80kg+ barrel secures top spot in Hooked on Tuna competition

A keen angler has secured the top spot in the Hooked on Tuna fishing competition, reeling in an 81.5kg catch this weekend. 

Melbourne based entrant James Cauchi has gone home $1,000 richer, claiming the title of heaviest catch of the weekend and for the competition so far, knocking previous leader Marcus Jarrett from his top position. 

James is a returning entrant and previous winner, with him and his brother taking home second place in the competition overall in 2019.  

Fishing is clearly a family affair, with James’ dad Stephen also claiming a place on the leaderboard, sitting in second place with his 63.6kg catch. Previous leader and local angler Marcus Jarrett is now in third place. 

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Anita Rank said it was fantastic to see a previous winner returning to the competition again to try and take home the top prize. 

“It’s fantastic to see keen anglers such as James and his family coming back to Portland and competing in Hooked on Tuna to secure an elusive 100kg barrel and the competition’s first place. The Cauchi’s love for Portland and the city’s prime fishing conditions has even seen them secure a property locally, meaning Hooked on Tuna has become a ‘family tradition’ for them,” she said. 

“We congratulate James on his impressive 80kg+ catch which has put him firmly in first place and well clear of his Dad in second place. There was only one day of competition this weekend due to forecasted poor conditions on Sunday, however that didn’t stopp anglers such as James as reeling in substantial catches. 

“There is now only one more weekend on competition left, which has left for an exciting finale to see if James can finally take home that first prize, or if he will be usurped at the final post. 

“With the competition’s final weekend coinciding with the Hooked on Portland festival, we know that Portland will be swelling with visitors and it will make for the perfect backdrop for the competition’s close.” 

Online registrations for the Hooked on Tuna fishing competition can be completed via Eventbrite. Alternatively, hard copy forms are available on the day from the Portland Yacht Club. 

For full competition terms and conditions, visit the Eventbrite page.