MBFG August ’26 Meeting
Another excellent and informative MBFG August monthly meeting at the MHBC. A total of 37 attendees, including 1 new member, so a warm welcome to Trevor H. Captain Terry Donohue opened proceedings at 7:15pm and thanked the Group’s major sponsors: Wynnum Marine; Ariat; Brisbane 4x4; Manly Harbour Boat Club; and also new sponsor, Jim Potts.
A good turn-out
Terry reminded the group that the Social BBQ is this Sunday (09 Aug 26 at MHBC, starting at 11:00 am) and registration is mandatory to enable catering logistics to be finalised. Terry also reminded everyone that the Rainbow Beach Weekend Trip (September 10-13) is now only weeks away, and members must register before the event closes shortly (registration QR codes for both events at (www.MBFG.au).
Vice-Captain Derek G informed the group that the next Offshore Attack (Trip) is planned for Sunday 30 August ’26 which is after the Qld Snapper closure (weather permitting as always), with probably a 5:30am launch. Derek also gave a quick overview of the upcoming Tipplers Trip (Nov 21-22) later this year.
Steve Creevey from MBTBC Inc. outlined this year’s Moreton Bay Fishing Classic competition which will run from Thursday 20 August 26 until Sunday 23 August 26, culminating with the Vanns concert Sunday afternoon/evening. The event will be hosted by ‘Creek to Coast’ fishing celebrity Scott Hillier. Weigh-ins will be open from 3:30pm-5:30pm daily, and will be supervised once again by Aldo and Captain Larry with assistance from MBFG and MBTBC members where appropriate, with the re-introduction of competition perpetual trophies for added bragging rights! This year will also include a corporate team competition to enable some of Australia’s best professional fisherman to battle it out. Registration is $120 for adults and $59 for Juniors, and are now open on the MBTBC web site.
Conrad informed the group that the Club’s brag mats are now available to be ordered from the website, cost is $45 each, and the cut-off date for orders is 19 August 2026.
Conrad also presented an update on the different fishing competition leader boards, noting that the top 4 juniors would be winning in any of the competitions.
Misdemeanours ($5 fines):
Terry Hitzke admitted that he was having difficulties controlling his lead. Not sure if he was referring to the lead on his line or the lead in his pencil, but losing either is definitely a $5 fine! Conrad admitted that (once again!) his boat trailer became unhitched from his vehicle. You would have thought that after last time he would have stopped doing donuts in the car park with the boat still attached! As fines typically double for each similar subsequent offence, that’s a $10 fine Conrad, and 4 demerit points. Hopefully Rowan will be able to take over very soon to help counteract his father’s advancing dementia!
The Group were treated to a very special birthday celebration as Rowan, last year’s Junior Fisherman of the Year and also Junior Snapper Champion turned 16 on the very day of the meeting. Rowan’s mum prepared a snapper birthday cake which looked so real Rowan could easily take out this year’s Pat Dennis trophy with his cake! (see photo ). Filleting the cake revealed a rich, boneless, chocolate flesh which would go very nicely with deep-fried ice cream! Congratulations Rowan, we hope you had a super birthday, and we look forward to welcoming you next year into the Men’s competitions.
One very tasty Snapper Cake
Johnny Milton from Wynnum Marine (major Group sponsor) gave a presentation on one of the more affordable boats in their range, the versatile Stacer Sea Runner 539 SE. This is an Australian designed and built 5.6m aluminium hull (2.3m beam) which is paired with a Yamaha 130 hp motor with a 95l fuel tank, canopy, clears, and bait board, all mounted on a braked trailer. The total package being a very competitive $70k. Johnny had brought along a demo model left in the Club’s car park, and following his talk the Group proceeded outside where Johnny presented the boat, giving an overview of its many features, and taking questions from the Group at the end.
can anyone lend me $70k?
Following the boat talk, the pizzas arrived and members had a chance to catch up and chat informally with one-another over dinner. Winner of this month’s raffle ($150 Wynnum Marine Gift Voucher thanks Johnny!) was Gary Wood, and the runner up was Alan Harrison who received various Berkley soft plastic lures (thanks Brent!) and other assorted tackle items courtesy of Ariat (thanks Terry!). Meeting closed at 8:45 pm, and members adjourned upstairs to enjoy the MHBC facilities whilst continuing their discussions and networking.
