2003 Gambit 2 2004 Avanti 156kg ReCharis 8 2005 Everwilling 206kg Sticky beak 6 2006 No Capture No Tagged 2007 Wahoo 110kg Realcharisma 7 2008 Blue Murder 200kg Executioner 5 2009 Lockout 171kg Casey 7 2010 avalon 151kg Casey 3 2011 Everwilling 164.5kg Tantrum 7 2012 Avalon 190kg Ambition 15 2013 Blue Illusions 171kg Blue Illusions 9 2014 Executioner 160kg Tantrum 14 2015 Tanuii 185kg Tantrum 24 2016 Keenas 113kg Midnight 3 2017 153kg Smartbill 7 2018 Casey 182.5kg Undertaker 5 2019 Undertaker 151.5kg Mr Pig 4 2020 Royale 157kg Markoo 2 2021 Covid