Port Stephens Big Fish Competition raises funds for Glenn Dickson

OVER 50 competitors entered the Big Fish Competition in Nelson Bay to compete for prizes and raise money for shark attack victim Glenn Dickson.

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Mr Dickson was attacked while spearfishing off Hinchinbrook Island in Far North Queensland.

He later had his leg amputated.

Competitors raced to familiar dive spots including Broughton Island, with some venturing as far as Seal Rocks in their quest to catch the biggest fish.

The Newcastle Neptunes hold the Port Stephens competition to encourage sustainable fishing methods.

Club president Steve Elias told News Of The Area that entrants can only weigh in one fish, which gives divers “a good opportunity to target larger species” and use different techniques and tactics.

“The conditions were very favourable, with light south-east winds and clearer water out wide to Seal Rocks, but dirtier conditions around the local islands including Broughton,” Mr Elias said.

There was a strong local contingent, but also divers from other clubs.

Mr Elias said it was an event that built “strong inter-club relationships”.

Twenty-five fish were weighed in and the prize of “biggest fish” was awarded to Ryan Schulter from the South Coast Barracudas with his impressive kingfish that weighed over 17kgs.

“It’s a great social day out with no pressure,” Mr Schulter said.

Locals Kyle Johnston and Greg Finn, both Newcastle Neptunes members, were awarded second and third place respectively, with only a 150 grams between them..

Junior Hayden Montgomery was up there with the open contenders with a kingfish weighing over 14kgs.

Female competitor Ash Waters gave the men a run for their money with her sizeable kingfish.

“I like the Port Stephens Big Fish Competition because you only need to get one good fish, and you don’t have to worry about targeting different species,” she said.

Kyle Johnston said the competition was great because you can be “selective” with your catch and one great fish can have you in the running for a prize.

Proceeds of the raffle and will go to Glenn Dickson to assist with his ongoing recuperation.