Spring is a time to get outdoors and revel in the beautiful area we live in. Joining a social club of like-minded individuals who share a common interest is good for your mind, body and soul.
In past Issues we've brought you the great news regarding the formation of Narrabeen Lagoon State Park, the NSW Government Department of Primary Industry's release of prawns in Narrabeen Lagoon as part of the Marine Fish Stocking Program, how to apply for grants as part of the NSW DPI's Gone Fishing Day (first one to be held on October 16, 2016) and even some historical pages such as Narrabeen Prawning Times - A Seasonal Tide Of Returnings, Camping at Narrabeen – A Trickle then a Flood, Eeling in Warriewood's Creeks or Yabbying In Warriewood's Creekseven Oystering In The Pittwater Estuary - Oyster Kings And Pearl Kings And When Not To Harvest Oysters and a Collector's Corner page, The Compleat Angler - Izaak Walton Inspires Generations of Fisherfolk.
There's more, much more, and more to come!
The point is, we live in an aquatic environment, surrounded by green hills and National Parks, so it's natural that the great health that comes from getting out there and throwing a line into the water, and as with many of these fishing clubs, then throwing the fish back, will continue to be part of what we love doing and why we love living here.
This week we share a small insight into the third fishing club located within the Pittwater area, who, alike their Newport Arms and Avalon Beach RSL Fishing clubs counterparts, are the nicest most laid-back group of family focussed people you will meet.
When and how did Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club begin?
The Inaugural meeting was held 21 August 1993 attended by members of the Narrabeen RSL Club who had previously signified their intention to join the club.
Why was it started?
Mainly for competitions and social activities and like minded members who loved fishing.
Who is the Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club for?
Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club is a family orientated club which holds monthly fishing competitions commencing at 4 pm on the second Friday of each month followed by a weigh-in and a free BBQ at the Narrabeen RSL Club commencing at 2pm on the Sunday. The competition is divided into eight sections, catering for all categories of fishing.
• Narrabeen Lakes
• Rock and Beach
• Estuary Boat
• Deep Sea Boat
• Estuary Individual
• Deep Sea Individual
• Ladies
• Juniors (under 16)
What is the structure of fishing activities – do you have a Fish of the Month and Club Competitions?
Yes plus three mystery prizes each weigh-in. Monthly prizes include mystery fish, fish of the month, angler of the month, Narrabeen Bait and Tackle voucher and various tackle items.
The fishing focus is on the promotion of catch and release and limits on the numbers of fish that can be kept.
Month Fish of the Month
Nov Bream
Dec Whiting
Jan Snapper
Feb Jewfish
March Kingfish
April Leatherjacket
May Morwong
June Trevally
July Tailor
August Blackfish
Sept Flounder
Oct Flathead
Does the Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club have trips away, and of so – where and what for?The club has social activities as well with various functions held throughout the year, including:
• Family interclub fishing competition with Hawks Nest Social Club with Narrabeen travelling to Hawks Nest in March. Children are encouraged to participate.
• Annual Three way fishing competition with Avalon RSL Fishing Club, Newport Arms Fishing Club and Narrabeen RSL held September each year.
• Family camping weekend at Swansea.
• Race days and darts nights.
How does someone join(and what is the membership fee)?
Membership forms available from Fishing Club Notice Board at Narrabeen RSL Club
Fees are: Social $10, junior $10, single $15, Family $20
Who tells the best Fish Story among members?
His nickname is BJ.
We have an annual award which is an actual anchor painted gold with chain attached. It hangs up in the club room at the RSL club. The “golden anchor award” goes to the person who makes the most “stuff ups when fishing”.
E.g.: Had bait in ice cream container and when out fishing opened it up to find vanilla ice cream. Forgot to take bait, ran out of petrol, flat battery, keys overboard, cleaning a fish and dropped it overboard. Forgot to tie anchor to rope and threw it overboard. Didn’t take the plastic sleeves off the hooks on the lure so impossible to hook a fish. It is endless.
The Narrabeen RSL Fishing club won the 2016 Annual 3 Way Fishing Comp between Narrabeen, Newport and Avalon- what would you put this down to – more luck, more skills, or more secret fishing spots?
The way the scoring system works for the 3 Way Fishing Comp is that points are counted for each club from the top 5 boats in deep sea, top 5 boats in estuary and top 4 rock and beach fishos. Narrabeen tries to make sure that we have all the categories covered otherwise it puts you at a disadvantage. We have shared this strategy with the other clubs. Narrabeen has over 80 members which helps. This scoring system helps to make it a level playing field otherwise the club with the most members would usually win.
Do you have an end of year party and if so, what form does this take?
The annual presentation night is not to be missed and is held during October each year.
What is the Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club’s ‘motto’ that members live and strive to fish by?
Our aim is to improve the fishing knowledge of members by the holding of meetings, competitions, lectures and to co-operate with other bodies with like interests.
We also enjoy the stories and camaraderie at the monthly weigh-ins.
What are the Narrabeen RSL Fishing Club members favourite places to fish in Narrabeen?
Enjoying the serenity and natural environment when fishing Narrabeen lakes. Also fishing the gutters along Narrabeen Beach and the beautiful outlook when fishing off Narrabeen pool.
