The Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club expects this year’s Garmin Billfish Shootout to be one of of its biggest yet.
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With $250,000 in cash and prizes, including $100,000 alone for the heaviest Pacific Blue Marlin, up for grabs, it is little wonder why the club has seen anglers quick to sign up for the 2018 tournament, which will be held in Port Stephens on February 17-18.
“This is definitely going to be one of our biggest tournaments yet,” club manager Nigel Rushworth said. “We’re expecting them [anglers] to come from all over.”
Last year’s shootout, which offered $150,000 in cash and prizes, saw 135 boats enter. Thanks to the club’s sponsors, it has been able to offer a lot more for the 2018 shootout.
Rushworth said the $100,000 for the angler who catches the heaviest blue marlin, which has to be more than 236kg, was the largest cash prize of its kind on offer in Australasia. A minimum of 150 boats and 700 anglers are expected to sign up for the shootout.
Entries are now being accepted. Tournament rules and entry forms are available from the club’s website (npsgfc.com).
Any member of a club affiliated with the NSW or Australian Game Fishing Associations can enter the Port Stephens shootout.
Fishing will be done between 8am and 5pm on the Saturday and 8am and 4pm on the Sunday. Weigh in, which will be done at Nelson Bay public wharf, is at 4pm both days.
