The 2018 Hooked on Tuna competition was held over 5 weekends in April. Dates were as follows:
31 March & 1 April
7 & 8 April
14 & 15 April
21 & 22 April
28 & 29 April
RESULTS
The winners of the 2018 Hooked on Tuna fishing competition were announced on Sunday 29th April, 3:30pm at the Portland Yacht Club.
Melbourne angler Paul Hourmouzis caught the winning catch, an impressive 105.9kg barrel on Saturday, to take the overall $5000 cash prize of the month long competition.
He was closely followed by fellow Melbourne angler John DeGroot with his slightly lighter 104kg catch followed by Jony Ai, also of Melbourne, with his 29kg effort.
Mr Hourmouzis described the win as ‘total elation’.
“It was a bit of a shock at first, but it was really satisfying to be able to finally reel in the 100kg catch that had been eluding me for the past seven years,” he said.
“I’ll share the $5000 prize amongst my crewmates, and no doubt on some further fishing equipment.”
Mr Hourmouzis encouraged other keen anglers to participate in next year’s competition.
“The real drawcard of this competition is how accessible it is – anyone with a rod and reel has the opportunity to take home the top prize,” he said.
“I know I’ll absolutely be back again in 2019 to try my luck and hopefully retain my winning title.”
ONLINE REGISTRATIONS
Registrations were completed online via TryBooking
Alternatively, hard copy registrations were open from 6:30am at the Portland Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday morning.
BACKGROUND
Numerous fish are being caught throughout the year of 100kg+ making Portland the Southern Bluefin Tuna capital.
Portland’s Southern Bluefin tuna industry is worth about $10 million to the Glenelg Shire economy.
Portland is home to a world class recreational fishing industry, attracting thousands of anglers from across Australia. The season is traditionally from February to June each year, but in recent years anglers have recorded big catches year round.
PORTLAND AND SURROUNDS
To learn more about the great things to do and see while in Portland and the Glenelg Shire, download the latest visitor guide, compiled by the Portland Tourist Association.
This handy guide provides information on local restaurants and cafes, accommodation and our vast array of tourist attractions. Visitor Guide
To learn more contact our friendly staff at the Portland Visitor Information Centre on 1800 035 567
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up to date with all the latest Portland fishing news on Facebook visit Wildblue
The 2018 Portland Hooked On Tuna Fest was an extremely exciting event, thanks to our many sponsors:
Dundas Coastal Real Estate
Portland Bait & Tackle
Haines Hunter
Caltex Portland
Port of Portland
Jaks Lures
Portland Tourism Association
Quest Apartments Portland
Comfort Inn Richmond Henty
Boatcatch
Hertz
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
For full competition terms and conditions please download the 2018 Information and Registration Pack