Posts
After a FFC hiatus in 2010, the Forster round of the Daiwa-Hobie ABT series (Along with the Minn Kota Mega Bream) were again recognised as the two forefront and opening tournaments of the returning Forster Fishing Carnival. With a massive marquee providing a backdrop for the various area of the fishing competition, including the ABT weigh in stage, the scene was more than adequately set for a great kayak fishing tournament round. With support from companies/brands like Berkley and the products and cash prizes available to triumphant anglers the stakes were high (And the oyster racks nigh!).
The turnout was as expected quite high with 55 anglers assembling there tournament kit on the shores of the marina. The early morning shotgun start was delayed slightly due to the prevailing light but once underway was a sight to behold. Stories of a tough pre fish governed either a change in direction or a steadfast approach. With game plans and nous at the ready, beginning the search for a spirited bag of Bream would take many deep into the realms of Wallis lake and the system proper.
Many elements seemed to be against us from the start, mainly the tidal influence and the raging currents. Being a netted system and with the event run on a low tide during our scheduled tournament times made the going a little tougher, rendering many previously visited flats low on water and some virtually unfishable. The same can't be said for the many racks that abound though, Bream filled these tackle destructive underwater voids and ventured out only if the presentation was just right.
Being a combined bag two day event the pressure was on to perform straight off the bat, by the end of day one almost half the field failed to secure a legal tip length Bream (25cm to the tip measurement). Many undersize Bream were reported, termed 'Squeakers' these fish were in abundance and plagued the flats along with the racks. Day two brought windier conditions making drifting the racks in some areas a hull scratching affair. Some anglers told of losing multiple lures to racks and underwater obstacles whilst others had dream runs that shot them up the leader board.
Ian Seeto switched from boat to kayak and took out the $100 Boss Hogg with a 850gm Bream. Detailing the top three, In third place was previous winner Stewart Dunn with 6/2.57kg ($400, Atomic Pack). Jason Meech took a well deserved second with 6/2.61kg ($600, Berkley Pack). Luke Kay took 6/2.73kg and walked away a thousand dollars richer ($1100, Daiwa Pack), taking first place and the event win.. Courtesy of Hobie every entrant that didn't feature in the top three went into the draw to win a brand new Hobie Outback. Bill Woods was announced as a worthy recipient and cheers rang out throughout the tent, Bill is a regular on the kayak tournament scene and rarely fails to make an appearance.
1 Luke Kay Kayak 3 1.51 3 1.22 6 2.73 $1,100
2 Jason Meech Kayak 3 1.42 3 1.19 6 2.61 $600
3 Stewart Dunn Kayak 3 1.4 3 1.17 6 2.57 $400
4 Dave Hedge Kayak 3 1.38 3 1.05 6 2.43 $300
5 Nicholas Meredith Kayak 3 1.38 3 1.02 6 2.4 $250
6 Jason Lambert Pro 3 1.06 3 1.25 6 2.31 $200
7 Chris Burbidge Kayak 3 1.2 3 1.04 6 2.24 $175
8 Ian Seeto Kayak 2 0.66 3 1.51 0.85 5 2.17 $150 + $100 Boss Hog (0.85kg)
9 Greg Lewis Kayak 3 1.16 2 0.91 5 2.07 $150
10 Bob Boss Kayak 3 1.12 3 0.88 6 2 $100
For the events full tournament results and wrap up, please click here.
From a personal point of view I found the fishing extremely tough going over the two days. I lost count of how many 'Squeakers' I nailed, light gear and the pulling weight of a foul hooked Bream had me thinking I was out of the donut van on more than one occasion. Being confident fishing cockle bed flats my spot of choice failed to produce during my pre fish but I dropped a legal or two. Venturing back on day one found the opposing flats firing with an hour to go, not enough time to stick around and make the most of it. Day two I searched unfamiliar water in search of similar flats and ended up returning, dropping a good Bream and failing to rid some sort of Flathead curse.
It's the experience you gain on the water that makes you a better fisherman off the water, be that a favourable result or not. Money just can't buy that sort of stuff, even if you spend hundreds on tackle and don't get to test it. It was my fourth visit to Forster and it basically mirrored my previous efforts, still I will return (With more newfound respect). A great waterway, a great tournament and all round a great weekend fishing with friends. Congratulations to the winners and also well done to the visiting Canadian Tim Allard for weighing in a fish in his first Bream tournament in Australia.
Bring on those giant Marlo Blacks...
