A record number of competitors cast a line in the Albany Boating and Fishing Club’s Southern Squid Spectacular on Saturday, with families, children and keen fishers turning out in force for a day of competition on the water.
Just under 200 competitors took part across 57 boats, four kayaks and 14 shore positions, making it the biggest squid competitions the club has hosted.
By the end of the day, competitors had brought in a combined 194kg of squid.
On Saturday, the squid proved more difficult than some had expected, with several competitors returning empty-handed.
However, those who did manage to find success delivered some impressive results.
Russel Cox claimed first place in the boat section with a bag of 10 squid weighing 8.34kg, with Ned Turton not far behind with a bag weighing in at 7.61kg.
Chad de Jonge took out the kayak category with five squid weighing in at 2.91kg, and Matthew Polglaze coming second with his squid bag weighing 2.20kg.
Lachlan Nolan won the shore section with five squid weighing 2.09kg but Mue Lah Thaw was hot on the reel next to him weighing in at 1.95kg in second place.
The heaviest individual squid of the day was caught by Flynn Morrow, whose 1.81kg catch earned him the top individual prize and second place went to Matt Bilney at 1.75kg.
Albany Boating and Fishing Club president Charmaine Pienaar said the weather played its part in creating ideal conditions for participants.
“The weather turned out perfect,” she said.
“It was the biggest squid competition we have had and it was great to see so many kids and families getting involved.”
Treasurer of the Albany Boating and Fishing Club Allison Watson said it was an amazing turnout and was great to see people reeling in the squid.
“We had a record number of people there which was good — lots of families and kids which was good and everyone enjoyed themselves,” she said.
“The squid were hard to find at the start, but then obviously on the way back people caught some and others obviously knew the spots and where to go.
“There was a few big ones (squid) which was good too.”
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