THE recent Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic in South Australia attracted 14 competing boats, representative of the Riviera brand.
The tournament’s rules had stipulated a 10kg line class only, with any caught fish having to weigh/measure 10kg (78 cm) to qualify in the overall points scoring.
Over the two day event, the 14 teams accounted for 459 tournament eligible southern bluefin tuna. All of the tuna were released – the total combined weight being 5000kg, reportedly a new international standard for light tackle deep sea sportfishing.
Jason Swincer and a typical 10kg SBT.
At the completion of the day one, Saltiga (a 45ft Riviera) was in the lead with
38 tuna closely followed by The Battler (56ft Riviera) with 35 fish.
Day Two displayed light winds, clear skies and an increased southern
ocean swell. The day went on to be a battle between Saltiga, The Battler and
Sledgehammer (51ft Riviera).
Mike Swayne and another eligible SBT caught during the tournament.
Adrian Bothur was unbeatable for Champion Angler. The event’s first Junior Angler winner was 13-year-old Orion Downing on board Sledgehammer.
A presentation of hand carved trophies was held at Lincoln Cove Marina Hotel.
Rob Swincer and lure-caught fish.