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Alligator challenge lures 'em in

03 November 2014

Alligator Fishing Club President Cameron Briscoe, John McCallum and Bonnie Keogh at the Fishing Club Challenge presentation night. Alligator Fishing Club President Cameron Briscoe, John McCallum and Bonnie Keogh at the Fishing Club Challenge presentation night.

THIS year’s Alligator Fishing Club Challenge was resounding success, with competitors from Jabiru, Darwin and Katherine against far-flung fishos from Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
The family-oriented comp, held on 3-4 October in public fishing areas of Kakadu, attracted 51 boats and 134 competitors, with the youngest just four years old.

The Challenge targets four main species – barramundi, golden snapper, jewfish and saratoga – with prizes in several categories.

Alligator Fishing Club Vice-President Tanya McKay said despite the waters being a bit rough at the mouth of the South on the first day, anglers hauled in plenty of fish over the two days.

“From 3pm until 6pm on Saturday at the Jabiru Sports and Social Club we held a free family event for the community, which included a casting comp for kids, jumping castle, water slide, face painting, bucking bull and of course the famous Helicopter Lolly Drop,” Tanya said.

The Presentation for the Challenge followed at 7pm before The Fame Junkies band stormed the stage just after 8pm.

“The Alligator Fishing Club added three new Life Members to the club for their all their hard work, dedication, and making the club what it is today,” Tanya said.

Life Memberships and plaques were handed to Steve Burgess, Michelle Burgess and Katrina Bangay, with last year’s Life Member Brett Warhurst (Big Ears) given a plaque too.

“We would like to thank the sponsors for their support and great donations. Thank you to all the competitors, family and friends who made the event a success,” Tanya said. “We hope to see you all again next year for the 10th Anniversary of the Alligator Fishing Club. It will be a huge one!”

RESULTS

Casting Comp Winners: Under 5 years – Bella
6-9 years – Kylara Morris
10-14 years – Catherine Ralph
Over 14 years – Will Bolitho

Overall Champion Angler Male (total length of all fish caught): Liam Killcullen 752cm.
Overall Champion Angler Female: Tammy McIntosh 562cm.
Overall Champion Angler Junior: Kahne Lees 641cm.
Biggest Barra Overall Champion: Ted Pedersen 86cm.
Biggest Barra Overall Champion Junior: Lachlan Eddy 63cm.

Prizes in the Club raffle: Bob Mitchell won the Arhnemland Barramundi Lodge raffle prize, three days and nights fishing for one person at Arhnemland Barramundi Lodge, with ticket no. 1845.
John McCallum took home the major prize, a 4.4-metre Honda-powered Sea Jay Allrounder boat from BH Marine, with ticket no. 1390.

 

Jenny Hunter with the first legal barra in her team boat. Pity Andy Ralph's hi-vis orange marshall's vest is caught reflecting on her chromie! Jenny Hunter with the first legal barra in her team boat. Pity Andy Ralph's hi-vis orange marshall's vest is caught reflecting on her chromie!

Alligator Fishing Club Life Members Steve Burgess, Michelle Burgess and Katrina Bangay. Alligator Fishing Club Life Members Steve Burgess, Michelle Burgess and Katrina Bangay.

Jenna Gollan and Overall Champion Angler Junior Kahne Lees (641cm). Jenna Gollan and Overall Champion Angler Junior Kahne Lees (641cm).

Jenna Gollan and Biggest Barra Overall Champion Junior Lachlan Eddy (63cm). Jenna Gollan and Biggest Barra Overall Champion Junior Lachlan Eddy (63cm).