Angling (Bass - Freshwater)

SPORT COORDINATORS
Brad Clark
Wayne Woods

RESULTS
The Bass fishing event of the 2005 ‘Fujitsu’ Qld Police Games incorporating Emergency Services was held on the 24th & 25th May 2005 at the Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Murgon. This was the first time the Games included a catch and release Bass fishing event. Representatives from the Qld Police Service and Qld Fire and Rescue, using only artificial lures, contested this inaugural event. A briefing was held on the Monday night and ABT Bass Pro and Guide, Matthew Mott was on hand to pass on his experience and answered numerous questions.

The first morning session was tough with only 4 anglers measuring in bass employing cast and retrieve methods as well as trolling. Gympie Policeman, Vic Tipman led the pack after trolling with Jackall lipless crankbaits. The second session was a bit better once anglers started to work out the techniques that were working, with 17 bass measured in. Toowoomba Fireman, Peter Robinson shot to the lead after the second session relegating Vic Tipman to second place. Peter also trolled Jackalls at a very slow pace between the two boat ramps.

The next morning the anglers were greeted with a heavy fog. Those anglers equipped with GPS’ had little trouble navigating whilst trolling. Kilkivan Policeman Graeme Reeves persisted in his little tinny without any sounders or GPS and was rewarded with 2 fine bass with the biggest measuring 42cm to the fork. Graeme took out 8th place and won a much needed Protecta-net.

Despite some overnight nerves and a loss of appetite at breakfast, Peter Robinson caught his bag early in the session. Husband and wife anglers, Vic and Diane Tipman caught a couple of impressive fish and the pressure was on Peter for the race to the Gold medal. The end of the last session saw Peter measuring in an impressive overall total of 6/6 bass at 2.288metres winning the Gold medal. Peter also took out the Biggest Bass Trophy with a 47cm fork length bass. Vic Tipman retained second place measuring in an overall total of 5/6 fish at 1.966metres and taking out the Silver Medal. Dianne Tipman won the Bronze Medal with a 5/6 limit of 1.890metres. Toowoomba Police Prosecutor, Tony Costa just missed out on the Bronze Medal by 30mm with his 5/6 1.830metres bag but took home a lures pack containing Smak spinnerbaits and other assorted lures.

Although only bass were eligible to be measured in, a trophy was on offer for the biggest Golden Perch for the tournament. This trophy was taken out by Diane Tipman with a 44cm Golden. Police Assistant Commissioner, Col McCallum presented the medallions and prizes to the winners.

In addition to the medallions other prizes were on offer thanks to the generous support of a number of event sponsors. Our thanks go out to the following sponsors:’

Event Sponsors: ‘Tropical Ice Boxes’ http://www.downunderinceboxes.com ‘Yallakool Café & Tackle’ ‘Yallakool Tourist Park’ http://yallakool.murgon.qld.gov.au/ ‘Qld Fishing Monthly (QFM)’ ‘Smak Spinnerbaits’ ‘Protecta-nets’ ‘GT Lures’ ‘Waterskiers Warehouse Toowoomba’ ‘Jabiru Clothing’ ‘BP Reliance Petroleum’ ‘NQX Freight Systems’ and ‘KR Castlemaine’..

Special thanks also go out to Gordon Turner and Norm Williams of the Stessl Family Bass Challenge who assisted with the coordination of this event.

Feedback from the competitors was that the event was a success. Strict rules were applied and I thank all competitors for their conduct during this event. All competitors were able to experience the highs and lows of a catch and release Bass Tournament. I am sure all anglers experienced the mixed emotions of this style of event including excitement, frustration and anxiety. It was also pleasing to have the support of the event sponsors. A random draw was conducted on the Tuesday night and all those who attended took home a prize. Random draw prizes included, Qld Fishing Monthly Subscription, $50 BP fuel card, Trackka fishing shirts, GT Lures, Soft Plastic lures and other assorted T shirts, caps and coolers. This support from the sponsors also enabled the prize pool to be extended to the top 10 anglers.

For those who missed out on the top 10, I encourage you all to keep practicing your bass luring techniques. Get involved in some of the Bass Fishing comps that are organised around the various dams and book a charter with Matthew Mott. Matthew is always keen to share his knowledge and experience.

I look forward to coordinating the next Bass fishing event for the Police Games and hope that it will be bigger and better.

Brad Clark Event Coordinator