The 2011 Tollgate Island Classic was a hotly contested tournament once again this year. Over the three day event, 47 competing boats and over 140 keen anglers managed to tag and release 45 gamefish, 30 of which were marlin.
On Day 1, fishing proved challenging for the smaller boats with winds at 20-25 knots from the north east. Canberra GFC boat Apothecary tagged three striped marlin to race to the lead, followed by Freedom, with two striped marlin. There were a few boats on one tagged fish after the first day.
Day 2 dawned a glamourous day with the wind not topping 10 knots all day. Most boats enjoyed some good action but with few converted to points. Mr Hooker tagged three marlin for the day, two to juniors and one to a small fry, to join the leader.
On Sunday the third and final day, Shoalhaven GFC boat Dadsboat quickly joined the other two boats fighting for the lead. It was a tense day for the leaders all fishing the same water. Finally, Mr Hooker broke the stalemate tagging the boat’s fourth striped marlin half an hour before the official end of fishing. (See results below)
Batemans Bay Game Fishing Club would like to thank all local business owners who support this annual event, which draws teams from all over NSW and Victoria. The committee has worked hard and put in a lot of effort to produce such a great event. All proceeds from the weekend’s barbecues were donated to the QLD flood appeal. The Batemans Bay Gamefishing Club hosts its annual yellowfin tournament in June.
2011 Tollgate Classic Results
Most Marlin Tag & Release
1st Mr Hooker
2nd Apothecary
Most Yellowfin Tag & Release
Shotgun
Most Sharks Tag & Release
Outcast
Highest Point score T & R Junior
Riki Campbell Aquaholic 2 10,000
Highest Point score T & R Small Fry
Brock Lazzaro Mr Hooker 10290
Encouragement Award
Riki Campbell (whaler shark)
Heaviest Game fish
Team Dominator – Mandy Scales
Heaviest Marlin
Team Dominator – Mandy Scales
2nd Heaviest Marlin
Live Action – Scott Hutchison
Heaviest Other Gamefish
Impulsive – Josh Hay Mahi Mahi
Heaviest Game Fish By a Junior
Josh Hay – Mahi Mahi
Tag & Release numbers
Marlin – 30
Yellowfin tuna – 1
Albacore – 1
Sharks – 1
Dolphinfish – 2
Striped tuna – 7
Kingfish – 3