Little Ship Game Fishing Tournament has a new prize this year

The well-patronised Little Ship Game Fish Club’s (LSGFC) annual fishing tournament, the Interclub Shield and Reef Rumble, has always been a little different to other fishing tourneys.

For a start, it combines the traditional game fishing classes with an offshore section designed for reef fishing and pelagics. It’s also attracts a diverse Queensland fleet from trailerboats to battle wagons.

Then there is the club headquarters at One Mile, just north of Dunwich, on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane. The LSGFC is the second oldest game fishing club in SE Queensland.

But for the upcoming 42nd Little Ship Game Fish Tournament from February 17-19, 2017, there’s something else new.

Event sponsor Nautilus Marine will introduce a new "Spirit of the Tournament" award to foster the terrific camaraderie at this great event.

Some specially commissioned rods from top wrapper Gary Howard will be offered as prizes including one custom stick for the person whose actions best reflect the "Spirit of the Tournament in 2017."

CAMARADERIE AT THE CLUB
Nautilus Marine’s national underwriting manager, Mr Damian Pugh said the friendship that exists in this long-running event between competitors, often pursuing totally species using different forms of fishing, is one of its great attractions.

"We are keen to promote that goodwill even further so are introducing an award based on camaraderie and sportsmanship, rather than sheer angling ability.

"Last year we saw Garmin’s Reef Rumble deep sea fishing team prepare and cook their catch as dinner for all participants including the game fishing teams - it was a very sincere gesture that drew of lot of praise."

In order to foster the boating spirit, the insurer has commissioned expert Brisbane rod builder Gary Howard to build a number of Nautilus-branded 15-24kg rods with Fuji guides, graphite reel seats and roller tips that can be used for either light game or reef fishing.

One of those rods will be awarded to the competitor judged by the organising committee to have contributed the most to building the excellent spirit of this fishing tournament.

FEBRUARY FISHING
While the February competition is sometimes blown out, last year’s tournament attracted anglers from 10 game fishing clubs in south-east Queensland who saw 60 strikes, 46 hook-ups and 31 fish tagged.

The tournament is scheduled to coincide with the summer run of juvenile marlin, sailfish and northern bluefin tuna, all of which are exciting light tackle speedsters. In addition, the wide grounds are likely to produce blue and striped marlin for the heavy tackle enthusiasts.   

The Reef Rumble section is primarily fished along with offshore "Ribbons" running from the northern end of Moreton Island to the Gold Coast.

More at LSGFC Facebook page.
Photo Credit: LSGFC