Malta Fishing Forum

Hi All,

Gogo is back trying to enter into the normal social activity following the loss of my dear wife early this February.

The Federation following my suggestion is organising a Big Game Fishing Tournament on the lines of last year.

Below is an introduction to the event and aim of this year's Competition.

I hope that this initiative will be favourably supported by amateur Big Game Fishermen and participate like last year.  

The dates we are working on are between the 24th June and  8th July.
I already asked the Fisheries Director for a Tuna quota for the Tournament. Otherwise catches allowed are like last year.

At present it is important that anyone interested contacts me (email below). I sent first emails yesterday and 18 boats have shown their interest in participating. Kindly note whether boat is with trailer.

Help with sponsors, donations and gifts is needed and constructive suggestions  are appreciated.

                                           
Amateur National Big Game Fishing Tournament 2012.

The Amateur Fishing Federation of Malta this year is organising a Big Game Fishing Tournament open to all recreational fishing boat owners.

The aim of this Competition is to collect funds which will be devolved  to a local charitable institution namely St Peter Foundation.
St. Peter Foundation  was founded by Notary Tonio Spiteri with the help of other benefactors   in 2004 and its activity is the buying of fish at  a low cost and  distribution of  these fish  portions to Institutions, such  as to Old age Homes, orphanages and similar local institutions   with social needs. Through the years St. Peter Foundation increased  the number of institutions benefitting from this free distribution of free fish portions,  and at present 30 institutions  are benefiting  from this activity every month. Presently  the Foundation distributes about 25,000 fish portions per year. As the distribution throughout Malta is carried out by a local firm free of charge  and the demand is on the increase, the pressure  is mounting.
Presently the Foundation is in the process  of building a premesis for the   storage and  processing of the fish portions. Such an operation needs financial help.  So this year the Federation opted to organise this Tournament in aid of St. Peter Foundation.

However such events needs funding. Tournament Participation fees  are the first source of these needed funds.  As the organisation of the Event  has its own expenses  the Federation heartly urges anyone to help through  prizes to be awarded to the winners of the Tournament, donations and gifts. The more funds collected the bigger the donation that can be  collected in aid of St. Peter Foundation .

Thanking you in anticipation for your help.

Dr.Joe Carabott Damato
Secretary Federazzjoni Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta.

Contact persons:
Mr. Frank Abela Federation President        email  Frabel@bigfoot.com
Dr. Joe Carabott Damato  Secretary            email   dr.carabott@marcompmalta

Thank you for your sympathy Freedive.
If you took part last year and wish to participate even this year, just tell me your boat number and I will register your boat from last year data.
If not give me this data: Name Surname, Address, mobile /telephone number, email, boat no and max speed and whether boat is on trailer. Parking area will be available but it is important to know the number.

The Organising committee is working on all the other issues as regulations, dates etc. We are also considering to take into account the wave heights apart from the wind force. These will be issued in the near Future
As to fees we have already decided for €30 per boat with three persons including the skipper. Extra persons an additional €20 each.
At present the number of registered boats is 25.

Thanks

Gogo

kondoljanzi dottore

Grazzi Tony.

Nispera narawk maghna. Dis-sena sib lil xi hadd li jiflah il-bahar. Ahna se naghmlu minn kollox biex insibu gurnata sabiha ghal kull kompetitur.

My condolences Dr Gogo

Thank you Benri

Sad to hear Gogo..... Condolences from my end too...

Condoljanzi Gogo/ Dr Carabott D'Amato.

M ghand il familja D'Amato rahal gdid kont nigi ghandek meta jkolli xi rih!

Thank you Baghira and Granitu.

Granitu send my best wishes to all your family.

Quote from: Gogo on March 21, 2012, 12:08:09 CET
Thank you Baghira and Granitu.

Granitu send my best wishes to all your family.

I will Gogo

Sad to hear this Dr. Gogo..... I am really sorry..

Buona Pesca Trading will be offering like last year a Trolling reel to put up as one of the prizes model to be announced at a later stage.

Hi All,

If somebody is interested to participate the following data is needed,
Name/Surname
Postal Address
email
Telephone/mobile
Boat name and registration number ( Valletta registered boats have an ON number)
Maximum speed
Name of Club/Association if registered with any.

Regards

Gogo

Dear Okuma 1976,

Thank you for your sympathy for the loss of my dear wife.

Another big thank you for your generous offer. Some day I will call and discuss re advert which we aim to do for each sponsor.

Regards

Gogo

Well done Okuma (Norbert).  Its important that the MFF sponsors also support the Federation. 

Hi all,

The Federation has the pleasure to announce that with each boat registered with the Tournament, Mr Fish has donated three vouchers with 15% discount each. Also there will be T shirt for each person on the boat.

Gogo

HI All,

Following many requests and suggestion, the Tournament organising committee decided to select Tournament day Sunday the 8th July as the first date and then subsequent Sundays according to weather.

Feedback will be appreciated.

Gogo.

Hi Dr Joe, As we have already discussed over the phone, the Federation has the MFF's full support in helping to promote this event, and I'm sure that those who took part in last year's National tournament are excited that another big game event will occur this summer.

This topic has now been announced and sent out to our most active members and to that effect do you have any high level info like whether there will be more than one start/finish point. Are the Fed are planning a later inspection/start time or sticking to the very early 2am-3am inspection times necessary when there are a large number of boats and an early start time.....etc?

Thank you Nick.

We are discussing some changes.
Dates are the 8th July and subsequent Sundays according to weather. Recent history showed that the Alongi tend to approach their breeding area late June to July. Years back I caught big catches even in May, but that is history.

As to the starting point I suggested a Gnejna starting point as well. However the finishing point where to land fish has to be B'Buga. It is already a Fisheries department concession that we land fish on Buga Pier. Besides we prefer to have one panel of judges at one site. Boats tend to enter at different hours so to man logistically two or more areas with transparence will be very difficult.
It all depends on one's catch. If no fish or a minimum say one is caught then those participants can opt to carry on to their local port provided they inform the tournament Director.
After all from the gnejna area we expect few boats. From the North of Malta all have to pass by Buga so there is no difference in distance and fuel consumption.

Nick if we have again  the same number of boats we cannot delay inspection to a later hour. Last year we left with a rising sun. Fair for safety etc.. however slow going boats noted that they arrived on the fishing grounds with an already bright sun. Not last year but many a time by just the breaking of daylight  Alongi give a massive attack.
Nick it all depends on the number of participants. At present there are 33 registered. Some may drop. We hope that the number increases. If unfortunely the number will be low then inspection time can be later but by dawn one has to move.

We are working on a booklet with all the necessary regulations, sponsor adverts etc...

I will post all new decissions however always open to constructive suggestions.

Regards

Gogo

Hi All,

Now confirmed two starting points.

Birzebbuga Port and Pier as last year.

Gnejna port.

Preferably the committee suggests Birzebbuga where the main organising body will be situated.
Space in Gnejna Port is limited.

Important that competitors that opt to call at Gnejna inform me from now.

Landing of fish valid for competition only at Birzebbuga Pier.

Date is Sunday the 8th of July. As to time of vetting will be decided according to the number of participants.
At present 40 boats have registered their intention to participate.

Three vouchers with 15% discount each per boat has been offered by Mister Fish as well as sponsored the T Shirts on registration.

As to prices a list will be forwarded later on. Caruana Marine, Buona Pesca and Mister Fish are already sponsors for prices.

We are working on a booklet with adverts. An A5 page booklet. More information once we have the final cost .


Regards

Gogo

Hi All,

Today meeting with Fisheries Director . Go ahead for Tuna permit with a total maximum quota of 200 kilos.

Closing date for registration 15th June. Competition on 8th July. 

Pre-Tournament briefing on the 3rd of July and Award day on the 28th July at the Hall of Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport Cospicua. A reception will close the Event.

Regulations governing the competition will soon be posted.

Also soon the application forms will be sent via email to all those that have registered their intention to participate. Once you receive the application form, if one wants to redeem his three 15% discount vouchers from Mister Fish before the pre-Tournament Briefing call at Iklin Shop with the application form ask for Mr. Keith Bajjada, pay a registration part payment of €10 and you will receive the vouchers accompanied by a Federation receipt for the part payment. During the Briefing bring with you the €10 receipt which will be deducted from the registration fee according to number of crew.

Further information re sponsors that have offered gifts and donations will be posted later on.

If somebody would like to place a write up  in the A5 page booklet the cost is €100 for a full one colour page. Now since the booklet expense has been recovered, this money will be a donation to charity. Anybody interested kindly inform me. The Federation reserves the right to refuse any writeup involving Politics, Religion or other controversal issues.

Regards

Gogo

On behalf of the MFF, well done Dr. Carabott.  It is through the dedication and passion demonstrated by a few people like yourself that the recreational fisherman continues to enjoy this activity. 

Thank you Joe.

You are more than right when you say " few people". I am secretary of the Federation since it's birth and can envisage that within few years most of our Associations and possibly even the Federation will be history.
It is difficult to find young persons ready to commit themselves in responsible posts in NGO as ours. The  Federation committee is an aging group of hard working persons dedicated to safe guard the recreational fishing sectors. Many a good man have passed away. Just to mention two ex Federation Presidents, Mr Alfred Bonavia and Mr Victor Mifsud who together with me and others, that are still in the committee, created the Federation. Now a day it is difficult to find such people .

A pity, that is the trend, take and take but no one ready to give.

Gogo.

Hi All,

Now we stand at 51 boats to participate.

As from Gnejna start point I received three requests, namely

Mr. Bryan Enriquez
Mr. Waylin Abdilla
Mr. Julian Muscat

Anyone opting the Gnejna starting point kindly let me know. I have to care for inspectors and space in that area.

Gogo

Hi All,

Anyone who would like to download a copy of the poster to promote this Tournament, can do so by clicking on the link at the end of any of Gogo's posts.

Frabel

Gogo,

Me too from Gnejna,

Thanks,

steve

@GoGO:  Well done Gogo and Federation Team, 51 boats and counting is a very good number.  nearer the date of the tournament I'm sure there will be more entries.
@Gogo & Frabel:  Tell us when you want to us (MFF admin) to put up the poster on the MFF fishing boiards and then nearer the start time of the tournament on the MFF welcome page and MFF main boards.

Participants starting from Gnejna:

Mr. Bryan Enriquez
Mr. Waylin Abdilla
Mr. Julian Muscat
Mr. Steve Gauci Baluci
Mr. Renald Sammut

Gogo

Good morning GOGO,

could you please tell us what is the max. wind force the competition will be held (eg. force 3 to 4 ).

Regards

Digger0579

Hi Digger,

Force 4  (constant 11kn+) will cause postponement. Wave height and wind gusts will be also considered.

In my opinion the limit is force 3 to 4 ( circa 7 to 10kn ). Wave height beyond 0.5 m combined with wind force and gusts will be considered.

I wish that all boats enjoy a nice day at sea hoping for some good bites.

Speed is already a handicap for slow boats, if one combines bad weather then its disaster.

Suggestions are welcome.

Regards

Gogo

Just a comment on the above to all participants - try and keep all possible backup days free well in advance as from expereince when needing to postpone, you start finding boats/teams dropping out because they cannot make the backup days.

Good morning GOGO,

I think that would be the best thing. In my opinion a force 4 wind will have a 1.0mtr wave and for small boats it wont be a nice day out at sea. the best sea conditions in my opinion is a force 3 with 0.5 mt wave, and that is the max I will go to as than sea sickness will start to effect teams like I saw in the comments of last years competition.

regards

Digger0579

Yes, Digger that would be fine. Force 2 to 3 would be excellent.

Thanks for your reply.

Gogo

Force 2-3 is ideal, sadly in recent years the average wind has been more like Force 3, and often gusting to a Force 4 on the West Coast. Weather patterns are definately changing, it would be fanastic to have a large tournament with calm sea for the whole day!

From what i can see it is nearly impossible to have a day with winds of F2-3 in summer... even if the weather report looks favourable, during the hot hours of the day wind usually picks up to F3-4 gusting F4.

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 15, 2012, 11:25:32 CET
@GoGO:  Well done Gogo and Federation Team, 51 boats and counting is a very good number.  nearer the date of the tournament I'm sure there will be more entries.
@Gogo & Frabel:  Tell us when you want to us (MFF admin) to put up the poster on the MFF fishing boiards and then nearer the start time of the tournament on the MFF welcome page and MFF main boards.

Hi Joe,  you (MFF Admin) can put up the poster on the MFF Fishing Boards any time.  The earlier the better so that we can promote the Tournament as much as possible.  Thanks.

Hello all competitors:  A very well thanks for Dr Carabott (GoGo) and his team for the well organisation of this years competition. It is an event that everyone is waiting now, including me. We can see alot of discussions going around with every indiividual idea and proposals.  In my opinion, let the organisers with past professional backround decide and organise well with less comments.  Work done by these people is not for just one day but a lumpsum of hours that are not accounted for to help in aid of several people in need.....Lets rock the high seas and let us be an adventour in this year's competion - Gaffer i am feeling the Chronic illness getting very close day by day and as you state its called Chronic Alungaitisssssss zzzzzzzzzzzz ' the synonymous sound of the reel' ........

Tajba Pauline Tuna!!!

Gaffer - daqt tgahdi sena ta - u il pic ghadu ma giex !!!......

Yes, I'm really looking forward to the competition too now and even more looking forward to plenty ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's or even better the never ending BIG ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ' of 45kg :)

Rules/Regulations have been passed on and have been uploaded on Page 1 of this topic. They are also included as links on GoGo signature on each of his posts.

All Competitors are kindly asked to download and print a copy of the regulations (in their preferred language) so that they can go through them in detail.  This will help the process of competitors becoming familiar with the regulations. These regulations will be explained in detail by the Tournament Director during the Pre Tournament briefing to be held on the 3rd July 2012.

Would it be possible to put on this forum Names and boats of those that have submitted intention of participation for this year Big Game Tournament? Or send some sort of acknowledgement. This way everyone will be sure that his name is on the list before the closing date.
Thank you  

Hi Fisheye,

By the end of this week I will start sending the filled application forms via email as I am  waiting confirmation from Mister Fish whether the discount vouchers are ready. Together with the application you will receive information how to collect your vouchers, etc.......

Still later on I will post all boat owners with respective boat number on the forum.

Gogo

Hi All,

Yesterday I sent via email all the application forms with instructions to all who intend to participate in The Federation Amateur Big Game Fishing Competition on the 8th July.

Kindly confirm receipt of application and pass on the word to your friends.

Register open up to the 15th of June. Send details on dr.carabott@marcompmalta.com

Thank you

Gogo
Competition Director.

Hi GOG

I didn't receive my'n

Hi Digger,

Found you. I have all the information except your email. It is hidden on the forum. You are SB by name surname from valletta. Kindly send me email address and you will receive application and instructions.

Thank you

Gogo

Thaks GOGO

If you want to redeem the three vouchers with 15% discount from Mister Fish which are at your disposal before the pre competition briefing on the 3rd of July please:

- Call at Mister Fish Iklin shop,

- Ask for Mr Keith Bajjada,

- Kindly pay €10 as part payment for registration to the Competition

- The vouchers and a receipt will be forwarded. Receipt must be shown during the Briefing.

- The remaining €20 (according to crew) will be paid during the briefing on 3rd July. Money is not refundable.

Gogo.

(http://maltafishingforum.com/images/mfv.jpg)

Are only federation members allowed for this competition? We'd like to enter but we never did this sort of thing.

Hi Bmamo,

No, Competition is open for all Recreational Fishing Enthusiasts.
if you are interested kindly forward on email     dr.carabott@marcompmalta.com     the following and I will email back the application form with all information:

Skipper name Surname
Address
ID
Mob no
Boat Name
Boat Reg No
Maximum speed
email address

Closing dates 15th June.


Regards

Joe Carabott Damato (Gogo)

Federation Secretary

Hi GOGO,

How many boats have registered so far. Just for my Curiosity  ;D

Hi Digger,

So far 59 boats have registered their intention. The definite number will be during the pre tournament briefing on the 3rd July when payment is finalized.

gogo

great hope teh weather will be fine   :-\

Hi, I have sent the setails to you via email. thanks

Hi Bmamo,

Recieved and sent filled application form.

Gogo

Hi,

Closing date for notification of intent to participate for Federation Amateur Big Game Fishing Competition on 15th June 2012.

Pre-tournament Briefing on 3rd July at 19.00 at Cospicua Sport Complex (KMS) All applicants or their rappresentatives have to call together with the application form for final registration and payment. Also a briefing of the gathering to, departure from and arrival back to Port will be held. This is compulsory.

Gogo
Tournament Director.

Registration Closing date today.

Boat Registration numbers intending to participate in Competition:

MFB 940, MFB 1731, MFB 1762, MFB 1790.

MFC 193, MFC 294, MFC 334, MFC 1140, MFC 1485, MFC 1543, MFC 1546, MFC 1618, MFC 5421, MFC 5577, MFC 5769, MFC 5791, MFC 6026, MFC 6059, MFC 6121, MFC 6197, MFC 6234, MFC6500, MFC 6601, MFC 6674, MFC 6701, MFC 6713, MFC 6723, MFC 6734, MFC 6752, MFC 6797, MFC 6798, MFC6868, MFC 6874.

ON 1233, ON 2252, ON 4611, ON 5588, ON 7394, ON 7408, ON 9798, ON 11542, ON 12761, ON 13336, ON 13616, ON 16762.

S 866, S 1487, S 8326, S8671, S11403, S 11838, S11969, S 15712, S 15746, S16449, S 16629, S 16802, S18026.

SSR 138203, SSR 146850.

Boat name 'Karla'
Boat name 'Rebel'
Boat name 'Miss Sossy'

Other two participants have not forwarded their data.

Final Registration and payment on 3rd July at 19.00 at Malta Sport Complex during Pre Tournament briefing.

Competition Director (Gogo)

Good Morning,

During vetting process the Inspectors are bound to follow the below parameters.

Vessels Inspection Points Summary.

   Check that any children on board are wearing life jackets.

   Check that vessels have a working VHF Radio.

   Check that Skippers and crew ae wearing the designated Tournament T Shirts.

   Check that no live or dead bait is on board the vessels.

   Check that there is a measuring tape or other measuring unit on board.

   Check that no long lines are on board the vessels.

   Check that no lures intended for live or dead bait are on board the vessels.

   Check artificial lures on board the vessels.

Please try to conform with these conditions  so making the inspectors work easy and fast. The faster vetting is finished the earlier the 'Go' will be given.

Regards

Gogo
Competition Director.

Dear Mr Carabott can you please check why Mr John Rausi boat name Relax Mr Patrick Rausi boat name Maria Dolores1 are not listed. Mr Rausi has an email from your goodself where you confirmed his initial application.

Dear Mr. Shanook,

The names of Mr. John and Mr. Patrick Rausi boats are not in the list simply because when I register boats I go by registration number which Rausi brothers kindly forwarded. These are ON 7394 for Mr Patrick and S 11969 for Mr. John. Both numbers included in the list.
The three boats in the list with names is due to the fact that the owners did not forward their number as yet.

After all even your boat is in the list but not with its name.

Regards

Joe carabott Damato

Thanks a lot Mr Carabott LOL.......na too formal, thanks a lot Gogo...thats better.

Federation Amateur Big Game Fishing Competition 2012.

Prizes Available:

3 Festina watches (one higher value)

3 Garmin GPS e Trex 10

Lowrance Elite 4m Plotter

Rod/reel (still to be defined)

Lineaeffe GCT 30 Reel and 5'6'' Rod                        
Okuma SD 45L Reel

Epoxy resin 85% carbon Rod

Osculati Wheel Steering

€150 Voucher

3 lures & landing net

Phoenicia complementary ticket for two

Phoenicia complementary ticket for two

2 Virtu Ferries complementary Tickets

2 Virtu Ferries complementary Tickets

Parda men's wear €50 voucher

Parda men's wear €50 voucher

The organizing committee decided that prizes will be chosen by the winners.

The line-up for prizes will be:

Competition winners from 1st to 3rd placing will choose first.
Then Winner of largest Alonga
Followed by Winner of largest other fish
Then from 4th to 20th placing

Gogo
Competition Director.

Kindly note that the lineaeffe reel and okuma reel are not together.

Sorry a spacing mistake.

Gogo

one question..........if there are a small number of boats that catch fish what happens to the rest of the prizes.....will they be raffled among the participants or  ???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my opinion any extra prizes not claimed will be raffled during the award ceremony. At least we will collect some more money for Charity.

I will bring this up with the organizing committee.

Thanks for the suggestion, Shannok.

Gogo

@Gogo - Is the briefing at 19.00 or 19.30 please as the email states 19.00 while the forum states 19.30. Thanks and c u tomorrow.

Pre Tournament Briefing tomorrow is at 19:00 hrs at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Cottonera Sports Complex.

A map showing where the Multi Purpose Hall is within the complex can be seen on the Federation activities page of the Federation Website at http://federazzjoni.webs.com/federation-activities-2

What is the weather forecast ?

<6 knots, digger the windfinder app on the main forum page shows you everything and is a good reference guide :)

Weather Forecast ranging from 3 to 6 Knots.

Wave height is rated from 0.0 to 0.1
Wind force is rated from 3 to 6 knots.

With these values one should think of a fine day.

Good luck to all.  Hoping that the alungi will be  hungry  and stop their breeding frenzy at least for tomorrow.

Gogo

are we going to know the results here or at the reception........not pushing anything just curious..........

Well done to all those who stayed on the pier...........the unsung heroes......their effort and dedication is much appreciated.

the event was a HUGE success and everything went smooth as silk....there werent a lot of fish as a lot of boats came in empty handed.

the bite from our side started early and the day looked promising......2 fish till 6am then 3 more and 1 missed fish (was large as it was peeling line like there was no drag and i am one to put a tight dtrag on at least 8kg on the strike zone and i tighten it to 16 kg to stop the fish in its track and yet this fish was still peeling line off the reel...imagine the excitement and after a dew seconds the fish came lose and thats it....no break in line or straightening of hook it just spat the hook.

@ shanook with 16kg of drag you are capable of stopping a tuna after a few 10s of metres...

you need at least 100lb line to be safe at 16kg drag .... 16kg = 35.2lb and then you can't really push the drag beyond 33% of line breaking strain, that sums up that a line of over 100lb is needed.

no normal person can carry out a fight with 16kg of drag even 8kg is a big deal

and regarding the tournament... was won by Princess Claudia with 12 fish over 103kg in weight

A very big Well done ganni&Mike!!!!!!!

HI there,

First of all I would like to Congratulate the winners and second of all a very big well done to the Organisers of the tournament.

My question is......... if there was anyone except us who didn't even get a Single,bite let alone a fish. couldn't believe my self.  ???  ???  ??? >:(   >:(  :'(  :'(

Well done to all those who took part, I didn't hear of any incidents or safety issues which is always a major concern with such a large numbers of boats.

To me the real winners that deserve the most amount of praise are those (as Shanook correctly referred to them) unsung heroes who dedicated countless hours to organising and directing this tournament.

The Tournament Director and his team of judges and inspectors are the most prominent but along with them I'm sure were a stream of people helping with organising many different aspects of this tournament, including logistics, tables, chairs, umbrella's on the jetty, power etc. The TD can confirm but I would imagine these included committee members from the various clubs, and skippers who helped by offering their boat as a support/inspection vessel.

As competitors we see a fraction of what actually goes on, and the entry fee is ridiculously low for the prizes offered and the level of organisation and effort that goes into these tournaments. Year after year it's the same people helping out and less and less people at that.....so come on guys, for those of your not able to go out fishing, get more involved with helping out.

A VERY BIG WELL DONE TO THE ENTIRE TOURNAMENT ORGANISING TEAM

Veru hadna pjacir, tellajna 2, u dhaqna dahqa wkoll b'li bdejna nisimghu fuq ir-radju f'nofs ta' bahar waqt mumenti ta' monotonija u breakdown qawwi li kellna hehe.

Kienet esperjenza sabieha u grazzi talli organizzajtuha. Incidenti ma kienx hemm stennejna li ha jkun hemm gegwigija imma ma rajniex (probabbli ghax ma konniex wisq lejn filfla). Proset il kulhadd. Hasra li kien hemm min dahal b'idu f'idu.

"Emminni father" kulhadd insabbat malart eeee

lol specjalment dak il hin!

waqaflek ben ??????

It was a Great day of fishing and fun and we enjoyed every second of it, the organization was brilliant thanks to the whole team. Sea conditions were the best, It would have been better only if the fish was a bit more abounded. Big Thanks to all the organizing team.

@ganni
A 25 kilo tuna u will stop with a 4kg drag and maybe 300 mtr of line for safety (doesnt mean it will peel off the 300 mtr off the reel) BUT a 250 kg tuna will not even flinch to empty ur 1000mtr reel with a full 16kg drag it will peel of all the line and burn the drag washers
I can push the full drag to 80% of the line strength 60Lb= 48lbs=22kg
but i like to go to 2/3 of the line strength 60lbs=40=18 kg for safety i place it at 16kg so double safe that the knots wont fail.
Yes u can carry out the fight with 16kg drag with a full harness and resting the rod against something solid

You should Dennis Braid fight big cow tuna in the 250kgs range exclusively on stand-up gear, but it's all about having the right equipment. Short Rods, and the correct full harness and using your body to lift the rod by sitting down into the harness and a nice big 50W reel backed with braid - Ganni your Gorilla 12 would be empty in a flash even with 600 yards of 50lbs braid and an available 40lbs of drag pressure, the intial run would prob take 700-800 yards :)  

The technique varies according to the size of the fish as he demonstres on his video "Stand Up to a Giant"

But let's be honest how often are we likely to encounter such a fish, when in open water and not near a farm.

Quote from: shanook on July 09, 2012, 13:37:28 CET
@ganni
A 25 kilo tuna u will stop with a 4kg drag and maybe 300 mtr of line for safety (doesnt mean it will peel off the 300 mtr off the reel) BUT a 250 kg tuna will not even flinch to empty ur 1000mtr reel with a full 16kg drag it will peel of all the line and burn the drag washers
I can push the full drag to 80% of the line strength 60Lb= 48lbs=22kg
but i like to go to 2/3 of the line strength 60lbs=40=18 kg for safety i place it at 16kg so double safe that the knots wont fail.
Yes u can carry out the fight with 16kg drag with a full harness and resting the rod against something solid

It's all Greek to me  ??? ??? ??? can you explain in simpler terms please  ;D

Malvizzu if u are in the burmarrad area come to our Saturday club and i will demonstrate to u what it all means and how it works...... easier that way........

if you are doing it with a proper harness you have a point.  Which reel are you using? is it the penn senator?

however the line will break at more than 50% drag. remember it is not a dead weight, it is a moving object.

F = m x a

if the line is 32kg breaking strain, m = 16kg, and a is more than 2m/s^2..... xplahhh

Deos any one know which area was more fruitefull yesterday for Alungi as I trolled fron SE, 15 miles out to il- baloon ta had-Dingli and not a single bite.

I cant understand

well what can I say....my reel and line have defied the laws of physics........

what you are talking is about the initial shock of the fish when it makes a run for it yes!!!!!!
Well that is why a mono line stretches and it can take that shock and wont break, because u have a certain amount of line out and it can stretch (at least 25%)
that is why when the fish is near the boat u have to adjust the drag, and loosen it back to the strike zone, as thats when it is vulnerable and it can break because it cannot stretch and the shock either breaks the line or the rod. there is also the tension on your hands u know when you are holding tight and u slowly lower your hands down, that also helps to absorb the shock......

We came into a very big shoal of Tuna yesterday all jumping around us. We got 2 strikes but one unhooked after a few seconds and the other broke the line. They were still jumping around but we tried different lures, speeds and directions but did not get another strike. Is there any method to fool them next time?

It was a real spektacle though seeing those big fish (some in the 50kg) jumping very close to the boat.

We got 4 alunghi in all so not too bad but would have been a dream catching a tuna.

We got our bites between gnejna and il ballun on the second ridge......
the third ridge was a bit more productive, this lasted till 11am from then till 2 pm we didnt get a bite

NEXT time Moon Next time...........thats what fishing is all about

Quote from: shanook on July 09, 2012, 14:49:49 CET
Malvizzu if u are in the burmarrad area come to our Saturday club and i will demonstrate to u what it all means and how it works...... easier that way........

Thanks Shanook will give you a call. Weekends I will be in SPB. What time is the club open and where exactly?

What do you mean by moon shanook?

Quote from: bmamo on July 09, 2012, 17:28:11 CET
What do you mean by moon shanook?

Moon - short for Moonwalker, the handle (or nickname) Moonwalker uses here on the forum.  ;)

Lol good one :)

Any officle results  ??? ???

Yes official results are out and they will be posted on the MFF Website shortly.

They are also available at http://federazzjoni.webs.com

cheers frabel and again well done

With all due to respect to who caught the Tuna.........i have read the results and the tuna is standing as the biggest fish...... i thought i heard in the breifing that the judges were to be strict with all tuna and swordfish caught..... that tuna is 110cm and weighs 22kg. So can anyone of you tell all of us why this fish is placed as the biggest fish. Actually the boat should have been disqualified from the beginning. No offences to the people who caught it but rules are rules. It is unfair on the other people who caught a big fish like the pastardella which was caught. it was not us who caught a big fish...... i am just pointing this out as it is unfair.

Hello bigboy  we have caught the tuna and its measurment was 116cm plus nearly 117.  i have already contacted them with regards the lenght

The Tuna caught during the Tournament weighed 21.4 Kilos and 116 cm. The length was measured from nose tip to tail tip as the Tournament Director had explained during the slide demonstration in the Pre Tournament briefing. All present can witness that this was the measuring condition in the Tournament.
When the Fisheries Official came on the Jetty to assess the catch he measused the Tuna from nose tip to tail fork so measuring 110 cm. Also the Fisheries Official measured the Tuna from nose tip to tail tip and measured slightly more than 116cm.
The Tournament Director strongly objected to this new type of measurement. Even during the briefing nobody including those who have a Recreational Tuna Permitted noted that the measurement must be from nose tip to tail fork.
Following a day discussion with the Fisheries Officers in charge it was decided that the Tuna will be kept at the Fish Market and passed on to Charity.
Following discussion with all the organizing committee members, the Tournament Director since the skipper who caught the Tuna had scrupulously followed the conditions as per Tournament regulations, decided to accept as valid the catch. It would have been unfair to disqualify the boat once there was no breach of Tournament conditions.
The Tournament Director is taking full responsability for this decission.

Joe Carabott Damato
Tournament Director.

I fully support the Tournament Director's decision as there was no breach of the Tounament conditions.  I also suggest that once the tuna is being donated to charity then it should go to St Peter's Foundation which is the beneficiary of this tournament.

It was a pleasure assisting the organisers.  Well done all.

As part of the organising committee of this competition, I confirm that the matter whether the tuna should qualify for the competition was discussed between the organising committee members and there was unanimous approval that it should qualify due to the fact that when measured as explained during the pre tournament meeting it was 116 cm +. 

As stated by the competition director the committee is assuming full responsibilty for the decision.

So, I have a simple question.  Why was the Bluefin tuna reported in the official tournament results as being 110cm in length, this is what caused the confusion, and what hinted bigboy to put in his post.  No one was contesting the decision, except the Federation's tournament official results.  I see now that the Official results have been corrected to reflect the correct length according to competition rules of the Bluefin Tuna caught.  I will take down the attachment which reflects the original set of results posted on the Federation's website to avoid further confusion, and put up a link to the latest version from the Federation's website, which now 'corrected' reflects the correct length of 116cm

http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/documents/categories/show/103833 (http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/documents/categories/show/103833)

Gaffer you are right about the length shown on the original results.  Actually the participant contested the length shown and the organising committee immediately changed the length on the result.  An amended copy has been sent to the Forum Admin earlier on this morning to replace the original version that we sent out.  As you can imagine the administrator of the Forum website did not have the time as yet to change the results version as yet.

To whom it may concern.

Please note that the ICCAT new measurement regulation is 115cm from nose tip to fork of the tail. The curved tail piece to tip of tail must not be included.
This was confirmed by the Fisheries Department.

Gogo

Further to Dr. Joe's (Gogo) post, here is the new reference guideline as issued by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (ATCA) which provides authority to implement international agreements reached by the International Convention for the conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

CURVED FORK LENGTH MEASUREMENT FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS

Total curved fork length is the sole criterion for determining the size class of whole (head on) Atlantic tunas for regulatory purposes. Curved fork length means a measurement of the length of a tuna taken in a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail, which abuts the upper side of the pectoral fin and the upper side of the caudel keel.The measuring tape must pass over (and touch) the pectoral fin and the caudal keel.
More info on the ICCAT website at www.iccat.org

the above means that the tape is not held tight to measure the size of the tuna but following (or resting on the tuna body) the natural curve of the fish
BUT whatever the rule is the rule of the federation clearly stated that it is from tip to tip and for the federation that holds.
I highly commend Gogo for taking the responsibility of the mishap with the fisheries who we great gentleman and did not enforce a fine for breaking the law but common sense prevailed and they showed great sportsmanship and maturity since the mistake was a genuine one.

Well done the Federation and Well done the fisheries department

I'm not quite sure it was a mistake Tony. I wholeheartedly agree with you that both Dr.Joe Carabott and the Fisheries Division should be commended on their approach and the way they have handled the situation.  
Back to the discussion though.
It seems that the guideline for measuring Tuna recently changed.  I have looked at the Special Licence issued by the Fisheries Control Directorate, and there is no reference to HOW the Tuna should be measured.  It just says that the Tuna caught need to measure at least 115cm or weight in at least 30Kgs or more.  Just one small reference, which government depts. like to include in the conditions sheet just to cover every possible angle.  Condition No. 8 of the Licence states: Is-sajd ghandu jitwettaq skond rakkomandazzjonijiet tal- ICCAT kif ukoll regolamenti tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea relevanti u l-legizlazzjoni lokali.  This means that this licence is subject to all guidelines as issued by the ICCAT and EU legislation office.  That my friend Tony, covers everything from regualtions to - yes, you guessed right, the new guideline issued by ICCAT on how to measure Tuna!

I cant understand why all this fuss for one or two cm.

I think it's better for the fisheries Dept. to go round restaurants to check the sizes of the fish they sell there, mela one cm jew

but the fisheries have been very understanding and cooperative. lol

Freedive is right.  Let us be objective here.  There is a time and a place to discuss everything, but this is not the right time. 

It's obviously a genuine mistake. I have no idea who it is who caught this tuna, but let's just let this rest and get on with our lives. Issa ghall quddiem nafu li minn top lip sal fork tad-denb u timxi mal contours.

this happened to the most kind hearted man that I have known for a long long time. He wouldnt cheat even if his life depended on it. Well done matey......

Official Results attached - Results can only be contested until the 14th July

This can be done by phoning the Competition Director on 79958522 or better still by sending an email to f.gh.s.d.malta@gmail.com

Totally agree wit gogo's decision......
Very well done....

Hi,

does anyone have photos of the competition which he can upload on the forum ???????

tnx

They have been uploaded to the Federation site http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=13640769

qas hemm wihed imgiddem taghna :S

Did you not take your own pictures?? Come on people, surely you had a camera on board...how come no one ever takes their own pictures and uploads them???

we have our own pictures... still did not get hold of them.... but one of the officials was taking lots of photos... possibli memx wihed tajjeb taghna ???? jew ghax inzertajna koroh allura ma tefawniex fuq il website ??? hahahahahaha

For sure there is not going to be one of my boat or my crew as we didn't catch a single fish.

:'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(

Lanqas taghna mhemx ritratt wiehed  :(

Problema bhal tana mela nahseb gaffer :) ax mahniex gustuzi haha

U leqqes il huwt ma kellkom gustuzi eeeh HAHA :o

anki ahna big, malli thalna tidx kemm rajna cameras ifaqqaw ir ritratti imma nahseb il qara irreflettiet u ma hargux........forsi tieghek makellhomx flash bizzejjed  eh.........hahaahha
pero dawn laffarijiet jigru laqwa li kollox mar sew u ma wegga hadd.........

Anzi....Shanook - Gaffer and all members giving out comments......there are some pics from this years competition....try to find me from the forum galleries, some pictures taken during the competition of last's year ??????....the only one photo posted was mine holding the Tuna in my garage and is listed under the title ORIS 2012.....isn't that fantastic ?????..

Sorry ta Yanes, imma instead of grumbling, why didn't you bother to take some of your own pictures this year, both of your fishing activities and of others fishing around you. As if last year we didn't do enough as it was, we needed to further engage photographers for the benefit of the competitors who paid a low entry fee and got a heck of a lot in return?!

I understand you came in early this year, so you could have been on the jetty taking photo's of all the other boats coming in.....no?

With all due to respect to everyone, alot of people seem to be professional complainers yet no one wants to be at cause! Frank, Mark and other others did their very best to take what photo's they could but they had their hands busy dealing with all the boats and commotion at the weigh-in.

Skip :)))))....i was just getting on some fire thats it, and not complaining !! :))....i caught nil this year and could not post any photos of my fish...all i could do is sit back on the wheel and hear the competition on going.....with a good cause for the St Peters foundation....just a short note - thanks for all the organizers as still i had no fish caught - i still participated and i have to say it was well organised as always did by dedicated people working all year round and dedicating all their free time for this anually event....well done boys....Skip....when u forget your camera at home, you cannot take any pictures - was it excitement !!!!...i was so prepared to take some photos, as discussed way back in previous months when uploading mine of last years comp......looking forward for more and to have it as an open sport event with other international clubs on a national event !!...we have alot to offer from our waters.....and as a result of this we had proffesionals in our way, that seems that the point has been reached internationally....well done to all !!

I was the official who was taking photos, as well as seeing to other matters during the weighing in.  I had some more photos on my camera but for various reasons they were not adequate to be uploaded on our website. (Overexposed, underexposed, people infront of fish/participants etc).  I am also waiting for some more photos from a friend of mine, and if I get them I shall immediately put them up on the website.

I did my best in the circumstances and I can assure all participants that I did not leave any photos out just because the participants or the fish were koroh.

If there are any participants who have photos which they have taken themselves and would like the Federation to put up on the website, enrol as members to our Website which is free and available to all, and once a member upload your photos.  Alternatively send me copies of the photos(digital format) to the federation email f.gh.s.d.malta@gmail.com and I shall include them in the album.

frabel, u as well as all others did a fantastic job..dont take anything personal but me i am getting old so i complain (its expected at my age)...... others are too young, they complain because they dont realise all the hussle of organising an event of this magnitude........others are born complainers and they have to keep their reputation by complaining...... others dont have a damn thing to do so they complain (its free anyways).

One thing for sure there are those that will try to pull ur leg and will try to take u for a ride whilst not meaning any harm or bad intentions

The organizers of The Federation Amateur big Game Tournament 2012 have the pleasure to invite you and your guests (crew members and family) for the Award Ceremony at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Cottonera Sports Complex, Cospicua on the 28th of July at 19.00 hrs. sharp.

A reception will follow the Award Ceremony.

Reception Fee is €5 excluding drinks. Food for children under 12 years is Free.

Kindly forward the number of persons attending, to the Tournament Director on mobile number 79958522 or send an email to f.gh.s.d.malta@gmail.com .

Hi all,

During the award ceremony apart from the biggest catch, biggest alunga and biggest other fish prize there are another 18 prizes to be delivered.

If a winner or a representative of these prizes fails to call without a valid reason, the prize will pass on to  the next runner up.

If someone including a representative is unable to be present, kindly inform the Tournament Director a.s.a.p on 79958522 or dr.carabott@marcompmalta.com 

The Tournament Organizers wish to see all partecipants with their crew and families during the Award Ceremony and Reception so ending this event in a joyous and festive atmosphere.

Thanking you all for your support.

Gogo

Hi All,

Once again the Yearly National Big Game Tournament is over.

I as Secretary of the Federation of amatuer Fisherman and as Tournament Director wish to thank the Malta Fishing Forum for the great help in advertising the Event and possibilty to discuss regulations and logistics on the Forum.
I also thank all participants for there massive attendance and discipline showed in all three events that formed the Tournament.

Thanks goes to Amateur Fisherman Associations Officials and members who formed part of the organizing committee together with the Federation President and executive committee.

Thanks to All.

Joe Carabott Damato.  (Gogo)
                                                                                                                                     

Another great event organised by the fishing enthusiasts of this small island we call home.  Again, a very well organised event.  Most of all very happy to extend my congratulations to the organising committee, especially Gogo, Dr. Joe, for his unconditional work and support put in throughout this competition.  Above all, a big well done with gathering and presenting a cheque of 6000 Euros to this year's chosen charitable institution. 

I would like to inform all Malta Fishing Forum members that we have uploaded photos taken during the Award Ceremony, up on the Federation Website.  These can be viewed at http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=13741592 (http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=13741592)

Another successful tournament after many months of planning and organisation by the Tournament Directorate so a big well done due to those involved. The booklet takes a lot of effort but is a fantastic source of funds when raising proceeds for charity, luckily most of the tournament design work (Rules, Regulations, Logistic set up) was done for last year's tournament and then used again this year by the Federation with some small amendments.

This would have drastically reduced the workload to a more manageable scale, but nonetheless the TD had their hands full in order to pull off a successful tournament without any major incidents.

From a personal perspective I would like to see far more involvement by the sponsors at all stages (Pre-Tournament, During the Tournment and Post-Tournament), their support is fundamental but they could reap a lot more benefits if they were more hands on. It would also help secure future events, especially given that the number of boats now tends to be in excess of 50.

Like some of the others have posted, I think it was particularily touching to see the genuine appreciation and thanks from the representatives of the St. Peters Foundation upon presentation of the cheque.

I would like to sincerely thank the Tournament Director, and his team of judges and inspectors along with all those who supported the event for the sacrifices they made over the last few months; well done guys.