After three cancelled outings due to bad weather, the Bob Chapman Memorial Day was finally held and hotly contested on Sunday, October 9.
Seven boats ventured seaward with 21 fisherpersons on board. Bob was certainly looking out for us with excellent conditions, seas improving as the day went on, light winds and very little current.
The winner of the prestigious trophy for the biggest flathead on the day was Ron Hopper with a magnificent ocean sand flathead weighing 1.64 kg. The day is run every year in memory of Bob Chapman a long time member of the Club. Bob was an avid flathead fisherman, so the trophy goes to the fisherperson who catches the biggest flathead during the outing. His widow Jean and son Vince were on hand to present the trophy.
The Club’s barbecue and weigh-in commenced at 12 noon and was very well supported by members, families and friends. Other fish that greeted the weigh-master included teraglin, kingfish, snapper, samson fish, morwong, leatherjackets and plenty of other flathead.
The best boat on the day was ‘On the Prowl’ skippered by Darren Williams with 30.24 points and the runner-up was ‘Bazza’ skippered by Barry Ingram with 20.46 points.
The John Donlan Smash Repair Trophy for the biggest fish was won by Nathan Smith with a kingfish weighing 5.58kg. The Port Macquarie Subaru Snapper Trophy was won by Nathan Clark with a fish weighting 4.14kg. The Ned Kelly Bait and Tackle Flathead Trophy was won by Ron Hopper, for the same fish he won the Bob Chapman Trophy with.
The Barry Ingram Painting Junior Trophy was hotly contested, with Jake Williams just edging out Jayden Smith. The Lighthouse Beach Butchery raffle was won by David Clark and the Club’s marble draw was won by Chris King.
Anyone wishing to join the Club or attend the weigh-ins and barbecue is most welcome. For further information please contact President Geoff Shelton on 0421 324773.
