The Karuah Motor Yacht Club’s annual Offshore and Estuary Fishing Competition was held last weekend attracting more than 30 competitors from Karuah, Maitland, Morpeth and Taree.

The large competition area saw anglers take up vantage points on the waters of Port Stephens Estuary, Broughton Island and beyond.

The event had almost perfect conditions, however strong winds on Saturday provided a challenge for the anglers.

The Karuah River was a popular spot for competitors to drop a line, although proved to be very quiet with no decent sized catches recorded.

Offshore was the place to be for serious anglers with many good catches of snapper, tragglin and flathead reeled in during the three day event.

Honours for the biggest fish went to Dick Dyer landing an impressive 57cm tragglin to claim the win.

Sandie Lowndes landed the best individual of the event, while Paul Gallagher took out the “Horse’s Rear” novelty trophy.

With six boats involved in the competition, the title of best offshore boat was claimed by “Gunna” Captained by Des Ward and his three-man crew.

Karuah Motor Yacht Club Commodore Mr Ken Baker, said he was pleased with the successful event with lots of fish caught and everyone enjoying themselves.

“There were lots of competitors and they all had a great time, with lots of locals coming round for the weigh in,” Mr Baker said. “We had some beautiful catches with some nice snapper caught during the competition.”

Although the event was all about reeling in the biggest fish, Mr Baker said it’s more than winning the competition that makes the weekend enjoyable.  “It’s not just about winning the trophy that makes it a good weekend, it’s everyone getting together and having a good time out fishing,” Mr Baker told News of the Area.