Malta Fishing Forum

General chat about the competition, any questions etc.

A COMPULSORY meeting for all skippers will be held on the 22nd June 19:30, at Giordanos Bar & Restaurant, Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi. During this meeting skippers must as a minimum register themselves and their vessels. In addition we will give a basic safety briefing, and discuss the rules in more detail.  All skippers must attend this meeting; crew are welcome to come along.

Competition Day:  Tuesday 29th June 2010
Backup Competition Days:  3rd July, 4th July, 10th July, 11th July

ORIS ALONGI COMPETITION ENTRY FEE PER PERSON
All others: €12 per person
Forum Premium Members: €8.00 per person
Forum VIP Members: €5.00 per person

ORIS ALONGI COMPETITION OVER €3000 Worth of PRIZES

1st Prize: ORIS "Der Meistertaucher" Swiss Watch worth €1900
Okuma Classic 45L 2010 model, Strike Pro Set of 3 lures from Okuma Malta, 3 Adult Lifejackets, 4 bottles of Premium Wine from Hi-Tec Marine

2nd Prize: OceanLED A6 Amphibians underwater LED lights from RLR worth €480
PENN trolling reel 185 SEA BOY, Strike Pro Set of 3 lures from Okuma Malta, 3 Adult Lifejackets, 4 bottles of Premium Wine from Hi-Tec Marine

3rd Prize: Riviera Marine Compass from Zarb Stores
X-tools Gaff floating type 170CM, Strike Pro Set of 3 lures from Okuma Malta, 3 Adult Lifejackets, 4 bottles of Premium Wine from Hi-Tec Marine

4th Prize: €50 Cheque for fuel from Malta Fishing Forum, Lifejacket, PREDAPRO Lure
5th Prize: €40 Cheque for fuel from Malta Fishing Forum, Lifejacket, PREDAPRO Lure
6th Prize: €30 Cheque for fuel from Malta Fishing Forum, Lifejacket, PREDAPRO Lure

Biggest Fish: 30 lbs Class Reel OKUMA SD-45L and Rod MITCHELL UNIVERSE II 30LB from Okuma Malta

TROPHIES provided by ORIS Swiss Watches

Up to 3 Trophies awarded to each team finishing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
Single Trophy for the biggest fish.

Boat Inspection Checkpoints:

Boats will be inspected before the competition start between at the following locations (If you are not checked you cannot compete)

02:00 – 03:15
Marsamxett Pier – Near Valletta Waterpolo Pitch Approx GPS: 35°54'1.47"N  35°54'1.47"N

03:00 – 04:00
B'Bugia – San Gorg Jetty  35°49'48.73"N  14°31'56.64"E

03:45 – 04:15
Marfa Jetty – Approx GPS: 35°59'13.47"N  14°20'40.85"E (Opposite Ramla Bay Hotel Resort)
04:00 – 04:45
Gnejna Bay Jetty – Approx GPS: 35°55'15.32"N   14°20'38.08"E

All vessels are requested to hold just off the quay to ensure sufficient space for each vessel to come alongside, and then make their way to the nearest start position once checked.

Competition Start Time & Locations:

Southern Area 04:30 from the fairway buoy outside the Freeport – this will be the start point for Valletta, Msida boats as well

Marfa Northern Area 1 – 04:30 leaving from Marfa Jetty

Gnejna Northern Area 2 – 05:00 leaving from Gnejna Jetty

Very nice prizes Skip and All - Well done. Many thanks to the sponsors too! Let's hope it will remain a FAIR FRIENDLY competition!

well done to all......... all that benri stated, i agree 100%

Let's hope we get some more people signing up!! So far just 2!

Well done Skip, appreciate all your hard work. One question though ?.

I have registered my boat and crew for the competition, I have noticed that everyone has registered three crew, does this mean that each boat is only allowed three people on board, during the competition.
The reason I am asking is because I would like to have the Captains wife on board, to make coffee and pass out sandwiches, because we will be far to busy catching fish.

Captain Gus.

Spirit of Jason - In answer to your question, there is no limit to the number of crew members one can take on board for the competition.  However, the Trophies for the winners in are limited to three (3) trophies per boat placing either 1st, 2nd or 3rd. 

Thanks for that The_Gaffer

Cudos to you and your organizing committee. Wish l could take part but can't for obvious reasons.
Well done 'Malta Fishing Forum'

If anyone is looking for crew put your request here.

Hi Guys
how does it work who wins if there is 2 guys on a boat and caught 4alungi and another boat with 4guys and caught 6 who wins ? just an example

Thanks
Vlegga

Vlegga,

I stand to be corrected, but I believe that irrespective of the number of people on the boat, the catch per boat is taken in consideration. Therefore the boat who caught 6 Alungi will win.

Is this the MFF alungi competition or something else?

yes... organised by MFF, sponsored mainly by Oris watches

Quote from: vlegga on May 18, 2010, 10:11:41 CET
Hi Guys
how does it work who wins if there is 2 guys on a boat and caught 4alungi and another boat with 4guys and caught 6 who wins ? just an example

Thanks
Vlegga

Irrispective of the number of people on board, the boat with the highest count of fish caught (alungi) is declared the winner.  If two or more boats have the same amount of fish caught, then the weight of the fish is the determining factor, so the boat with the heviest weight of all alungi put together from a single boat is declared the winner.  Number of people on board is not a determing factor in this competition.

Quote from: Moonwalker on May 18, 2010, 10:30:21 CET
Is this the MFF alungi competition or something else?

Correct Moonwalker.  This is the official Malta Fishing Forum ORIS Alungi competition.  The competition has as its main sponsor ORIS Watches, exclusively distributed by Jos. Debono jewellers.  We have managed to secure other sponsors for this event, namely Okuma, RLR Yachting, Predapro, Zarb Stores, Paq Paq, Hi-Tech Marine, European Pilot Academy Malta and Strike Pro.  We urge our members to remember that without our Sponors help, it would not have been possible to deliver such a fantastic lineup of prizes to the winners.  

Quote from: robby017 on May 18, 2010, 13:32:50 CET
i'm with SOJ, cos our boat is not equipped to venture that far out.....

Great...BTW, on our fishing trip, I'll be doing a search before you board the Gaffer looking for hidden GPS's...don't want my alungi hot spots ending up in the wrong hands kiddow!!....ijja - iktar jekk ma tmissniex alunga bhas-sena l-ohra :P

no worries ...... i don't own a handheld gps..... the only gps i have is integrated(built in) inside the car which in turn connects it to some anti teft global network of satalittes...... no plans of bringing the car fishing. Also, with albies...... there's no knowing where they would be....... like lampuki, its a migrating fish, you either find it or you don't which gives ALL particpants an equal chance..... remember last years winner ::) ....  so much for the magic lures..... only made one disappearing act.

@ Baghira..... tkun mac cimi silv... can't miss it ::)

Just to clear one point about the Alungi competition please. Who gets the Oris watch, is it the Skipper of the winning boat, the one who catches the most Alungi (individual), or the one who catches the heaviest fish (Alungi)   ???

its the same question i asked a couple of weeks ago and this is the answer i got from Skip:

"Detailed information concerning these prizes will be posted in due course once we have finalised the additional prizes from our sponsors. As you can see we are catering for 3 prizes/trophies per boat in the 1st-3rd category, if a boat wants to have more people entered that's up to them but they will not have prizes/trophies"

however it seems that only one prize per boat and trophies for the rest, correct me if im wrong

I believe the watch goes to the skipper of the winning boat along with all the prizes and trophies, its then up to the skipper to allocte/ split prizes with crew.

Redbus: the winner of the alungi competition gets the oris watch, in which case its the skipper of the winning boat, along with the other prizes attached to 1st place. Its up to the skipper to devide the prizes with his crew.

Thanks Gaffer, but that could mean the skipper dosent catch any fish himself only his crew and he ends up with the watch, so effectivley only the skippers can win the watch ?

Thats right redbus9

Dnt want to be a pain in the a..

however in my opinion i think that it would have been better to have lets say 3 watches of €500 each as a first prize instead of a single watch

however its not up to me to make these decisions

omg! i cannot believe this!

oh well I am not going to make any comments on this.............

its just positive criticism, the way i look at it. im sure im not the only one who thinks this way

i was not trying to be funny,not in the least. and i apologize if anybody felt offended in anyway.ganni,positive criticism is always welcome even if you were the only one to do it.

dw caldaland i was not offended.  its good that we react at each others posts, at least we keep the forum going on  ;D

Quote from: baghira on May 18, 2010, 14:46:17 CET

Hemm hu ............. ha naraw jekk ngharafiex l-alunga hahaha....

Sil, tgharafa , ghandha forma kwadra, rasha skorfina u ghandha il kuluri tal qawsalla :) hehehe

Ok will see about dates and check with last year crew and post back.

Am i wrong, but it appears that the bigger the boat and the more crew on board gives the bigger chance of winning the competion, sounds to me a little unfair on any smaller boats and crew that would like to win the competition

are we in a fishing forum here or what?!?!?!? how did u come to that conclusion michael.........who said that the more crew or bigger boat gets u the prize.
Last years Alungi competition winner was a big surprise to many.......
I have taken part in quite a few competitions and the most important thing about fishing is to be where the fish are biting.........then comes in the ability of the fisherman. The size of the boat has nothing to do with it.
I (as u can check with my post) usually compete on my own, and believe me I do not feel disadvantaged to anyone. or I might be with a spearfisher or a land fishing buddy......just for the fun of it.

All I can say is that if anyone can direct me towards a local competition in the past with these kind of prizes please do let me know!! In the Rolex middlesea race there aren't 16 small watches!! The Rolex goes to the winning skipper!!

Anyone remember the expression 'Right or wrong, I'm still the captain' - so if the skipper wants to keep all the prizes for himself that's what he'll do, the forum and it's sponsors do not get involved in the division of prizes amongst participating crews, if this is a big issue I suggest you guys discuss it with your skipper in advance.

Ganni you are wrong that there is only one prize per boat, the full prize breakdown per team is listed clearly at the beginign of this Alongi General Discussion topic and within the competition rules attached to this post - have you guys read through that yet?

The two biggest boats that took part last year both came back empty handed: They were The Gaffer with 9 rods and 26 foot LoA and Maria Dolores LoA 30 feet, down riggers and all.

The winner was in a 4m dingy with 2 ppl on board, no experience and 1 handline.

A bigger boat is an advantage in bad weather because it's more comfortable,seaworthy etc but the more rods = more fish theory is more of a myth than reality, as Shanook said first its the ability to find and raise the fish and then the ability of the fishermen. If you have 6 rods you have a great chance of snagging your lines both in turns and when you get a hookup, and none of us are all Pro fishermen!

Let's remember guys that this is still a friendly, albeit it with some pretty amazing prizes.

Thanks skip for your reply, it makes sense, i have no experience whatsoever in boat fishing around malta but this year will be doing it for the first time, hoping to catch a few good fish and learning all the different aspects of this exciting sport.

Shanook, i think you should chillout a little, yes this is a forum, and was just asking a question from my own inexperienced observations. I too will be fishing this competition, not expecting to win, but looking forward to having a great day out and enjoying the experience.

Look forward to seeing you out there (though I won't be competing this year will be on the safety boat). Last year I tried 6 rods with all sorts of combinations and like many others I got nowhere. I even had my 11 small lure spreader bar out in hopes to raise the fish but to no avail unfortunately.

We discussed the issues about boat size, number of rods etc prior to setting the final rules and we went with the general feeling listed above. I can understand where you're coming from when viewing a bigger boat and its potential but a good 16-19 footer can have an advantage (speed) over the bigger boats and quite a few are still beamy to help with number of rods. Speed can be an advantage to change location quickly, but some may argue that when you haven't got your rods in the water you have less of a chance of catching. Consider using 7-8 foot 2 piece 20-30lbs light trolling rods horizontally as improvised outriggers (you can buy clamp on rod holders for them to sit in).

Me thinks that if it wasn't for the skipper and his boat the crew wouldn't be out there fishing anyway!...how's that for positive thinking :P

My Dad always used to say, "it is not the winning, it is the taking part".

Come on guys lets just have a great day out there and the best of luck to the winning skipper.

All I will probably catch is a cold, but I will still enjoy myself.

Captain Gus.

Hahahahahahh

This is a good post to read.

This is absolutely stunning... :o
Instead of thanking those whom provided such a fabulous prize, we are disputing about the number of watches.!!!!

And then if the boat wins, the price goes to the fisherman.!!!! As if the skipper spent all his money in a boat to take you fishing to win a watch??? You should thank your skipper if he allowed you to fish on his boat, at least that will serve you as an experiance.

Are ge going nuts!!

And then the size of the boat!!!!
I think I own the smallest boat till now, and I am not complaining!! If the weather conditions are not suitable for my boat I would simply not come, and let all the others enjoy themselves.

Have fun guys, and let's give an end to this..... This is not nice for the readers.

Quote from: baghira on May 19, 2010, 09:08:17 CET
Hahahahahahh

This is a good post to read.

This is absolutely stunning... :o
Instead of thanking those whom provided such a fabulous prize, we are disputing about the number of watches.!!!!

And then if the boat wins, the price goes to the fisherman.!!!! As if the skipper spent all his money in a boat to take you fishing to win a watch??? You should thank your skipper if he allowed you to fish on his boat, at least that will serve you as an experiance.

Are ge going nuts!!

And then the size of the boat!!!!
I think I own the smallest boat till now, and I am not complaining!! If the weather conditions are not suitable for my boat I would simply not come, and let all the others enjoy themselves.

Have fun guys, and let's give an end to this..... This is not nice for the readers.

Well said baghira :)

QuoteAll I will probably catch is a cold, but I will still enjoy myself.

Don't let yourself down so easily Capt.... we'll definately enjoy ourselves..... fish or no fish...... last year when the fish did not want to bite for the whole 5-6 hours trolling in "granny's well"  the VHF was really handy.......

Guys...... take part for the fishing...... not the prizes....... and then........ if you're lucky(and good  ;D ) you might win something.....

Big thanks to all sponsers and organizers again..... this will surely be a big event...

Well said Robby.
I too would like to thank the organisers and sponsers, Skip in particular, I know he has put a lot of time and effort into organising this competition.
So lets just enjoy the day, this will be my first competition with the MFF and I am really looking forward to the day out with the lads.

Regardless of what the prizes may be, or who wins them, lets just get out there and enjoy ourselves.

Captain Gus

well said baghira

Thanks Gus, it has been a lot of hard work and it wouldn't have been possible without the extensive help of Joe The Gaffer and Antoine alfadelta and Shanook.

We then have the other sponsors who showed their commitment to support us again with this competition.

Is this year comp going to be filmed?

yes....... its mentioned in the rules and regulations pdf file

Could you all please take some time out and read the documents attached at the beginning of this thread.  You will find most of the answers you're asking here there:P

Parts of the competition will definately be filmed and we have an aircraft for 1 hour to film/photograph the floating finish point.

Well  my friend i never asked for the price of the boat or the price of the ff or anything, i just passed a comment that i thought could be useful for next years organisation, thats all. and i really appreciate the effort done by skip and co.

and yes i had read the pdf files before posting anyting.

and i wasn't passing my comment from the viewpoint of the crew or from that of a skipper, i was being neutral, in fact i havent posted to confirm my attendance yet just because i dont know if im going out with my boat or not

Once again thanks for the effort, im sure it is going to be great :)

fair enough!

Well done guys for all the effort you are doing!!! Probably i am in for that watch also :-P

Ok Gaffer next time I read the rules -p

Guys, I've been receiving requests to consider having a starting point at Gnejna. If we can get 5 boats together and a judge then we will definately consider adding this start location.

I know that busumark and fortuna were interesting in using this as a location to start plus another guy chris who emailed me today.

Is there anyone else who would want to use this as a Start location.

I d love to leave from gnejna :)

hi Guys that are not going to fish but they are going to be onboard the boat need to be registered as well for the competition ?

Quote from: vlegga on May 21, 2010, 06:33:13 CET
hi Guys that are not going to fish but they are going to be onboard the boat need to be registered as well for the competition ?

Vlegga - Yes, all crew members on any boat need to be registered on the available registration form sheet. 

Hi Skip, The_Gaffer.
One last question, all the people that will be on board, have to be registered, does this mean all people on board have to pay the entrance fee, even though some might not be fishing, like the Captains Wife, who will be making sandwhiches and providing coffee for the rest of the crew, also do all the people who register get a t-shirt and cap.

Thanks again for all your hard work organising the competition, we are looking forward to a cracking day on the water, regardless of the result.

Captain Gus

I think all must pay.... It's quite difficult to tell or find out who was actually fishing and who was preparing sandwiches.... What maybe the organinisers might consider is maybe a capping that say you pay for a maximum of 5-6 pax... But then if you can afford a boat that takes more crew I don't think it should be a problem to fork out the competition entrance fee.... :-)

I will launch also from gnejna if possible.

 Fortuna And Baghira call Busu as he is organising the gnejna departure.....

If you're able to handle a rod and on the boat you will need to pay the entry fee. If you have a child with you then you will not be charged. When the boat is checked at the start so are the crew. Will double check how many t-shirts and caps will be provided per boat.

till now we are 3 boats departing from gnejna. busumark fortuna baghira. we have to be at least 5 boats to have a starting point from gnejna

Thanks for that Benri and Skip that is what I thought, just making sure mate. looking forward to a great day. I will have to increase my T-Shirt order.

busu il moonwalker mhux ser jiehu parti????dam minn hemm inizzel le???

busu isnt moonwalker going to take part ..... he lauches from Gnejna No

@ shanook he has still to decide about the crew

Kemm se taqbad mieghi shanook dan l ahhar..... :)
Peress li jien personalment ma nifimx fl alunghi irrid niccekkja ftit min gej mieghi. Il gima li ghaddiet kont marid mejjet u ma hrigx imma issa mhux hazin u din gima niddeciedi x se namel ezatt.

U seem to pick on me lately.........:)
Since i dont know anything about Alungi, I want to see who is coming with me. I was sick all last week and was in all the time, i will see what to do this week.

eh jekk ma tigixghal competition, jien ikolli cans aktar ghal arlogg le?!?!?!?!
ma tantx hemm hafna xtitallem ghal Alungi Itfa rixa u hallija tigi taqbdek..........
Jekk ghadek marid zomm naqra il boghod man ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:)PPP  Il busu zgur ma jersaqx lejk........

if u dont compete the better chance I have of winning the Oris watch

There isnt much to know about alungi  just troll a lure and the Alungi will catch itself

Oh and if u are sick keep your distance .....busu will not come close to u anyway

 ::) translation please   ::)     :-*

ittraduci jekk jogbok

I thought there would be more from the North ?!?!?!?! where is GOTTIE, POOR CATCH..... those are the ones i am remembering at the moment. VISA where are U???

yes right shanook. and there was skip too who isn't yet listed :(

how about valletta fishers is ther any contacts sory for spe
ling

Skip won't be listed I'm afraid guys, in order to help make this event a success and given the level of support from the sponsors I will be out on the safety boat and helping man the floating finish. However I will make sure I have a VHF handy to keep in touch!!

Joe, so far no one from Valletta has confirmed their partcipation.

skip i think we  will confirme soon this week

So, to date we have 27 confirmed entries for the ORIS Alongi competition, organised by the MFF.  This is an encouraging number.  My personal aim is to have 50 boats, yes guys you read right...50 BOATS.  Quite a large number, but considering the prize lineup for this years' competition, I think we will hit that mark.  I am sure you are all discussing this competition with your friends and fishing mates, but just as a reminder, we would ask you to encourage new participants to make known their intentions either here on the forum, or through you as members.  The reason I say this is because as you know, each participating boat will be handed (free of Charge) ORIS branded capos and T-Shirts.  These will be handed out during the mandatory briefing which will be held about a week before the actual competition to all participating skippers and crew.  allow me to tell you this, it is a nightmare organising all the different quantities and sizes to suit all participants.  So please make sure that the message is relayed to all parties to make their intentions known ASAP.

The Malta Fishing Forum ORIS Alongi competition will feature in a Promo this coming Monday on PBS's PAQ PAQ.  The programme is aired at around 10.00pm.  

I saw a facebook comment by Pirotta fishing tackle, asking for more information on the competition.  If anyone of you is down that way, please pop into Pirotta's and provide a quick brief.  Alternatively, you may also forward my mobile number, which is 79441203.  I will try and find some time and pop into the shop myself.

We are doing our utmost to provide the widest possible coverage to this competition, given the fact the rich prize lineup, and the entries.  We are preparing a press release which will be going out to all journalists, to further publicise this unique event in Malta.  

I read in the sister thread that FreeDive is looking for some crew to participate in this competition.  may I suggest that those of you who are willing to join Freedive or any other boat, to list your intentions here please.

In the meantime, thank you all for your cooperation, and good luck to everybody.  Last but not least, thank you all for your support.  :)

those who wish to join as crew please state whether u can fish or has ever been fishing for Alungi or otherwise. Dont forget those who are willing to take a crew have to know about u a bit..........there is a nice price to be won

How is it that nobody of you is comming to this bbq?????

Good to meet and share this alungi competition info not!!!

Yes I am not giving off any watch, but still i need some more motivation from your end to help out somehow.

Due to the large number of boats a new checkpoint has been added for Valletta/Msida boats, the checkpoint will be at the Marsamxett Pier (Near the Valletta water polo pitch & near the Al Mare Restaurant) will open at around 2am to allow enough time to check all boats and for them to make their way down safety to the B'Bugia start point which will take around 1hr.

The COMPULSORY meeting for all skippers will be held on the 22nd June 19:30, at Giordanos Bar & Restaurant, Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi. During this meeting skippers must as a minimum register themselves and their vessels. In addition we will give a basic safety briefing, and discuss the rules in more detail.  All skippers must attend this meeting; crew are welcome to come along.

Some updates/clarifications:

Boat Inspection Checkpoints:

Boats will be inspected before the competition start between at the following locations (If you are not checked you cannot compete)

02:00 – 03:15
Marsamxett Pier – Near Valletta Waterpolo Pitch Approx GPS: 35°54'1.47"N  35°54'1.47"N

03:00 – 04:00
B'Bugia – San Gorg Jetty  35°49'48.73"N  14°31'56.64"E

03:45 – 04:15
Marfa Jetty – Approx GPS: 35°59'13.47"N  14°20'40.85"E (Opposite Ramla Bay Hotel Resort)
04:00 – 04:45
Gnejna Bay Jetty – Approx GPS: 35°55'15.32"N   14°20'38.08"E

All vessels are requested to hold just off the quay to ensure sufficient space for each vessel to come alongside, and then make their way to the nearest start position once checked.

Proposed Competition Start Time & Locations:

Southern Area 04:30 from the fairway buoy outside the Freeport – this will be the start point for Valletta, Msida boats as well

Marfa Northern Area 1 – 04:30 leaving from Marfa Jetty

Gnejna Northern Area 2 – 05:00 leaving from Gnejna Jetty

The presentation event will also be at Giordanos in Swieqi and will take place AFTER the World Cup ends to avoid any clashes

thanks nic.... see you there..... for a change i'll be walking to the venue.... only 2 min walk from home.

Robby for those not familar with the area do you think you could post some directions to help them find the place depending if they're coming from the valley, main road etc? Thanks

i'm preparing a map as we speak

map 1 via san gwann

follow the red line from San Gwann Valley into Triq is Swieqi, then take 3rd road on the left (after 2 red slow down ramps) into Triq is Sidra.... drive up to Giordano's which will be on your right..... or else, if following the red line is complicated..... follow the yellow line instead and stop next to St Andrew's Farm which will be on your right and park there... you will have to continue on foot (the black line) as the road is one way traffic flowing.... its only a 1 minute walk.

http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4073

(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/4/400_11_06_10_4_37_06.bmp)

map 2 via Regional Road

After crossing the Manwel Dimech Bridge take the first exist on your left and drive down to Triq is Swieqi and take a sharp 90 degree turn to the left.... go straight until you pass Miracle Food Stores, take first right after Miracle Foods into Triq is Sidra and drive up to Giordano's.

http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4074

(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/4/400_11_06_10_4_48_21.bmp)

Thanks Robby :)

no problem boss

Havent got a bloody clue what your maps mean buddy.

it shows the place where we are meeting for the competition briefing...............

Capt Gus, after my exam we'll meet up and I'll show you where...

Thanks Robby. Appreciate your help buddy.

NO problem Sir.

Here's a 3rd route leading from Intercontinental/Eden Centuary Cinemas/Eden Superbowl and Baystreet Complex.......

Drive up from near Eden and Intercontinental Hotel to the top of the hill and pass trough small tunnel (passing under Regional Road/ the 2 Red dots)...... continue driving straight up Triq is Swieqi and take third turning on your right(the first 2 are one way so you must take the 3rd one). Once you take the third road, which is Triq is Sidra, keep driving up this road until you get to Giordano's which will be on your right...... opposite Giordano's fields start to show, so, if you're seeing fields to your left...... you've passed Giordano's.... Another note to mention, Giordano's is part of the Garden View Holiday Complex building.

http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4080

(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/4/400_12_06_10_10_47_07.bmp)

Thanks Robby and Shanook, I have managed to work out the route from San Gwann.

be careful Gus as wrong turning will get u to paceville not aplace for our age anymore lol...... apart from a shout from the missus

Cant understand why Gnejna starting time is at 5am while others is at 4:30 - pls explain.

I have a friend with some good expereince on alunghi that wishes to join as crew. He has 3 rods and many lures so he is ideal for some beginners with a boat. He's not coming with me cos I have no place for him. If interested pls post here or send me pm.

Simple... Gnejna is much closer to the fishing grounds...

i suggest that all starting times be put back by 15 min.

at 05 00 there will be already light and that 30 min after sunrise is good for alungi. from Gnejna if you have a boat doing 18 kts you still need 20 min to start fishing so that good 30 min is lost. if the boat is slower a lot more time is lost.

from B'bugia and cirkewwa you have at least 9 miles to start fishing so to start fishing at 05 00 you have to do 20 kts half of the time in the dark. the slower boats may take an hour to arrive and so they loose the first 30 min good for fishing.

If the starting times are B'Bugia 04 15 Cirkewwa 04 15 Gnejna 04 45 I think it would be better because everyone will be or nearly will be in a good position to start fishing by sunrise.

I know what you mean Shanook, we made the mistake of booking into a hotel there about 10 yrs ago, we only lasted one night and we moved into the Baypoint Raddison.

Skip
Have you got the easting, for Marsamxett Pier.

02:00 – 03:15
Marsamxett Pier – Near Valletta Waterpolo Pitch Approx GPS: 35°54'1.47"N  35°54'1.47"N.

Most of the forum members will know were it is, but me being a newbie.

Thanks in advance.
Captain Gus

02:00 – 03:15
Marsamxett Pier – Near Valletta Waterpolo Pitch Approx GPS: 35°54'1.47"N  14°30'36.26"E.

Sorry about that, cut and paste problem!

Quote from: busumark on June 13, 2010, 08:18:43 CET
i suggest that all starting times be put back by 15 min.

at 05 00 there will be already light and that 30 min after sunrise is good for alungi. from Gnejna if you have a boat doing 18 kts you still need 20 min to start fishing so that good 30 min is lost. if the boat is slower a lot more time is lost.

from B'bugia and cirkewwa you have at least 9 miles to start fishing so to start fishing at 05 00 you have to do 20 kts half of the time in the dark. the slower boats may take an hour to arrive and so they loose the first 30 min good for fishing.

If the starting times are B'Bugia 04 15 Cirkewwa 04 15 Gnejna 04 45 I think it would be better because everyone will be or nearly will be in a good position to start fishing by sunrise.

Mark, I fully understand what you're saying. 

However, lets look at this from a different angle.  So, there are approx 17 boats leaving Grand harbour to make their way down to the starting point at Birzebbugia.  If the starting time at Birzebbugia is pushed back to 4.15am, the boats have to leave Grand Harbour at around 3.00am to make their way down to the starting point at Birzebbugia, travelling in pitch darkness at around 5 to 6 knts.  To check 17 boats at Valletta pier, say 5 minutes per boat, is going to take around 85 minutes, or 1hr 25minutes, we need to start the checking at 1.30am!, so that by 3.00am all boats can make their way down to Birzebbugia.  Again, at the start point, all boats, whether fast or slow, have to go at 5 to 6 knts, for at 4.15 am it is still pitch dark.  I don't think this is going to be acceptable.  As a forum, our primary concern is safety at sea, and we need to ensure that we do not create a situation whereby boats are make to rush out in pitch darkness just for the sake of being at the fishing grounds.

My angler hot spots are at around 20miles from Gnejna. So although we can start fishing on the first or second ridge, we would prefer to go to the hotspots directly and start fishing there just before sunrise. This trip would take about an hour so leaving at 4:30 would be ideal for us.

Moonwalker: this is not about personal preference, but rather about collective safety.  Once all the boats coming down from Grand Harbour arrive at the tarting point in Birebbugia, we'll be meeting up with the boats coming out of Marsascala and Birzebbugia...potentially about 30 boats all gathered between the two fairway bouys just outside the entrance to the freeport, all with their own potential hotspots.  Last year I had a very close encounter with a boat speeding out in pitch darkness trying to reach its preferred fishing grounds.  Given the wide publicity this competition is enjoying...we don't want to be in a situation where we have to explain how and why an accident at sea was not prevented, just because we were satisfying personal preferences.  
Also, do you think its fair that the participants leaving from the Grand Harbour area have to be at the checking point by 1.30am!!!...well I don't...by the looks of things, I'd calculate I need to be on the boat by 1.00am just to make it in time for the Valletta checkpoint.  So I'd need to wake up around midnight!!!!....
Let me explain... Joe wakes up (if I do sleep that is) 1.00am...wash face, go to the bathroom,  have quick breakfast, and drive down to the Marina from B'kara.  Joe arrives at the Marina at 1.00am...boards The Gaffer, uncovers boat, disengages shore-power, starts engines, does quick inspection of the boat, engine, electronics, makes sure everything is in perfect working condition, crew arrives, crew boards boat, mooring ropes are let off, and The Gaffer edges out of berth for a 15 minute journey to Valletta chackpoint; Time now is 1.40am...Joe slowly manuevers boat to come alongside the Valletta checkpoint jetty, inspectors board the boat, carry out inspection, and finally The Gaffer is allowed to leave...Joe waits for the rest of the boats to finish inspection, and hopefully, by 3.00am, all boats exit Marsamxett harbour and slowly at 5-6knts, make their way down to Birzebbugia in pitch darkness and seas infested with bouys, markers and God knows what debris!!!!...Not the ideal situation to start off a competition.

Nick, Given the situation explained in my previous post, can we make arrangements to have the boats moored at the Msida Marina inspected at the marina, like we did last year, instead of having to go to the Valletta checkpoint. 

If we are leaving out of ghadira bay where do we meet up in the morning?

Lapsiboy:  there will be an inspection point at Cirkewwa for boats leaving from the north part of the island.  Be sure to attend the safety briefing where all this and other important aspects of the tournament will be explained.  Failure to attend the safety briefing automatically disqualifes the boat and skipper from participation, since formal registration will happen at the safety briefing.

Well I dont care what you do in your bathroom :)

But since there wont be many boats leaving from Gnejna we could start at least at 4:45am. If the sea is a little choppy not all boats could drive at 20knts.
I also think that all boats must have navigation lights turned ON till say 5:30am for safety.

Quote from: Moonwalker on June 14, 2010, 10:19:31 CET
Well I dont care what you do in your bathroom :)

Well, the Government seems to think differently, he thinks its also his business what happens in my bedroom...


On the rest of your post, we'll have a discussion about timings...and see what can be sorted out.

Quote from: The_Gaffer on June 14, 2010, 08:14:54 CET
Nick, Given the situation explained in my previous post, can we make arrangements to have the boats moored at the Msida Marina inspected at the marina, like we did last year, instead of having to go to the Valletta checkpoint. 

Good idea Joe

Who's gonna do the checking ? cos if they would be taking part, i'd suggest a floating checking point in Marsamxett harbour, and then we can all drive down together to Birzebbugia......

Just to ask...

if lets say we all start fishing about 7km on the SWW of filfla, boats leaving from Gnejna will have 20km distance while boats from B'Bugia will have 22km.

Aren't 30min a lot to compensate for the extra 2km?

Correct me if im wrong

Exactly my point Ganni!

Quote from: robby017 on June 14, 2010, 19:42:50 CET
Who's gonna do the checking ? cos if they would be taking part, i'd suggest a floating checking point in Marsamxett harbour, and then we can all drive down together to Birzebbugia......

Robby...don't worry...non of the participants will be doing the checking

Quote from: ganni on June 14, 2010, 23:39:49 CET
Just to ask...

if lets say we all start fishing about 7km on the SWW of filfla, boats leaving from Gnejna will have 20km distance while boats from B'Bugia will have 22km

Aren't 30min a lot to compensate for the extra 2km?

Correct me if im wrong

You see Ganni...you think you're never wrong. 

Lets say we all start fishing NW of Filfla (we all know last year that area was more productive for alungi then South of filfla), boats leaving from Gnejna will have 8km distance while boats leaving from B'bugia will have 30km. 

Are 30min enough to compensate for the extra 22km?

Correct me if I'm wrong

Quote from: Moonwalker on June 15, 2010, 00:49:17 CET
Exactly my point Ganni!

What is your point Moonwalker??

The forum has stretched its resources to the limit to accomodate an extra starting point from Gnejna.  All you and Ganni have done till now is bikker about this, that and the other thing. 1st it was the prize, then you wanted to dictate how the prizes should be split,  then you questioned the starting points (which the forum did infact accomodate).   Its very simple that the starting point from Gnejna offers an advantage in terms of timings as opposed to the other starting points.  In 15 minutes, you guys are already on the 1st ridge, in productive waters,  and so the forum had to compensate with a time handicap.  Chill out guys, and have some fun.  Appreciate that while you're playing the armchair critics, people have been sacrificing their personal time and money gathering sponsors, attending meetings, doing promos, numerous meetings working out the finer details of the organisation, talking to prospective participants, registrations, and 101 other things which will make the competition the success that it already is.

You cant say where the fish are going to bite so no-one can say i have 20 miles to catch fish or i have 6 miles to catch fish.

What is for sure is that alungi were caught 2 miles from filfa which is about 9 miles from b'bugia  they were caught 6 miles out of Gnejna and they were caught 7 miles out of cirkewwa so there is not a lot of diffrence where one can start fishing Where alungi where caught.

the slower boats will be at a disadvantage from every starting point but as gaffer said since there are a lot of boats we cant move forward the starting. from any starting point some will take nearly an hour to arrive to the nearest fishing point.

But a boat doing at least 17 kts starting from b'bugia or cirkewwa will be in position to start fishing at 05 00 because at 04 45 there will be enough light to speed up and others will be just starting at 05 00.

like Gaffer said its a bit difficult to accommodate everyone because there are a lot of boats from different places. what we can do is see how this years competition works and see what we can improve for next year.

@ gaffer... That was not the concern Joe... I just suggested it that way so, before we head off to b bugia, we could have a quick chat whilst boats are being checked... I'm not really concerned about the checking itself, anybody not man enough and is ready to cheat shall live with the guilty  conscience... Anyhow, off to my last exam @ 11

Well said Busumark.  The organisers are on what is called a learning curve...we looked at what happened last year, took the lessons learnt from last year's competition, and applied them this year.  For sure this year there will be other lessons learnt...and will be applied the following year.  We opened up a discussion thread so we could together as a group, discuss this year's event.  We had you Mark, suggesting a starting point from Gnejna, and after we considered the feasibility, and found someone willing to man the checkpoint, we introduced another departure point. 
We also looked at the finishing...last year we had two finish points...1 in B'bugia, and one in Xemxija...this year we introduced the floating finish...at a location which we think is very convinient to all boats...so guys, we're doing our best to accomodate requests...sometimes you can - other times you just simply can't. 
I can assure all, that while we're very busy with this year's event, we are already discussing next year's event...some of the suggestions brought up this year we could simply not accomodate for the simple reason that we don't have enough resources both man power and finances...however we have already put them on the radar screen for next year's event, which I can assure you, will be even bigger then this year. 

Isn't this the discussion thread about the competition? If we cant give our views in here than you can just close this thread. I dont think its fair what you say that me and Ganni are only bikkering! All we are doing  is partecipating this this thread and making valid points afaik. Others just watch and say nothing here and then complain outside the forum.

I appreciate all the effort of the organisers for making this year's competition bigger than last year and more attractive. And I appriciate the Gnejna starting point. But I am not starting from Gnejna because the fishing grounds are closer but becaue I have to tow my boat and Gnejna is simply closer for me.

Well I am chilled out and relaxed while you seem a little stressed out because your gonna come back with no fish like last year :P

oooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh shi......................................................
I am smelling rotten eggs here :o

I do not want to hear any reply back :-X

 ::)  Any replies ??? it's getting interesting now  ;D

keep cool guys

gaffer i stated: correct me if im wrong and i didn't say that i think that i'm never wrong. you cannot just get angry at every post, cause lately that's what you are doing. otherwise people will start loosing interest in this topic.

As far as i know DISCUSSION means that every one is free to express himself and ask questions and get a descent answer... not someone angry on the other end of the line.

Did i do any harm with my previous post? so why treat my post like that?

without involving myself in this awkward argument,i would like to point out that it is difficult for the gaffer to win because  instead of practicing new tactics,lures,sites.etc,etc,he spends his time organizing and helping others out. i really hope this silly topic ends here! thanks.

Those who have never organized something can never appreciate the hussle one takes to organize a competition especially with all the particular exigencies of all concerned.
Usually a competition is organized and the rules set down by the organizer and that's it...u take part if u like it, if not tough.........
The forum has bent itself backwards by trying to accommodate requests and if feasible it is implemented.  But as usual its hard to please everyone, now this matter of leaving earlier or later is ridiculous...who knows where u are going to encounter the fish??? U have a choice if u think that the birzebbugia fellas have an advantage, well go launch from there, nobody will stop u from doing that......
And last but not least please be civil and dont fall into any useless name calling and insults ........we dont need them in the forum and we dont need them as civilized people.
I hope that now it wont turn into a classroom classic of "who started it".
I know how much time and money The_Gaffer is putting  into this competition and when there is criticism he sees red immediately. I dont blame him that certain comments irritate him and his reaction is natural because he expects that regulations and rules are there to be followed and adhered to.
So a more calm and friendly attitude is more than welcome on both sides.

Shanoooooooooooookkkkkkkk  has spoken. ;D ;D :D ;) :P

Quote from: fishfinder on June 15, 2010, 12:08:34 CET
::)  Any replies ??? it's getting interesting now  ;D

keep cool guys

Actually I am really chilled out, cool, relaxed and already tasted alongi!!.  Well, I can take critisism and ideas...what I can't take, and this really pisses me off...is armchair critics sitting on their ass all day waiting for something exciting to happen in their life (like a post here) and let their fingers fly on the keyboard.  Moreover, people who usually start or end their thread by saying 'correct me if I'm wrong' usually are wrong, and they're trying to convince themselves otherwise...its called reverse psychology!

Sorry to disappoint you Ganni, I am not angry...why should I be?..but you cannot expect to try and play the innocent here and not get a straight answer, especially from me.  While moonwalker thinks I'm stressed, my only stess point at the moment is to reac my target of 50 boats...which by the looks of things...I'm getting there....follow the post on the participation thread..I'm just about to put down another 2 boats..:P

The Gaffer and Skip
Just a quick note to thank you and other forum members and sponsers, for organising the competition.
I for one realise, all the hard work, dedication and your own time, that you have given up in order to organise, what I expect to be a cracking competition.
Thank you again.

Captain Gus

I haven't been able to reply as was stuck at work......I appreciate that tensions can get high about such issues as start times etc and it seems that lots of people know how to rub each other up the wrong way, competitors are starting to gear up and get into a winning frame of mind but let's not have things get out of hand please.

As Competition Director this year I am of course not taking part and my focus is on safety and logistics aspects rather than just the fishing aspects in terms of timings.

Last year I made the mistake of travelling at around 18 knots in pitch black heading out and nearly ended up losing my prop or worse as I missed a large float by around 1m spotting it at the very last minute. We cannot actively enforce that boats don't travel at speed in the dark and yes lights must be working on each boat as per MMA regulations; however what I can do is assume a 6 knot speed until around 5am when trying to balance out the start points.

Nautical twilight is at 04:41 on the 29th June, Civil Twilight (considered a reference for outdoor pursuits) at 05:18 and sunrise at 05:48 , it will be somewhere around or just after 5am that one could consider safe navigation at speed.

All start timings will remain as they are, I appreciate the suggestions made and indeed we are here to discuss opinions etc. Marfa Jetty near the Riviera Hotel (not Cirkewwa) will the departure point for Xemija/Mellieha/Gozo boats, at 6 knots for 30 minutes they will cover 3nm as will the boats leaving from outside the Freeport. This will put the Marfa boats almost directly abeam of the Gnejna boats that will be departing at 5am sharp and both these groups of vessels at their skippers discretion will most likely then make their cruising speed to their chosen fishing location or spot where they want to first deploy their rods wherever that might be. Boats from the south will be in a similar position as well.

If boats from Gnejna want to fish SSW of Filfla then I suggest they choose an alternate start location, same goes if boats from the south want to fish up North - choose the start location that you feel best accomodates your needs based on the timings provided. Remember that this is still supposed to be a friendly competition albeit it with great prizes.

To re-cap for this year start timings will remain as posted.

Thanks, Skip

big thumbs up for one of the greatest events ever in malta sport fishing .....

Skip and Gaffer and Co .... great job .... couple of beers and let the good times roll

just some good weather fingers crossed .........

I cant wait to hear the result of this competition, I am gutted that I wont be out there to take part, but I wish all of you a good & safe day, but I wish Placebo an even luckier day than the rest of you! ;D

Thanks Skip for your civilized post. Point taken.

Update:

Misterfish will be offering a 12% discount voucher for all those taking part in the competition that can be picked up at the registration event

We're very grateful to RLR Ltd agents for Evinrude ETEC, Zodiac, Raymarine and Aquatech underwater lights who will be providing an 8.5m RIB powered by twin 200hp ETECs on the day of the competition as a support vessel.

We'd also like to thank the European Pilot Academy will be providing us with an aircraft for a camera man to take aerial footage of the competition finish point which should make for some great footage.

The event will be filmed by Tonio's crew from PaqPaq and featured on their upcoming programme; so we'd like to extend our thanks to them as well. A promotional segment was filmed and aired on PaqPaq last week filmed aboard The Gaffer - Another thanks to Joe for providing his boat and time, mundinu and Antoine and of course Tonio for filming and airing the segment on his popular show.

And of course our thanks goes to Antoine from Jos. Debono Jewellers, agents for ORIS swiss watches and the main event sponsor who is working very hard with us at the moment to get everything sorted out.

We have been working flat out to get the logistics sorted, making and answering lots of phone calls and running around so that we can make this event fun, safe and a success. We hope to have Reuben (Buddhagrass) out with us on the day as official forum photographer so that we can get some great photo's as well. The filmcrew and photographer will be on the RIB, we'll pass on our mobile contact details so that you can keep in touch with us if you hit into some good action and want to be filmed, send us an SMS with your location and if you're nearby we'll head over.

And of course a big thanks to all your guys who have confirmed your participation in this event, fingers crossed with the weather :)

thanks skip & Co & to all who participated in making this event possible....... fingers crossed for the weather

A big thanks to Skip, the organizers and all sponsors. We're very near to achieve Joe's target of 50 boats and let's pray that the wind will stop at least on the 29th. :'(

Well done to all, Sponsors, Organisers and Participants

hope wind stops at least a week before so that Alungi will congregate otherwise hits might be sparse..........

getting close to yellow eh Gaffer..........2 to go.............

maybe this year there will be more alungi since the purse seiners stopped a week before and during the three weeks that they had nearly half of it was bad weather

LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECAST FOR TUESDAY 29 JUNE - COMPETITION DAY IS LOOKING EXCELLENT...SSE2 TO SE3....WITH MONDAY, THE PRECEEDING DAY, ALSO LOOKING EXCELLENT WITH A WIND FORCE OF SSE2......   :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

no freedive if the weather is bad then it gets canceled for another day, off hand I dont have the date but I am sure it was posted as I wont be here if weather is bad on the 29th. The idea is to have a friendly competition and the First Priority is safety.....We cannot just think of the bigger boats that can take some weather but also of the smaller ones taking part..........

back up dates are 3/4th July and 10/11th july if the 29 is rough

Giordanos Bar & Restaurant, Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi


Can you please explain me where it is????

http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php/topic,2906.0.html

Thanks robby for you help!!!

Latest and final version of the rules and competition information attached to this post.

Each boat will be given a copy at the registraton tomorrow. Please be punctual at 19.30 so that we can start on time as we have a lot of boats to register.

Thanks,
Skip

Well done to all the organizers, and every body that is participating.
Hope the weather is favorably and lots of tight lines and screaming reels on the day.
Most importantly...remember to have fun...its the main reason we all decided to get into fishing in the first place.

Good luck!

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE ORIS ALONGI COMPETITION.  NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER TODAY'S BRIEFING.  IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO REGISTER YOUR INTENT HERE.  YOU MUST ATTEND TODAYS BRIEFING AND FORMALLY REGISTER WITH THE COMPETITION ORGANISERS.

ILLUM HUWA L-AHHAR GURNATA BIEX TIRREGISTRA GHAL ORIS ALONGI COMPETITION.  MA JIGUX ACCETTATI REGISTRATIONS WARA L-LAQGHA TAL-LUM.  MHUX BIZZEJJED LI TNIZZEL L-INTENZJONI TIEGHEK LI TIPPARTECIPA HAWN.  HUWA IMPORTANTI LI TATTENDU L-LAQGHA TAL-LUM U TIGU FORMALMENT REGISTRATI

Well done to all for attending the Oris competition meeting.......it was a spectacle to see all those participants together. Personally I enjoyed meeting old friends and getting to know new ones. It was a well organised meeting and the familiarity between participants was more than obvious. The safety briefing both in English and Maltese were to the point and very well delivered by Fin and Joe respectively.
All that we need now are the fish and the weather.......

Thank you all for making yesterday's briefing a success.  The venue was overwhelmed with skippers and their crew. I do appologise for not taking time out to have a word with most of you, however we needed to get everybody registered and the briefing completed.  I can assure you though that the response to this competition leaves me, the organisers and sponsors with a deep sense of satisfaction and that our efforts to put the ORIS Alongi Competition on the local calander has been been a huge success.  Thank you all.

I tallied up the registration forms last night and can confirm that we have 56 boats entered for the 29th June which is a fantastic turnout. Like Joe, I'm sorry I wasn't able to speak to most of you but we all had our head down checking registration forms and receipts.

I would of course like to thank all our sponsors for making this event possible, and our competition officials who were busy yesterday evening helping out with the organisation. Fin for the safety brief, Joe for going through everything in Maltese and covering the rules and Antoine and his team.

We now have a week left to finalise logistics and make this event one to remember :)

I agree, a very good turn out for the safety briefing last night, a big thank you to the organisers and sponsers, for what I am sure will be a very succesfull competiton.

Those of you who didn't get all their T-Shirts or any at all, we will be handing those out to you at the inspection point on the day of the competition.

also the flags I suppose eh Skip

You're right best to say all ORIS related material :)

well done skip & co

That's a good number of participants. Well done to all of you and thanks to all sponsors.

One of the rules of the competition is that "All swordfish and Bluefin Tuna MUST be released as per local regulations". Further down in the rules, it says that "Any vessel caught .. breaking the rules will be disqualified immediately". This highlights the importance to all teams of ensuring that any swordfish and bluefin tuna caught are immediately released!

Once on this subject, I also wished to raise a point for discussion. In the case of a hookup with a BFT or a swordfish, what's the best way of releasing the fish in such a way that it will survive the ordeal? 

As a start, it's obvious that gaffing (tiggancja) il-huta is out of the question since this will definitely kill it.

But should one merely cut the leader? In this case what about the hook, possibly stainless steel, in the fish's mouth? Would this corrode, or get released by itself, quickly enough in the sea or would it cause the fish unnecessary pain / death?

Should the best approach change according to whether one is using plastic skirts (with single or double hooks) or minnow types lures with treble hooks (klapar)?

Should one try to net the fish and undo the hook? I can see this possible with a BFT which tires at the end of a fight, but a swordfish??

Does anyone have good experience / knowledge on the matter which may be shared here?

Jonathan - You are correct.  Any boat/skipper caught breaking the rules will be disqualified. The rules state clearly that all Bluefin Tuna and Swordfish must be released.  The same applies during the checking of boats.  Any skipper/boat having tackle/nets which are listed as illigal found during the inspection will be automatically disqualified.   I do hope none of the inspectors come across a hidden Alonga!!

It was for this reason that during the briefing I emphasised that the judges decision is final. 

The best way to release a swordfish is highlighted here:

http://www.pakula.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169&Itemid=314

Very interesting article - Thanks for sharing Joe.

In summary it basically suggests bringing a billfish (eg. pixxispad) alongside the boat, keeping the boat moving forward, tying it temporarily from its bill (mix-xabla), removing the hook, then releasing the fish. It talks about using some "hook out guns". Has anyone seen these for sale locally?

Also what would the best approach be if the sides of the boat are a bit too high to reach a fish in the water &/or the fish in question is a BFT with no bill to tie onto? Would you stop the boat totally or leave it moving forward whilst you're working at the stern? Would it be best to then try to bring then fish onboard to release the hook, then put it back in or is it better to cut the leader?

Pakula's article says its far better for the wellbeing of the fish to get the hook out of it which is what one would have expected, so how should one best go about this in alternative scenarios to that described in Pakula's article?

the hook out gun is like the straight hook out with w handle and a trigger to tighten it against the hook shank. Its not that easy to unhook a fish, well put it this way easier said than done, for a swordfish u need good kevlar gloves, and u have to have a fish that behaves, if it has been tired in the fight then its quite easy but if it has some fight left be careful thats all i say. If a swordfish is caught in my opinion its better to release by cutting the line as close as possible to the hook. If its a Stainless steel hook than try to unhook the fish.
For a tuna, well a tuna usually 99.9% it is exhausted when u get it alongside, it could even be dead, tuna have that tendency to just die, they put so much effort to escape that by the time they are alongside they dont have seem to have the will to live. But if the tuna is still alive it can be easily unhooked for 2 reasons. One the fight is so intense that the hook (if caught in the mouth) usually widens the hole its in and is easily taken out. Second the fish is tired so doesnt fight u while u are unhooking. these in theory are easily done but every hookup is different and u have to be the judge of what u do. Do not put ur life in danger for a fish. Never forget these are very strong fish that want to survive so be careful. I have seen a friend pulled in the water by a 90kg tuna so never underestimate the fish.
I think its good to catch and release but I am also against releasing a fish that is dead........

Local rules say that all tuna should be released even if dead right?

Quote from: Moonwalker on June 24, 2010, 09:55:45 CET
Local rules say that all tuna should be released even if dead right?

Yes that's definite.

Please note that the 'Bill Rope' and 'Snooter' work well on most bill fish species (Black marlin, Blue marlin, Striped marlin, white marlin, and sailfish) as they have a rough cylidercal or oval shaped bill. The broadbill or swordfish has more of a flat 'broad' bill which may cause the mentioned tools to slip off.
Trying to secure a broadbill or swordfish with this method may just cause more stress to the fish.

As Shanook mentioned it would be best (and much safer) to cut the leader as short as possible for a quick release with minimal stress. It is also advisable to keep the boat moving at a slow pace, and the fish will swim alongside the boat, hopefully giving you some time to take photos of such a great catch.
Don't worry too much if you have used a stainless steel hook (except for its cost). I have caught many a marlin with old hooks still embedded in their bill.

Small tuna can be carefully lifted into your boat. By holding them upside down they will remain very still for you (hopefully) while you remove the hook for a quick release, and larger ones kept in the water, and the leader cut as short as possible.
Again, don't forget to take some photos, and enjoy watch it swimming away in good health to fight another day.
I hope you all get the opportunity to practice catch and release...you will find it very exhilarating.

Good luck

(http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k372/twoutes/grahamsstripey.jpg)

opps should have left twoutes to answer this as he has caught and released a LOT more fish that I can hope to see at the fishmarket.

During the competition briefing it was mentioned that only one hook per line would be permitted.

What about all thoseusinglive bait witha a main hook and a pilot hook?

What about the fishing lures that have 2 or 3 multiple hooks?

Can this statement be clarified?

I think that it was said 1 lure per line and not one hook per line

Official Responses:

As correctly stated by Jonathan, One of the rules of the competition is that "All swordfish and Bluefin Tuna MUST be released as per local regulations". And that "Any vessel caught .. breaking the rules will be disqualified immediately".

If you are caught with Bluefin Tuna or Swordfish on board during the weigh-in you WILL be disqualified

Issue with number of hooks:The rules state that no long lines can be used, during the briefing we mentioned only one hooked lure but we did not expand on the issue of live bait rigging. If you intend to use live bait then we will permit a pilot hook so that you can have a hook in the nose and a hook under the belly for drifting/trolling.

Rapala style lures which typically have two treble hooks are permitted

Daisy Chains are permitted, so long as you only have one chase bait that is rigged with a hook

The inspection judges will be informed accordingly.

Qed issemmu alungi. bnazzi weekend.

I am confused..Sure that mfc and s registration cannot fish swordfish in the open season?

MFC and S registration cannot fish using surface longlines. You need a special fisheries permit to fish for swordfish.

Im not sure but i think if  you catch sworfish while trolling you can keep it even having s and mfc since trolling is permitted and there are no restrictions for trolling except for bft.

swordfish cannot be kept with s and mfc.

Big I think that lapsi is right. MFC can keep sworfish caught by trolling but we have to report it and it is checked........

If you are found to have swordfish during the competition you are disqualified. That's what the rules state.

Thanks tony i tought so.
The reporting goes to everyone even mfb and mfa. There are only Certain harbours where one can enter with swordfish. The ones i know of are St.Pauls Bay, Marsaxlokk and The Grand harbour at the pixkerija. The catch must be reported and the surveyer will be waiting at the  pier.

gaffer you are right......competition rules state that one is disqualified if caught with a swordfish........but it is also right that MFC can keep a swordfish in open season caught by trolling.

Last regulations i read were that swordfish are only allowed to be caught by MFB and MFA vessels.

So let's make it clear guys, if any one in the competition catches a swordfish or any another kind of species during the competition that is not an Albacore will be disqualified? And should it be released?

I agree with you....swordfish caught with other means than surface longlines can be kept. one have to call the surveyor to be recorded. I am not sure about the special permit.
I hope that catching a swordfish of certain size remains a right for sport fisherman after all it is not so easy to catch.. especially the big ones.

No venere its not a matter of any type of fish but the swordfish and BFT that are not allowed and will get u disqualified.......if its any other fish u can keep but it wont count for the competition its just Alungi that count.

Understand now shanook,thanks

A final weather update will be given at 18:00 tonight on the 28th June due to an approaching wind patch coming from the North West - we will keep you posted so please monitor the website.

Great news, thanks Nick

good luck people. Let's keep it safe, fair and friendly :-)

good luck to all.

Good Luck guys, see you tomorrow

Good luck my friends :)

Morning All, all set and ready. lets just hope for some good catches. good luck

Ajma hej irrangajtuni........
WOW what a set up........
Qlajt xebgha bahar, u hlejt skoss petrol ghal xejn ;D
I got slammed by the sea and wasted petrol for nothing ;D

Mela mhux suppost kellna naqbdu l-alungi illum,,,,,,,,,,,,,
We were supposed to catch Alungi today
Ma kinux jafu li gejjin ahna illlummmm!!!!!!!!!!!
Didnt they know that were coming todayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!
Min kellu javzahom!!
who had to advice them!!

Awguri lil min rebah insomma.
Well done to the winner
Jien xtaqt qbadt wahda ha nghid hekk Imma..
I would have liked to catch one but.........

Upps sorry translation.........
Bla bla bla nothing interesting in what I have said guys....
Just joking....

Cya all and bye bye ORIS.................ORIs ..............I will stare at it in the shop's showcase now......

Jien nahseb minn gol freezer qabduhom ax il bahar vojt kien! Lanqas messa wahda :(

Jien smajt li xi hadd qabad sitta  ???

I heard someone caught six ???

ahna kull ma kelna zewg messiet u harbu t tnejn

we got two strikes but they didnt hook

jiena lanqas messa wahda :-(
I didnt have a strike

That's a nice ammount of fish caught well done so there must be some alongi out there.

hi ppl, a short summery of our experience.....
We met at 3.30 am at Marfa jetty inspection was carried out professionally by Mr Michael Xuereb. We stayed by the jetty till the Mr xuereb gave us the go ahead to start the competition.
We proceeded at a safe speed and then revved up to 20knots to the fishing grounds.
We had a full moon and the sea was calm enough to maintain those speed and yet be able to see a safe distance.
We arrived on the second ridge and spread out the rods.... At 7,30 we got a hit but no hook up immediately after the rod bent and the ZZZZZZZZZZZZ of the reel sprung us to action......actually this strike got us napping we were totally unprepared, Visa abandoned his driving chair and grabbed the rod, Okuma was reeling in a lipped lure and i was scrambling for the hook, with the boat making a nice turning....
we settled in and ready for the fish which came alongside, hook ready and as soon as I went for it the fish took a sharp turn and dove down with Visa bent double on the side to clear the propeller.......Visa let out a @#"@#$#@## and the fish was gone.....bye bye Oris......
We kept trolling and even made another pass in the vicinity but nothing. We kept to the second ridge and then tried further out but to no avail. We saw a lot of boats flying the Oris flag as well as the MFF flag.
At 11.00 we started trolling closer to shore and in the direction of home, at 11.30 approx we called ORIS 1 to inform our intention to retire from the race and head for home.
The wind and sea started picking up and there were force 5/6 gusts of wind. The sea became somewhat rough.
We headed for Gozo to refuel and then back to bugibba.
It was a nice event pity that the fish (as baghira said) dont seem to understand that they are supposed to come after the lures and get hooked OH well...maybe a briefing by MFF for Alungi participation is in order, open to members and non members of the ALUNGI family.....
This brought to an end a much anticipated event....Well done to ORIS for the sponsorship and WELL DONE to MFF for the organisation and carrying out of this competition, last but not least Well Done to all participants. I enjoyed it as usual and next year ....................

Wow thats some alonghi then that got caught. Well done to the winners.

Now that the competition is over is it possible to know rough locations of the bites and type of lures preferred today?

well done for the winners and for the organization

moon just an approximation of ur request. We were about 10 miles off filfla 280 degrees from Filfla. the lure was a surface splasher (looks live a svenstrand) and in Pink...........

I would like to say thanks to everyone on Alongi competition.

Thanks to all organizers for this event. We had the inspection at Birzebbuga and it was very professional. Next year we should inform MMA so that they will inspect the piers and fine all the irresponsible boat owners which left there boat for days moored on the pier leaving no space for others to load the fishing gears.

at 6.00am we got a big strike which with seconds took nearly all the line until we had to hold it on our hands. Thank god it unhooked itself cause it was something big trying to pulling me and Nando overboard :o


then we had no more strikes and we've tried a lot of different lures but still we had a lot of fun and we're looking forward for next year.

welldone to all winners.

Well done to all those who took part in the ORIS Alongi Competition, from the 56 registered boats we had a couple of drop-outs due to mechanical issues and one this morning on their way down to the start point.

25 Boats were checked and left from B'Bugia Jetty, 12 from Msida, 3 from M'Xett, 9 from Gnejna and 5 from Marfa and the process began this morning at 02:00 in Msida where the competition officials met to start the checking process. It was great to find most of the boats ready as requested for inspection which helped things move quickly. We then proceeded down to B'Bugia to start the lengthy checking process of the 25 boats and started off straight away as several boats were already alongside waiting for their inspection.

The last boat was checked at 04:00 after assisting another boat that needed a jump start and all boats went out to hold near the breakwater for the 04:30 departure. This is the point where you the competitors should have helped each other out....when it came to the start. Despite our numerous requests to proceed slowly and with caution when annoucing the start, a large number of boats proceeded at an unacceptable speed, endangering their fellow participants  >:(

The officials on board ORIS 1 then proceeded from B'Bugia back up to Msida to proceed out to the fishing grounds, whilst the officials on board ORIS 2 made their way down to Mellieha to meet up with the 8.5 Zodiac Pro Open RIB powerered by twin Evinrude ETEC 200hp kindly provided by competition sponsors RLR Yachting. This RIB was an essential part of today's competition and I would like to thank Darius Goodwin and Kurt Casapinta from RLR who hosted us for the day as skipper and crew. The RIB was alongside waiting for us fuelled up and ready to go take us round to the West Coast.

At 06:00 the competition support boat Seafox owned and skippered by forum member Colin departed from M'scala with Tonio Darmanin from PaqPaq in order to start fishing and filming the competition. A very special thanks goes to Colin who very kindly provided his boat complete with crew to host Tonio and help him get some fantastic footage out on the fishing grounds. Colin played a paramount role in today's event that I'm sure you will all appreciate when we get to see the edited version of today's filming. In fact Colin caught 5 Alongi 6 Alongi and landed 4 5! and I'm told we have some great footage of the 6th Alonga escaping underwater :)

ORIS 2 arrived on station at 07:15 to check out the finish point at Hamrija Bank before proceeding to Wied Iz-Zurrieq in order to pickup the PaqPaq camera man, we headed out West looking for MFF ORIS vessels and met up with several boats to conduct some filming. ORIS 2 transported the camera man up to the Seafox who then managed an outstanding double hookup all caught on camera!

After some time ORIS 2 then ferried the camera man all the way back in to Wied Iz-Zurrieq at an average cruise speed of 24 knots, finally speeding up to 33 knots for the last couple of miles in order to meet the tight schedule that was in place so that the camera man could make his way to the airport and board the Aircraft for the filming of the finish point.

At 11:15 ORIS 1 and ORIS 2 arrived on station in the finish area and began to deal with the various radio calls, SMS's and mobile phone calls coming in annoucing early retirement from the competition. There were issues with range reception on the VHF not helped by people speaking over each other making it virtually impossible to reply back and get confirmations over the VHF!

By 11:45 ORIS 1 was anchored in location with support vessel Seafox alongside whilst ORIS 2 held position around 0.5nm further out to help direct the incoming vessels heading for weigh-in which kicked off on time at 12:00 with the first boat Ya Ya skippered by John Tabone. The aircraft kindly provided by European Pilot Academy was on station by 12:25, flew over the weigh-in area before heading out to Filfla to film the incoming boats. It continued to film the outer area before coming back to the weigh-in area and flying a racetrack pattern based on the finish point as a holding fix with the PaqPaq camera man leaning out the aircraft which had it's door removed for a better view!!

ORIS 1's team of officials did an outstanding job of weighing in all the boats in what turned out to be difficult conditions towards the end, after the wind picked up earlier than forecast and started to kick up a bit of a swell, kindly supported by the crew of Seafox that helped with the ropes. Sadly several boats either did not have or did not deploy their fenders or they were not suitable for the size of their boat making it dangerous to come alongside. On several occasions ORIS 2 intervened by transporting the fish and 1 crew member directly alongside ORIS 1 to conduct the weigh-in, which was essential in the case of the Princess Claudia which looked to be around 38 feet and would definately be unable to come alongside the 27 foot vessel ORIS 1 !!

All vessels that where within 250m of the weigh-in station at 13:00 waited to be weighed-in, this was completed by 13:20 and both ORIS vessels left the area for their respective home ports. On the west coast of Malta I can confirm that the wind/waves had picked up to a Force 4, however the RIB dealt with them easily powered through at 23knots for an extremely comfortable and dry ride - impressive stuff made me want one!!

After several months of planning with Antoine from ORIS, Joe The Gaffer, my fiancee Mandy, Shanook and the ORIS team, working late at night over the past 4 weeks it was fantastic to see the competition conclude with no incidents at sea and to hear that all boats made it back to base safe and sound. We spent several hundred hours planning this event, the behind the scenes work is of course not seen by you guys and this year was especially challenging given the fantstically high number of boats who took part.

I would like to thank all the Competition Officials and Judges who dedicated their time to carry out this competition with us, without them this would not have been possible. The support boats and their crew for co-ordinating activities on the water, Tonio from PaqPaq for coming to film our competition, and our numerous sponsors who provided us with fantastic prizes.

And of course the main sponsor ORIS Swiss Watches who not only equipped all boats with T-Shirts, Flags and Caps, so that all crew looked extremely smart and easily identifiable, and dedicated a support vessel complete with judges and officials, but of course offered as first prize the €1900 ORIS 'Der Meistertaucher' watch won by Francis Mercieca and his crew.

Thanks to the participants whoever took part in making this event a success. A Special thanks goes to Tonio of PaqPaq and Colin Borg Cardona who did not take part in the competition to help the organisers by taking Tonio out for filming!

Congratulations to the organisers of this competition. Today was a very memorable day for us as we just managed to catch 2 bluefin tunas which we duly released. We managed to land the first one on the boat for a quich photo session and released it immediately. The second one was much bigger and snapped the leader at just half a meter from the boat in the last fight. It was very easy to land the second one with a gaff but we did not want to harm the fish. As the fish went down the soft lure got out of the hook and Steve GB dived for it cause both fish were caught on this lure.
Unfortunaltely at around noon we were chased by th Sea Shephered, as were reported to be catching tuna, all the way to Cirkewwa trying to ram us occasionally. Luckily we managed to escape without any harm  ;D ;D ;D Now we are planning to participate in the Porto Rotondo big game fishing competition ;) ;) ;) Pics will be posted later as the skipper is still sleeping!!!

Thank you Skip, Antoine & Alfadelta together with all those hard working committee members...plus of course all participants who did all they could to make this occassion a special one. The event was superbly organised depsite a few unfortunate mishaps by a couple of those taking part. I recall one guy who came to weigh in his fish stating.."I had to jump start my engine this morning and there's no oil in the sump"...what guts, risky but this chap would not miss the day!
Being one of the most recent member to join it was a real pleasure for me and my crew to assist the Forum & Tonio of Paq-Paq in producing his TV programme, I assure everyone that it is going to be impressive cos I saw some of the footage and its just fab. We eagerly look forward to another competition. I wont take part, as always, but my services would be available......On a final note I wish to correct Nick..we got 3 strikes x 2 Alongi each. We put in our rods & lines at sea at 7.30am. We landed 5 (Not 4!) and lost one right near the boat close to the outboards which Tonio has on film. It's an impressive underwater shot seeing the fish get away and dive. Of course ther are several other shots showing not only the fish being reeled in but also underwater ones ...Thank you all for a wonderful & enjoyable day, its been a pleasure getting to know you... Colin & the Seafox Crew-Neville & Naski

hi,i wish to say thanks to all the organisers that made the competion happen.i was very happy to compete as it was very well orginised.
THANKS !!!!!!!boat name jacob. :)

Well done and thank you to everyone who was involved as an organiser, sponsor, backup support, filming crew etc! Definitely the best organised fishing event I've ever seen in Malta  :)

Yep youre right guys................
Thanks for the organizers.

It was my first opportunity to go with my rib fishing.... I never went fishing.........and it was a wonderful experiance..... The boats in the early morning at sea were amazing...Then we headed out, and it was my first time out at sea that far, seeing malta disappearing..
Me and my buddy had enormous fun..............

We were amazed that we rarely met a boat out there out of all the 57 boats!!!! Where was the camera!!!!!!!!!!Did you take any shots of me/???? :'( That would encourage others to take part in next years competition...

It would have also been nice to see the view from the eyes of the organizers, whom I am sure were super happy with the event, and to see all the filming process.

The sea back was a bit rough..........But I was amazed by the consumption of my rib with Johnson 70 hp!!!!!!!!!! 8 1/2 hours started......

Can I hear any news as regards the hookups!!!!!!!!!!! How could it be that amongst all the boats whom caught nothing, then>>>>>>>>!!! Definitely I am not a fisherman..

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and especially the organizers. I know how much 'behind the scenes' work goes on to make such tournament successful as this one seems to have turned out.
As a matter of interest do you have records of how many captures from total participating boats/anglers, and also what did the most damage on the tuna? Bibed lures vs Skirted Lures.
Can't wait to  see some photos of the events...including fish, and hope that l to get to have a peak at the finished video...even though l am all the way down under, l am very interested in this event.

Congratulations again guys...and gals

Hi Joe, the full results from the weigh-in are here http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php/topic,2933.0.html

I know several other boats caught one fish but decided not to come to the weigh-in station as they were too far out and wouldn't make it in time so yes it would be interesting to hear from those skippers.

Baghira, you're right it's amazing how quickly 55 boats disperse into different areas, as one of the camera boats if it wasn't for the ORIS flags it would have been even harder. We already have an idea for next year that might make it easier for filming/locating the boats.....

Well done to all the participants yesterday, esecially the winners.  We (Team Gaffer) started off yesterday's competition on a negative.  No sonner did we leave our mooring, that I got an alarm that the water pump was not functioning.  Switched off the engine, and a quick inspection revealed that the pump drive belt had got disengaged from the pulley.  Out with the tools and flood light, released the pump pulley tensioner, re aligned the belt, tightened the tensioner, and started up...15 minutes!.  Quick discussion between the team, and we decided to proceed with caution.  The caution being that if the belt got in anyway damaged, then it would be an hour's job in open sea to replace.  Big thank you to Guss and Robby on Spirit of jason for standing by just in case we needed anything...much appreciated.  My mechanical mind kept buzzing all the time, why did the drive belt become disengaged??.  Proceeded down to Birzebbugia at 13knts since we lost a bit of time fixing the pulley.  Half way down got a call from SOJ that they had some engine issue, and stood by.  Robby called shortly after that they were retiring from the competition due to Gearbox problems on one of the engines.  
Stood by at Freeport entrance and at the start, although it was a magnificant scene with over 35 boats at the start point, the scene was temprary marred by some irrisponsible boats who at the word go, speed through the water criss crossing the the paths of other boats.  This was a very dangerous situation and I called out to ORIS 2 to caution.  
That drive belt coming off kept bugging me (I now know the reason and will be down at the marina today to fix it permanently). We reached the 1st ridge and let out a five rod spread.  Proceeded top the second ridge, no bites, no surface activity, nothing.  Did not want to venture out more as I was weary just incase the belt drive acted up again.  Throughout the day, trolled along some (hot) spots on the second ridge, which turned out to be very very cold!!!
Around 10.00am, got one strike but no hook up.  Continued till about 12.00am when we decided to call it a day.  
I knew the bite was active on the 3rd ridge, but was reluctant to go out that far.  Also because during the past days we have had several hits on the second ridge, including a tripple hookup.  So no excuses about that, just wasn't our day.  However, we still enjoyed it, and its not always that I have my sons and future son in law out with me together with my best mate Mundinu trolling.  My young son Luke, kept us entertained with his usual jokes and pranks...Till next year guys...well done to all!!!!

SAFETY OVERVIEW

Dear All,

Yet again another brilliant competition is over and reading earlier looking at all the statistics i cannot say other then a huge success.

I just want to report what i am normally engaged to do in this competition which is to overview the safety aspect of things.

All boats participating returned on their own steam. No accidents occured and no breakdowns too, although we heard a few boats were on the brink of not making it back. So overall a success from this side.

There was a report or 2 with concerns during the start and i have heard some had close calls too. Maybe a matter of eagerness overriding sense. We will be looking into the matter as to see how we can eliminate any future occurences. Apart from this little mishap i am glad to say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

May i thank all sponsors, organising members, venues and most of all YOU, the participants for making this happen.

On a personal note i would give a big pat on the back to my very good mate SKIP from when i introduced him to his very first few fishing sessions a few years back he already had this idea of gathering a fishing community and seeing what the response will be. Today i think i dont need to tell you what has happened as this forum and this annual competition speaks for itself. WELL DONE MATEY and keep it going.

FIN

QuoteBig thank you to Guss and Robby on Spirit of jason for standing by just in case we needed anything...much appreciated.  My mechanical mind kept buzzing all the time, why did the drive belt become disengaged??.  Proceeded down to Birzebbugia at 13knts since we lost a bit of time fixing the pulley.  Half way down got a call from SOJ that they had some engine issue, and stood by.  Robby called shortly after that they were retiring from the competition due to Gearbox problems on one of the engines. 

When out at sea everyone must be thoughtful of others and be ready to assist to whatever may happen..... just as the crew of the SOJ and myself waited for you to have everything in order, had both our engivnes stalled on us near Jerma point, i'm sure you would have come back to assist us..... safty is in numbers especially when navigating at night.

Congratulations to the organizers and thanks to the sponsors, it was a great event and very well organized. Looking forward for next years competition already. :)

Well done to the organisers :)

Also a big well done to all winners :)

Quote from: robby017 on June 30, 2010, 10:06:38 CET

QuoteBig thank you to Guss and Robby on Spirit of jason for standing by just in case we needed anything...much appreciated.  My mechanical mind kept buzzing all the time, why did the drive belt become disengaged??.  Proceeded down to Birzebbugia at 13knts since we lost a bit of time fixing the pulley.  Half way down got a call from SOJ that they had some engine issue, and stood by.  Robby called shortly after that they were retiring from the competition due to Gearbox problems on one of the engines. 

When out at sea everyone must be thoughtful of others and be ready to assist to whatever may happen..... just as the crew of the SOJ and myself waited for you to have everything in order, had both our engivnes stalled on us near Jerma point, i'm sure you would have come back to assist us..... safty is in numbers especially when navigating at night.

Damn right I would have turned back.  It was only when you said that the issue concerned one engine, that I stood by.  Then when you called stating that you were retiring, I need to be sure you arrrived safely back to port, thats why I asked you to call me. 

well done to the organizers and to the winners.  we had 2 strikes but no fish maybe because we didn t have experience how to fish with a rod. it was our first time

mhux hekk ghandu jkun,

anzi jien stennejt li kollha kemm ahna li konna hiergin min marsamxett, konna kollha ha ninzlu fliemkien..... forsi as sena d diehla........

....................................................

thats how things should be done

I was under the impression that all boats leaving from marsamxett would head down together to the starting point..... maybe it can be planned for next year.

All boats that were checked in Msida were supposed to have been monitoring Ch.06 and departing together as a group picking up those from the M'xett waterpolo pitch. I know for sure that several boats from the inner dillettanti pontoons did exactly that as I could hear them communicating on Ch.06 VHF. It was something that you guys as skippers had to co-ordinate between yourselves after I feel we went out of our way to accomodate boats inside Msida on their pontoons rather than have you all depart earlier to congregate at the M'xett inspection point where it would have been easier to self co-ordinate your group departure.

ok..... well probably i missed that on channel 6 as i momentarily switched off vhf to speak to the_gaffer..... so my bad.

Quote from: robby017 on June 30, 2010, 11:47:47 CET
mhux hekk ghandu jkun,

anzi jien stennejt li kollha kemm ahna li konna hiergin min marsamxett, konna kollha ha ninzlu fliemkien..... forsi as sena d diehla........

....................................................

thats how things should be done

I was under the impression that all boats leaving from marsamxett would head down together to the starting point..... maybe it can be planned for next year.

Just a clarification from my side.

The guys from the Valletta side probably had no way of knowing there was a problem with one or more boats on the Msida side.

On the other hand the Msida boats apparently left their respective moorings together, except for 1 boat whom we knew would be running late. Upon reaching Marsamxett area we realised The Gaffer was not around, after several futile attempts to contact him by VHF ( line of sight to him from our position obstructed by tall buildings )   we decided we should standby and wait for him and the late boat.
The Late boat arrived and was informed by myself that we were still waiting for The Gaffer to show up. In the meantime the boats from Valletta Had already left the harbour and i see no reason why they should have done otherwise .

A few minutes late about a largish boat that I mistook for The Gaffer came around the ta Xbiex breakwater and headed towards us, thinking this was The Gaffer and the only remaining boat from Msida we headed out to sea. It turns out that this boat was not The Gaffer but most likely the boat Robby was on the Spirit Of Jason.

It would be interesesting for member to post their pictures during the competition

Just a quick word of thanks and praise for the organisers of this year's event. It was great to see so many boats competing in the MFF Alongi competition .. which I guess has now become the biggest national boat fishing event in Malta. Thoroughly enjoyable day even though we didn't manage to catch any of those elusive alongi. But looking on the bright side unlike those who caught we did not have to spend any time cleaning the boat and fishcooler box on our return.  ;D 

for me it was the first time that i went back to shore with my clothes clean as they were in the begining  :D  :D

Hi Baghira
I was with Tonio tal Paq-Paq about 19 miles out of Benghajsa point when Skip and the camera man came on board. Tonio was on my boat since 6.00 am and he did get some fantastic footage. Luckily we had some strikes while the RIB was getting close with the other camera man. Addiionally a few minutes after the TV guy boarded the boat we got another 2 hook ups. It could not have worked out better. A real blessing cos I was worried that having 2 cameras on board and no fish would have been a total disaster.
Frankly I was not so keen in landing too many fish (or any at all) but it was important to get a couple to ensure an interesting  "Caf-Caf" TV programme dedicted to the competition and of course the MFF.
FYI the event is going to be screened on TVM sometime in October. The Forum committe, I suppose, will notify you all. Yes it was strange that with 56 boats in the competition not one was close enough to us to film. Maybe we were too far SSE, but we would have been pleased to have some other boats on film too. We kept saying .."wish some other boat was near by so that we can have shots taken"...Oh.....and pls. do not give up on your fishing results. A lot of guys talk about this "lure and that one", this method and the other one. Well after 13 years of Alongi fishing I have found out that it really depends on a little bit of luck, proper tackle and rods.....good landings mostly depend on being at the right place and at the right time. These fish migrate (bhal Gamiem!) and are not there waiitng for us. It takes time and patience Baghira, its a long haul to learn. Please keep at it cos fishing is the best and most relaxing pastime that we Maltese can enjoy. Good luck Baghira and if you need any tips or help just contact me when we meet at the presentation. Colin / Seafox

if nothing baghira now u really know what ur rib is capable of.............

well done to all organisers!!!! It was a pity that i placed 7th place :-( but all in all it was a great day and i am looking forward for next years' comp :-P

Hahaha
I never Gave up spearfishing for all those years, after going several times emty handed........ and especially now with my ear problems.......
I am Like the tribali song 'Never give up'

So See you next year for sure, since that it was a wonderful day for me.... apart from the swearing back at Gnejna slipway, with all the bathers that gathered in the midle of the slip....

@baghira
I was cruising behind you baghira in the "High seas" and I had a hard time keeping up with you. So all I can say is that your rib is well capable to handle rough seas.
We had an argument with the bathers too as you know. If its public land its their land they say!

@organisers
For next year I suggest to have 2 VHF cannels. Channel 6 for the normal "Bla Bla Bla" and another channel for talking to the ORIS1/2 vessels. I heared a couple to ppl trying to contact ORIS1/2  with others cutting them. Also reception seemed not very good near the land so next time it would be better to be anchored a little further out or maybe near filfla.

Thanks moonwalker for your suggestions.  The organising team is meeting later on to discuss this year's event, take the lessons learnt from this year, and apply them (where possible) for next year.  So guys, like moonwalker, keep those suggestions coming. 

Baghira, don;t worry about the catch.  I too have been fishing for Alongi for over 13 yrs.  Mostly I've had some very good times.  Others, I come in empty handed. So what, you win some, you loose some.  I know people in the competition who have been out there several times each year, and caught an amazing quantity of alongi on each trip, only to end up empty yesterday.  In Maltese we call them mustaccuni tas-sajd, and believe me, I know what I'm saying.  Just didn't work out for us yesterday, we were at the wrong place, wrong time.  You might go out tomorrow, troll the same route, and get hit several times.  Like Colin said, these fish never stop swimming, because if they do, they sink, so its just a matter of being at the right place, right time, and knowing where to find them. I think we're in for a late season for alongi, given that they're still out there on the 3rd ridge and beyond, and the sea temp is still below the norm for this time of the year.

totaly agree with Moonwalker for the two vhf because it is very hard to contact with oris but it is very well organized the only thing that i dont like is the way some people left  from starting very fast.

Moonwalker is right, next year competition will be an improvement on this years.

This morning had a 30mins conversation with the Vice president of Oris. Good News is that they would like the ORIS Alongi Competiton to become a National Yearly event. Hopefully he will manage to join us in next years edition

As mentioned, the two channels are definately a good idea, my only concern is that with the lack of radio discipline are we likely to have people chatting on the wrong channel or calling the support boats on the chit chat channel? Nonetheless we'll be sitting down with all those involved and having a discussion concerning the day, what went well and where we can further improve for next year.

Thanks to all of this year's participants for helping to make the event such a success. Stay tuned to see it on air on TVM in October

hi guys, already looking forward to next years event, we had a great time although returning fishless but enjoyed the day tremendously. It was fantastic lining up with all those boats waiting for the off at the freeport it gave me a great buzz with high expectations of filling the boat up with alongi ;)

We started trolling at the first ridge and at day break had a visit from a school of dolphins, all around the boat, it was a lovely site. I had my one and only hook up at 6.30, but as we slowed the boat up and was shifting the drag, the line parted and it was lost. couldnt believe our luck. I was spooled with 80lb crystal braid and cant quite understand why it happened, maybe some of you guys might have some suggetions. That was all the exitement we had but still we had a great time, we called in and retired at 12.00 as we were all flagging and made our way back to birzebbuga.

Thanks to all the organisers and sponsors of a great competition, which went smoothly and was run very professionally, and well done to all the winners who had some amazing catches.

@ moonwalker.
Sorry mate for not being able to help you out as you did to me, but you know how crowded it was at genjna, and I could not stay there in the middle. I still managed to send my buddy to help a bit fortuna whom was swearing as well with the trailor in the middle of the road.
Once again thanks |Moonwalker...

I think that at last you saw baghira in a different mood than than the usuall smiling face.... :P

No problem m8. Our winch broke on the last part but we managed to put boat in place with some hard pushing :)
About the crowded slipway - you should see that on friday or Saturday evening with all the BBQs around.
About the mood I tought you were still smiling :)

Good day to all.  Can-not comment re the nice expedition we had.  Firstly i must say that to date we had not a better competition like it was organised. A very great thanks to all the comitte. Altough i dont like competitions at all THE GAFFER had decided me to concern to compete. 
Re-last competitions of other organisations with very miserable prices (1st price included Lm 15.00 only for fuel) i have to say a very well done.  I know how people feel when not catching anything including me were at same places i always fished, i have ended up with hundreds of fish in the past including a season of nearly 600 bites and catches in just a month and a half.  Gaffer and others knows it well as many off albacore lovers knows the subject and surely enough many trolling anglers came out dissapointed at same place.
True enough to include some comments that the fish is there always feeding on small crustacious.  Fish always travel and especially with a full moon like the one we had in the previous week during the night calamari floats to the mid sea surface and albacore enjoys eating trough the whole night since it keeps feeding onto the species, therefore for sure not much strikes. 
Whilst again thanking the MFF, i have to point out some aspects/points for trying to better the next year comp. (my comments only in opinion)
1) weighing fish with 2 boats standing at ras il hamrija for north side & at benighsa Buoy (zubrun tas sikka) for south side including marsamxett.  From were I've been (if i caught anything) i had to travel 18 miles to weigh fish and another 10 miles to B'Bugia port. Total of 28 extra miles.
2) no plane or cameras was seen at the area we were - amounting to 30 boats at the area.
3) Oris could not be reached with VHF due anchorage under cliffs.  A VHF is never reachable under cliffs especially near Hamrija.
4) Ending time will be till 14:00 since people fishing near filfa have shorter distance than people fishing on other places.

I am eager waiting for next year competition again and surely enough that this event is to become Malta's wanted expectation in future.  Joining Gaffer i can tell that many anglers were not satisfied by the catch they had been to as surely enough many off had better results in the past, therefore don't point out that you are the best as if results may vary from time to time :))
Information:  On an island somewere in America, competition is based on 3 events, gathering an end average result.

pay attention to some bugglers as the last time i went with my boat an a**hole- who i recognized stole my jigging reel.... beware of people who try to hurry you up..... luckily he didn't steal the most expensive reel and the rod he stole is the classic mr fish yellow one.

the guy puts down his dinghy every sat and he is tatooed all over his body. a 14 ft dinghy. he already set up some people before me they work in 2-.

all this happened at bbugia slipway, careful

I am sorry to hear that these assholes exist in our society.  Always secure your equipment before you do anything else.

On another note, this should be a hint for you to get those custom rods, because they will have your name on them ;) my friend.

Quote from: Granitu on July 01, 2010, 11:23:56 CET
pay attention to some bugglers as the last time i went with my boat an a**hole- who i recognized stole my jigging reel.... beware of people who try to hurry you up..... luckily he didn't steal the most expensive reel and the rod he stole is the classic mr fish yellow one.

the guy puts down his dinghy every sat and he is tatooed all over his body. a 14 ft dinghy. he already set up some people before me they work in 2-.

all this happened at bbugia slipway, careful

so he stole your stuff and u didn't tell him???????????????????

Hi Yanis,

Good to hear from you and I'm glad that you found the event well organised, we certainly did everything we could to make this a competition to be remembered.

As you know we tried to be as accomodating as possible with 5 inspection points and 3 dedicated start points, no one else has ever done this before and it takes a lot of resources to make it happen. Because we have members from all over Malta and Gozo we are always trying to find ways of including them in competitions that have in the past always started and finished out of B'Bugia meaning that those up North couldn't easily take part.

1) Ras il hamrija was chosen for this year's event because it was mid way up on the West Coast almost directly opposite Filfla. Everyone has to appreciate that boats leaving from Xemxija or Mellieha would have a very long way to go in order to reach a finish point down south and most likely would not carry sufficient fuel. Many competitions abroad restrict the fishing grounds for the compeition to a specific area, however we chose not to do this leaving it up to the skippers to correctly plan their trip in order to be back in the finish area by latest 13:00. It means that those who went SE or SSE would have been a long way out but the finish location was known at least 1 week in advance so we feel there was plently of chance to plan your way points.

But we appreciate your feedback concerning the finishing points and this will certainly be a major topic that we will be discussing.

2) The aircraft was tasked with filming the finish point between 12:15 and 13:15 and those in the Filfla area or near Ghar Lapsi would have seen the aircraft airborne with the camera man. This year we were unable to have it venture out all over the vast West coast but perhaps next year........

Tonio was on board the vessel Seafox which was located around 20 miles out but I'm not sure of it's exact location. At 07:30 we picked up the camera man from Wied Iz-Zurrieq and proceeded straight out on a heading of around 190 degrees - the first boat we came across was Fortuna, followed by El Marinero, The Gaffer and another couple of vessels. We too were surprised that there weren't alot of vessels visible so the majority must have all be SE from B'Bugia and had it not been for the ORIS flags and everyone in white ORIS t-shirts it would have been even more difficult to spot the competition boats. I believe there was another smaller competition taking place and the usual boats out fishing for fun so sometimes we came alongside a non competing boat.

We did ask that if anyone was hitting into some good action to try and contact us on the VHF or send an SMS to the Seafox who would plot the position and do their best to come to your location. As mentioned above, in reality the only way to film lots of boats would be to create a restricted fishing area and this is something that can certainly be considered, though it does have it's own set of problems!

3) ORIS 2 was 18 miles out from Filfla from 08:00 - 10:00 but no one called or SMS'd and ORIS 1 was out from around 06:00 in a simialr location. ORIS 2 headed back in at 10:15 to drop off the camera man at Wied Iz-Zurrieq so he could proceed to the airport and then at 11AM we changed position to around 1nm offshore from the finish point. We did have a primary VHF antenna malfunction on the RIB which did restrict our range, but all contact mobile numbers were provided in the rules in fact I received around 30 phone calls or SMS's on the day announcing early retirements etc. I believe that ORIS 1 was clearly receiving transmissions but there seemed to be a hum when they transmitted back to the boats perhaps with a reduced range. ORIS 1 anchored up at around 11:30 so range for those far south was somewhat limited, but ORIS 2 was further offshore with a clear line of sight and we remained in this location up until 12:30 to try and co-ordinate the VHF calls.

One has to remember that VHF's are only good to the horizon so practical range is only ever around 12-15 miles at best when trying to reach another boat at sea level. Remember that when you call Valletta Port their large antenna's are located on a high point above sea level increasing the usable range.

4) Whilst I cannot confirm 100%, I can safely say that next year's departure time will be around 05:30, there will be NO departure in the dark regardless of the fact that 5am may be the best fishing time. We briefed everyone at the safety briefing to proceed slowly at the start given the large number of boats and again before announcing the start over the VHF, however sadly a large number of boats ignored these instructions and proceeded at a ridiculous and dangerous speed - if we had been able to identify you they would have been Instantly Disqualified! As a result of a later start time there will be a later finish time and we would also like to have the finish time spread over two hours next year.

One thing to add concerning any finish time is that skippers must plan to arrive in good time, I can appreciate that with the difficult fishing conditions each boat was trying to fish to the last minute but proper planning is essential. Sadly one boat missed arriving at the finish point by around 15 minutes and ended up heading home when he was a couple of miles away.

Your feedback is certainly appreciated and it was great to have you fishing in the competition with us, especially if you don't normally like to take part in competitive events. We did our best not to make this overly competitive with a points based system or something of the like and try and keep a relaxed, safe and friendly atmosphere :)

Hi skip
Filming in a restricted area creates problems, because one might have a favourite spot where to fish and it might not fall under the area which is being restricted.

why risk to get injured for a 100 euros reel? I asked around about the guy... not of the type to mess with.. and it was secured, he stole it from the boat while I was on the other side securing a belt. one of them hassles you to move quickly from the slipway, the other does the job.

bil malta- il misruq ma tgawdihx- but there is a local police report, they will see the cctv there is located near the slipway.

yes clutch kick, i will need 1 of those now. we should meet sometime this week. i still have a rod and a jigging reel, but as i told you the rod is broken. will use the remaining yellow cheap rod in the mean time, they are quite good for their price.

sometime this week we should meet mate

Wow some nice pictures of the competition.............those support vessels are awesome........and that rib, even though i am not a rib enthusiast I still appreciate the sea worthiness of those rubber things....

Well done to all who took part in competition and congratulations to the winning teams.
We had to retire early, due to a fault with my starboard engine, my self and the crew were gutted, but we made it back to Tax'biex safe and sound.

The guy who serviced my engines has been down to check out the SOJ and it turns out the damper on the starboard engine prop had gone, you probably know better than me, that it is some sort of safety device built into all props, if the prop hits something, like a piece of wood or the bottom of the ocean, then the damper shears, to protect the engine drive system. I can confirm that when we took off the prop, there was no damage to it, the prop as far as I am aware has been on there for around 15yrs, perhaps it was an age thing.

So we have ordered a new prop which should be here in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again to Skip and the rest of the guys, for a very well organised, competition.

Remember, you can please some people, some of the time, but you cant please all of the people all of the time.

Captain Gus and crew

it was a shame that it had to happen on competition day, but better safe than sorry. better luck for next year mate.........

Gus at least you managed to quickly identify the problem and you won't have too much time away from the water to get the issue resolved. Prop change can be done in the water so less hassles and expenses.

You guys took the right safety decision but returning to port but I can only imagine how disappointed you all must have felt as you were slowly making your way back to the marina. We'll look forward to seeing you take part next year and that gives you the rest of this season to become an Alongi expert :)

WELL DONE TO ALL THE ORGANISERS OF THIS COMPETITION, IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. LOOKING FORWARD FOR  NEXT  YEAR'S COMPETITION

ORIS Alongi Competition Presentation Event
Save the date Friday 23rd July 19:45 at Giordanos, Swieqi

Open to all, including family & Friends

The presentation event will be filmed by Caf Caf

Free Raffle Ticket to each person who purchases the adult menu and a chance to win some fantastic fishing prizes

Food
A buffet pasta night will be available for €8.95 per person, Garlic Bread, 4 different types of pasta, each as much as you want & Dessert
Kids Menu - Nuggets & Chips, or Chicken Burger & Chips or Burger & Chips for €4.00 including a soft drink

Please book your food requests in advance with Warren: giordanosrestaurant@gmail.com
Tel: 21375861 (after 6pm)

Presentation Ceremony

A medal for all skipper's and crew that weighed-in at the finish point
  Presentation of the prizes and Trophies

grrrrrrrrrrrrrr I am going to miss it I will be abroad :((((((
Have fun and post pictures of the event i hope to access internet and be envious