Esperance Land Based Fishing Club add squid to the season scoreboard

The Esperance Land Based Fishing Club will open its new season this month, with catches of squid now counting on the scoreboard.

Club secretary Sasha Curnow said the introduction of the new target species had created waves of excitement within the group around who would be the first to set a squid-based record.

“The ELBFC has introduced squid as a target species for the first time this year — and in good time, with the Esperance Tanker Jetty scheduled to open in March,” she said.

After the 2020 season was reduced because of COVID-19 restrictions, the new season will start on February 27 and take place across the Esperance region in any land-based fishing area during the long weekend.

“In 2020, the club had to cut its season short by two venues. We are looking forward to having a consistent and uninterrupted season — fingers crossed — and excited to have a Classic towards the end of the year,” Ms Curnow said.

Entrants must pay a membership fee and register at 10am each event Saturday — either in person or over the phone — before heading to their favourite spots.

“The club understands that some families don’t get the opportunity to participate due to other sporting and work commitments. To accommodate for this, registrations can be accepted over the phone or text message for those who cannot make it in time for the 10am registrations and intend on heading out later in the day,” Ms Curnow said.

Ms Curnow said one of the best things about the monthly events was the community aspect and getting to spend time with loved ones. “Although some of the fellas get quite serious about the competition, for a lot of us the reward is spending a weekend with family and friends on our beautiful coastline and switching off from the daily grind,” she said.

People wanting to make contact with the club can visit its Facebook page, text club president Rory Smith on 0417 402 617, or ask for a flyer at Southern Sports & Tackle, Tatey’s Fishing World, or Dempster Sporting.