Narelle Tate (Canberra Fisherman's Club) with a 4.36 Carp, which won her the trophy for Highest Point Scoring Carp Ladies.

One hundred and fifty-seven anglers from 14 fishing clubs across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory lined up for the ANSA NSW Convention at Lake Burrinjuck hosted by the Canberra Fisherman's Club. The Convention was held over the weekend of 2-4 November 2018.

Friday afternoon set up proceeded smoothly and without fuss. However, blue skies and sunshine over Lake Burrinjuck soon gave way to a double whammy of smoke from the Pearce Creek Bush Fire and the haze of a dust storm.

If that wasn't enough, the day finished with an almighty thunderstorm. But thanks to the skilful workmanship of the members who set up the marquees, the storm caused little drama and acting President John Bosch welcomed everyone to the Convention. In addition, John thanked our many sponsors for making this event possible.

The rains and clouds cleared by Saturday morning, but not so the winds, blowing up to 20-25 knots. Still, many anglers weighed in some impressive fish on Saturday afternoon. The wind eased off by Sunday morning, and the captures continued to roll in.

Over the weekend, anglers weighed in 448 fish: 287 European Carp, 141 Golden Perch (including 74 fish entered into the catch and release section, 19 Redfin Perch, and one Brown Trout caught by Shane Cosgrove of Toongabbie Sports Fishing Club weighing 1.82 kg.

This marked a new milestone for the Convention: the first time the Trophy for Heaviest Salmonoid was finally claimed since it was introduced eight years ago.

There were many other notable captures and many anglers making strong claims for the various trophies on offer.

The Highest Point Scoring Fish Fly Casting Trophy was strongly contested between Bruce Robinson (Happy Hookers Fishing Club), Kimberley Stolk (Wollongong Sportsfishing Club) and Terry Tatton all caught 4 kg plus Carp.

Paul Breeze and Narelle Tate (Canberra Fisherman's Club) also caught some 4 kg plus Carp.

In addition, the Native Catch and Release Total Length Trophy looked certain to return to Harden when Paul returned a capture sheet with 541 cm of Golden Perch.

Burrinjuck Chair Sarah Borman addressed the anglers prior to the presentation of prizes. She thanked the anglers, sponsors, Burrinjuck Waters State Park, and the Canberra Fisherman's Club volunteers for making the 44th ANSA Burrinjuck Convention a success.

However, John Hartley (Ocean Beach Hotel Fishing Club) knocked Paul's lead with a capture sheet of 722 cm of Golden Perch. Despite this, our Club still achieved a healthy trophy count, winning:

• Heaviest Carp Senior: Paul Breeze
• Heaviest Redfin Senior: Narelle Tate
• Highest Point Scoring Carp – Ladies: Narelle Tate
• Highest Point Scoring Carp – Senior: Paul Breeze

In addition, Narelle Tate came third for the Rangers Trophy for Highest Aggregate Point Score 285.5 points. Thanks to the strong performance of Paul Breeze and Narelle Tate, the Club came third for the Champion Club with 14 points.

Anglers enjoying Saturday Night Dinner at the Convention HQ.

Anglers from Toongabbie Sports Fishing Club, Happy Hookers Fishing Club, and Botany Bay Sportsfishing Club also took home a nice selection of trophies. However, Wollongong Sportsfishing Club took home the lion's share, including the St George Trophy (AKA Burrinjuck Bell) was Wollongong Sportsfishing Club with 36 points.

• Wollongong Sportsfishing Club: 36 points
• Botany Bay Sportsfishing Club: 26 points
• Canberra Fisherman's Club: 14 points
• Ocean Beach Fishing Club: 8 points
• Happy Hookers Fishing Club: 6 points

The Canberra Fisherman's Club thanks all our sponsors who so kindly donate product and services to help make this event successful. Without the sponsors this event would not be able to run. The Club looks forward to hosting its 45th ANSA Burrinjuck Convention in 2019.

Photos of the all the winners can be found on this link.

Photos of the captures can be found on this link.