FROM THE PRESIDENT
Download your New Member Application Here sgfc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sgfc-Membership-2024.pdf
Champion Club Capture – 2026 Sydney Game Fishing Club Team 2 This certainly makes for a very proud President. Sydney Game Fishing Club’s Team 2 — consisting of Tantrum, On Call and Rampage — claimed Champion Club Capture at the 2026 Interclub State Championship. It was an outstanding team effort and a fantastic achievement for the Club. Full details of this exciting occasion can be found inside this edition of the magazine. High Importance – Peter Goadby Memorial Tournament 21st–22nd March Round Five – Central Zone The Peter Goadby Memorial Tournament is fast approaching, and this year we are introducing some exciting new additions as below: $5,000 Grand Slam Bonus A cash bonus of $5,000 will be awarded to the first boat to achieve a Grand Slam over the two days of fishing. This will certainly create some tactical decision-making on the water. Do you start in close, catch live bait and work the inshore structure? With recent good numbers of small black marlin tagged off the Whale around the 30-fathom line, this could be the perfect place to begin. Once the blacks are ticked off, perhaps it’s time to push wider. Head towards the bait station in 80–90 fathoms and skip a couple of those baits you caught earlier in search of a striped marlin. Stripe ticked. Then it’s out to the shelf. Time to troll the lures — perhaps a spread of Tantrums or the latest technology from Pakula Lures. Either could do the trick. Keep an eye on that short corner — it might just disappear at lightning speed. Or you may be lucky enough to raise a shortbill spearfish on the shotgun. Now comes the ultimate decision — tag it, or bring home one of the finest tasting pelagic fish in the ocean? The introduction of the Grand Slam bonus is sure to make for some interesting and strategic fishing throughout this year’s Peter Goadby Memorial Tournament. Additional Cash Bonuses $5,000 for a Marlin over 190kg $1,500 for a Tuna over 50kg There are cash and prize categories for both Champion Boat Capture and Champion Boat Tag & Release, with Tag & Release awards down to fourth place boat. Entries are now open via the club website: www.sgfc.com.au Don’t hesitate — enter now and be part of one of the best raft-ups of the season. I look forward to seeing you at the weigh station. Tightlines President Glenn Wright
COMMITTEE Mr Jamie Mackay COMMITTEE Mr Dylan Fillery COMMITTEE Mr Ben Still
CLUB EMAIL : secretary@sgfc.com.au LIFE MEMBERS B. Crompton, O. Volz, B. Danckert, C. McFarlane, G. Wright, I. Bennet, K. Wright.
Calendar of Events SGFC March 2026 SUMMER MAHI MADNESS CONITINUES 2nd - 3rd Summer Pointscore 3rd - Club Meeting 14th - 15th Summer Pointscore 21st - 22nd SGFC Peter Goady Memorial Tournament + Central Zone Weekend 28th - 29th Central Coast Bluewater Classic Tournament + Central Zone Weekend 31st - Committee Meeting April 2026 4th - 5th Summer Pointscore 7rd - Club Meeting 18th - 19h Summer Pointscore 18th - 19th Broken Bay Tournament + Central Zone Weekend 28th - Committee Meeting May 2026 2nd - 3rd Summer Pointscore 2nd - 3rd Port Hacking 100 Tournament + Central Zone Weekend 3rd - SUMMER MAHI MADNESS ENDS 4th - Start Winter Point Scorescore 26st - Committee Meeting
PRESIDENT Mr Glenn Wright HLM VICE PRESIDENT Mrs. Karen Wright HLM SECRETARY Miss Annita Flannery
COMMITTEE Mr Ivan Bennet HLM COMMITTEE Mr Greg Wall COMMITTEE Mr Anthony Anastopoulos
Printing and Production By Stephen Pitchfork, Pitchfork Printing Services - 0404 019 683
22nd 23th
COMMITTEE Mr Giles Cox COMMITTEE Mr Ramsey Noshie
SYDNEY GAME FISHING CLUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025 -2026
Entries Now Open – Summer Mahi Mahi Madness! Get ready for an exciting new club event… Summer Mahi Madness is here! You simply can’t beat chasing dolphin fish. It’s a win–win, undoubtably the best tasting fish around and with water temperatures heating up, now is the perfect time to get involved. Tournament Details: Boat Entry: $150 Duration: 3 Months Open to Sydney Game Fishing Club registered vessels only Same rules apply as the Tuna Slam This is a great opportunity to take friends out, introduce them to game fishing, and show them the thrill and rewards of targeting Mahi Mahi. How It Works: ✔ Catch your Mahi Mahi ✔ Measure it (short length measurement required) ✔ Take a clear photo showing the measurement ✔ Post it to the Members Page for bragging rights @SGFCMembersonly Important: Before heading out to fish, you must: Message your intention to enter Annita 0402 615 814 Make payment to Annita at secretary@sgfc.com.au It’s that simple. Winner takes the prize pool and all the glory rights! Start fishing. Start measuring. Start posting. Let the Summer Mahi Madness begin!
NSWGFA Interclub state Championships 2
2026 NSWGFA Interclub State Championships Port Stephens Interclub Shield Champion Club Team Capture SYDNEY GFC - TEAM 2 31,415.88 TANTRUM, ON CALL, RAMPAGE
GOLD HOOK
NSWGFA Interclub State Championships Congratulations to Sydney Team 2, consisting of Tantrum, On Call and Rampage, on winning the 2026 NSWGFA Interclub State Championships – Champion Club Capture. All three boats enjoyed outstanding fishing across the event, with a strong tactical approach that included placing a junior angler onboard each vessel. Representing the next generation were Lachlan Pitchfork onboard Tantrum, Freddie Grindrod onboard On Call, and Lochlan Stockey onboard Rampage. Each junior rose to the occasion and successfully weighed fish during the tournament. The standout performance came on the final day when Freddie Grindrod landed a massive 154.40kg blue marlin on 24kg line, securing the heaviest marlin of the Championship. Lochlan Stockey weighed an impressive 88.50kg blue marlin on 15kg, while Lachlan Pitchfork contributed strongly with an 80.9kg blue marlin on 24kg. Adding to the team’s success, Lily Sims onboard Tantrum claimed Champion Lady Capture with a superb 149kg blue marlin on 24kg. It was a true team effort that ultimately etched Sydney Team 2’s name onto the 2026 trophy. Trophy Results Freddie Grindrod (New Junior Member) fishing on On Call • Bob Dyer Trophy – Heaviest Marlin (154.40kg) • Jay–Ah Trophy – Heaviest Blue Marlin (154.40kg) • Botany Bay Trophy – Highest Point Scoring Capture by a Junior Male (9,138.42 points) • Bill Heyward Trophy – Highest Point Scoring Capture by a Junior (9,138.42 points) On Call • Newcastle Port Stephens GFC Champion Boat 60kg Tag & Release (7,500 points) Tantrum • Ken Hanley Trophy – Runner Up Boat Capture (12,005.74 points) • Tom Roche Trophy – Highest Point Scoring Capture by an Adult Lady (Lily Sims – 8,579.06 points) Tanacious • Otto Volz Trophy – Champion Boat Tag & Release (24kg) • Gari-Lee Shield – Highest Boat Scoring OGF (7,000 points) • Daily Awards – Tag & Release OGF and Most Sharks On Call also received Daily Awards for Most OGF (Day 1) and Heaviest OGF (Day 1). With another successful Championship concluded, all eyes now turn to the big question, where will the 2027 NSWGFA Interclub State Championships be held ?
Lily Sims 149kg Blue Marlin on 24kg Champion Lady Angler Team Tantrum
Lochlan Stockley 88.5kg Blue Marlin On 15kg Team Rampage
Lachlan Pitchfork 80.9kg Blue Marlin on 24kg Team Tantrum
Tantrum Video from Interclub - www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GlS_2E1te4
Congratulations Tanacious winning Otto Volz Trophy Champion boat Tag & Release, Gari-Lee Shield Higest boat scoring Tag & Release OGF Daily Award Tag & Release OGF Daily Award Tag & Release sharks
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Ken Hanley Trophy Runner Up Boat Capture TANTRUM 12005.74 POINTS
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Botany Bay GFC Inc. Trophy Highest Point Scoring Capture by a Male Junior Angler Overall FREDDIE GRINDROD 9138.42 ON CALL
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Bill Heyward Trophy Highest Point Scoring Capture by a Junior/Small Fry Angler FREDDIE GRINDROD 9138.42 ON CALL
2026 NSWGFA Interclub s Bob Dyer Trophy Heaviest Marlin FREDDIE GRINDROD 154.4KG BLUE MARLIN 24KG ON CALL
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Gari -Lee Shield Boat Scoring Highest Points for Tag & Release Other Game Fish TANACIOUS 7,000 POINTS
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Jay – Ah Trophy Heaviest Blue Marlin FREDDIE GRINDROD 154.4KG BLUE MARLIN 24KG ON CALL
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Otto Volz Trophy Champion Boat Tag & Release 24Kg LINE TANACIOUS 19,000 POINTS
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Tom Roche Trophy Highest point Scoring Capture by an Adult Lady Angler LILY SIMS - TANTRUM
2026 NSWGFA Interclub Newcastle & Port Stephens GFC Trophy Champion Boat Tag & Release 60Kg ON CALL 7500,00 POINTS
Check out all the action - www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1UNIgbD53c
Newcastle Port Stephens GFC / Sydney GFC Junior Team Sponsored by Penn, Pelagic, Garmin & Undertow Saltwater Apparel Tantrum proudly competed in this year’s Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fishing Club Shootout with a six-junior team selected by NPSGFC President Troy. Onboard were: Sean (NPSGFC), Noah (NPSGFC), Jack (Port Macquarie), Flynn (Sydney GFC), Kai (Canberra) and Jye (Shellharbour). Fishing over three action packed days against a fleet of 135 boats, every junior was fortunate enough to experience genuine game fishing action. The Plan Heading into the tournament, Tantrum adopted a bold strategy, fishing 60kg outfits with one eye on the record books. The current NSWGFA record on 60kg stands at 146kg, with the Australian record at 186.4kg. The objective was simple: catch fish, have fun, and if the opportunity arose, challenge a record. Day One The tournament got off to an early start with Jye tagging a solid blue marlin estimated at 90kg. Not long after, Sean was in the chair battling another blue that pulled the scales down to 92.8kg. A fantastic opening day for the team. Day Two Day two delivered plenty of excitement, including double hook-ups on yellowfin tuna. One fish was captured for sashimi and ceviche duties, while the second encounter turned into a tagged and released whaler shark for Noah. Still working the yellowfin, a short corner bite saw Noah back in the chair. Skipper Glenn Wright (Assassin) demonstrated just how quickly a boat can chase a blue marlin, putting deckhand Giles Cox on the leader in impressive time. Gaffs were thrown but unfortunately came up short. A great YouTube clip of the boys in action can be found at Makira Wright Fishing. The action continued with the youngest team member, Flynn from Sydney GFC, tagging his first blue marlin, estimated at 80kg — a moment he will never forget. Day Three The final day saw more yellowfin double hook-ups before the team capped off the tournament with a Shortbill spearfish for Jack from Port Macquarie. Tournament Totals • 3 Blue Marlin • 4 Yellowfin Tuna • 1 Whaler Shark (tagged and released) • 1 Shortbill Spearfish An action-packed three days by any measure. Acknowledgements A special thank you to deckhands Giles Cox and Pat Shaw for generously donating their time and experience, and to Newcastle Port Stephens GFC for their support of junior anglers. We also sincerely thank our team sponsors Penn, Pelagic, Garmin and Undertow Saltwater Apparel for getting behind the juniors. Each angler received a 10kg Penn rod and reel outfit, a Pelagic shirt, a Garmin watch, and a voucher from Undertow Saltwater Apparel an incredible show of support for the next generation of game fishers. On behalf of Glenn and myself, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on young anglers’ faces as they experience the thrill of game fishing. That is what it is all about. Thanks Karen Wright GFAA junior Co Ordinator
Great day for Lucas Liddall Junior angler on board CASEY getting his first black marlin. A very Proud dad & Pop Moment
Flynn Vermon Tagging his first Blue Marlin while fishing with the junior Team in this years Newcastle Portstephens Shootout.
www.tantrumlures.com
Congratulations to junior angler Jayden Millauro, who won Champion Junior angler Tag & Release at this year's Jess samms tournament at Ulladula GFC Tagging 10 Marlin on 15kg Jayden then backed up,and at this years Newcastle Port Stephens shootout he came Runner up Junior Tag & Release.
Mon to Fri: 6.30am - 3.30pm Sat: 7.00am to 12.00pm
$19 MILLION INTO LOCAL ECONOMY "He cautioned against plans for wind farming in the fishery. There has been a lack of consultation and that is why the community is up in arms," he said. Mr Radford said the continued success of the event is just one of the reasons why it was important to protect the world-class fishery off our coast.
11/2/26 A cracking 206kg Blue Marlin landed by WAWA at Port Stephens . Well done to Nicco and the entire WAWA crew on an outstanding result.
Coffs Harbour Hot Currents and Sport Fishing Club
Congratulations to On Call on weighing an impressive 268kg Blue Marlin at the Coffs Harbour Game and Sport Fishing Club Tournament. The team’s plan was ambitious from the outset. After competing in the Botany Bay Tournament at the end of January, they headed north to Coffs Harbour to enjoy some pre-fishing ahead of the Coffs Harbour Hot Currents Tournament on 7–8 February. Departing on Monday in less-than-ideal weather, the crew made their way to Port Macquarie before beginning to target blue marlin. Once conditions improved, the bite switched on, with On Call tagging five blue marlin prior to the tournament. With a $5,000 prize on offer for any marlin over 175kg, the strategy was clear — find a big blue. Day One delivered early action, and after clearing some gear, the short rigger exploded from the clip, signalling the start of what would become a memorable capture. Check out below You Tube action for the end story
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uv9WKW1Dao
Tournament Results 2026
HAYLEX TACKLE I supply hand made custom lures from Ali'i Kai (Shawn Rotella), Big Reidee (Ron Akana), Crampton Baits (Brian Crampton), KC Lures (Kendrick Ching) and Koya Lures ( Eric Koyanagi). Each lure maker has perfected their art over more than 30 years each of lure making.
VALE 23/1/26 It's with deep sadness we wish to notify the passing of fellow member Hayden Smith Hayden loved his game fishing and was a true character around the club. Many will remember him fishing with Bob Danckert aboard the mighty Gambit, as well as on his own boat Dancers and Little Audrey. Hayden bravely battled motor neurone disease and will be fondly remembered for his passion, humour and love of the sport. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Victoria and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Hayden.
VALE
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Bart Portelli. Bart was an extraordinary club man whose love for game fishing and for the Sydney Game Fishing Club ran deep. Bart served on the Committee for 8 years and was Vice president for 5 of those years, His passion, commitment and loyalty to the club were unwavering - a true blue member in every sense, even down to his number plate, proudly reading SGFC. Bart’s fishing record speaks for itself. At Australian level, his achievements were simply outstanding: * Sir Garrick Agnew Trophy – awarded to the angler who tagged & released the most Billfish in Australian waters. Winner: 2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2007/2008. * Geoffrey Woolley Trophy – awarded for the most meritorious tag & release achievement by an adult angler in Australian waters. Winner: 2002/2003, 2004/2005, 2007/2008. * Tailored Marine Trophy – awarded to the highest point scoring boat for tag & release in Australian waters. Winner: 2007/2008. Within the club, Bart was dominant on his boat Reel Smoka smashing continuos victories year after year. * John O’Brien Trophy – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013. * Poros Trophy – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. While Bart later stepped away from tournament fishing to focus on raising his family, he never stepped away from the club. He was always there at tournament time - cooking the BBQ, firing up the breakfast early for anglers, lending a hand wherever it was needed. That was Bart - selfless, loyal, and deeply committed to his club. Bart, your achievements and your spirit will always be remembered within our walls and out on the water. Rest in Peace, Bart Portelli.
SAINTLY WHISPERS