While 2020 has meant the majority of ‘normal’ things in the community cannot continue, some others have done incredibly well to pivot either their business model or the way community clubs can still conduct themselves safely.
While fishing was still permitted under the stage three restrictions, competitions were not due to the social distancing and group gatherings, however, Marlo Angling Club made the decision to revise its usual practices and continue its club championship which at the time of the announcement, still had three months of the season left.
The competition was changed in the following ways: Members were asked to fish on a monthly basis, that is, they could now fish for the whole month ie: from the first day of month to the last day of the month. Results were to be shared later to all members. Competition would continue as per the current fishing calendar but start on the first day of the month at 6am with lines out on the last day of the month at 12.30pm.
Bank competitions were omitted from the calendar allowing anglers to fish from the bank if desired.
The weigh-master continued in the same capacity, however all communication was to be conducted digitally. Competitors were asked to send a clear photo of their heaviest fish on designated scales (to show its weight) to the weigh-master before 1pm on the last day of the month.
The weigh-master nominated something each month to include with the photo, for example: a coin, number, colour or word to verify that the photo was taken during that fishing calendar month.
Transparent fish bags were made up by local business L&Z Upholstery in Newmerella and made available for either purchase or loan.
Winners were notified and members were informed via various communications with the prizes/vouchers to be collected from Snowy River Tackle after each monthly event.
The August competition results were – Surf: Graeme Johnson with a salmon weighing 1.99kg; Estuary catch and release: Harry Young with a bream weighing 1.60kg. Estuary: John Waddell with a bream weighing 0.905kg; Junior estuary: Shaun Waddell with a bream weighing 0.864kg; Bream: Graham Johnson with a catch weighing 2.04kg (for those who are unfamiliar with club rules, an angler is only eligible to win the monthly prize for one category however championship points are given in all categories).
September’s monthly competition is on now underway.

IMAGE:
In order to adapt to the new structure of weigh in for the competitions, new weigh bags were made thanks to L&Z Upholstery in Newmerella. (PS)