Moreton Bay Fishing Group - November social meeting and presentation
A packed meeting with a great presentation from Paul Hayes of Jetcast all about JetSki fishing.
The Details
Date: 4th November 2026
Meeting Report
Everyone was treated to an excellent and informative MBFG meeting on Wednesday night at the MHBC. With over 40 attendees, the Southern meeting room was very full. A special welcome to first time attendee and local fisherman Tim who owns a 4.2m Booker side console fishing boat that he uses in the Bay. We hope you find MBFG to be a group of friendly, likeminded fishos, and we would love to be part of your fishing journey.
Great attendance Wednesday evening!
Captain Terry Donohue opened proceedings at 7:15pm and thanked the Group’s major sponsors: Wynnum Marine; Ariat; Brisbane 4x4; and Manly Harbour Boat Club.
Terry introduced the Management Committee which now includes Brian Kelly (incoming Competitions Manager) and Pasquale (“Pasta”) Cammarano as Conrad van Rooyen has stepped down from the Committee. Although Conrad was unwell and had passed on his apologies, Terry expressed the Group’s sincere thanks and appreciation for all the work Conrad had undertaken over several years both in managing the various competitions, and in establishing the Group’s web-site and Square Space account.
Terry reported that with over 90 paid up members, the club is getting big, and that it is often difficult to remember everyone’s name, especially for new members. To address this, the Committee asked for everyone to register their intended attendance with the meeting QR code, and also to collect (and wear) their name badge at the beginning of each meeting (or event), and at the end return their lanyard back to Derek.
Vice-Captain, Derek G informed the group that the Offshore “Attacks” (Trips) were usually planned around the week-end nearest the full moon as this generally gave the most favourable tides for crossing the South Passage Bar (subject to weather conditions). The Inshore Attack usually coincided with the same Offshore trip. Terry also added that moving forward, if the Attacks get cancelled due to bad weather, the group may in-stead meet for a social get together at a nominated venue.
Derek reminded the Group that the Tipplers trip had been planned for November 21-22, and that both members and their guests will need to be registered for the event, with Guest tickets being $20 each. Derek added that the sundowner drinks may start a little earlier than the advertised 4pm on the Saturday afternoon.
Terry mentioned that the Committee had been investigating venues other than Rainbow Beach for the 2027 main trip – namely Yamba and Illuka. With the trip now involving around 30 boats and 70-80 people, unfortunately neither of these venues were able to accommodate a group of that size. As a result, next year’s trip is currently scheduled to be at Rainbow Beach once again. Terry added that he and Derek will be working on the MBFG 2027 events calendar, and hope to have the calendar and all dates locked in for next year’s activities within the next 2 weeks.
Terry introduced Paul Hayes, founder of local company, Jetcast, an Australian specialist marine business focused on innovative products, accessories, and content for boating, jet ski fishing, and offshore adventure enthusiasts. Paul, having now owned three different jet skis himself, gave an in-depth presentation about choosing, setting up, and using a Personal Water Craft (PWC or jet ski) for both Bay and off shore fishing. Paul covered different jet ski manufacturers and models, and some of the differences and challenges of fishing from a jet ski including: sounder visibility and transducer placement; spray and water ingress into electronic components and fishing gear; craft stability; maximising the limited storage available; and the need to operate equipment fasteners and clips using a single hand whilst being able to steer a jet ski using the other hand. Paul showcased some of the specific solutions and products that he has developed and currently markets for both jet ski and boat fisherman.
Paul had brought along his jet ski, and during the break Paul demonstrated the various modifications, special additions, and custom equipment being used he on his current PWC. For those interested, some of these products can be found on Paul’s website at: www.jetcast.au, and he has very generously provided a 15% discount code for MBFG members across his entire product range (use discount code found on the members’ page on the website).
Just before the meeting break and the pizzas (provided by MBFG) arrived, the raffle was drawn. This month’s $10 raffle winner was David Burns, who wins a $150 Wynnum Marine voucher.
Following the break, Brian gave an overview of the competition rules, and specifically how to officially measure, register and “weigh-in” your fish. He gave specific examples of what to do and what not-to-do when measuring catches and submitting photos. Brian then gave an update on the leader-board for each competition, and reminded the group that all competitions close on 31 January 2027, so all eligible fish need to be entered before then.
Terry reported that MBFG had made contact with another local fishing club (formerly the RSL fishing club) who also meet on the first Wednesday of each month up at the Manly Bowls Club (by the Manly Water Tower). The Committee were keen to developer ties with this group, and some MBFG members had suggested that, if given the opportunity, would like to attend the meetings of that club in addition to MBFG meetings, and also enable their members to attend our meetings. There was general discussion on what day would be best if we decided to change the date of our meetings. A show of hands vote was taken from the floor with a majority of members being happy to change the date of MBFG meetings to accommodate this, with the general consensus that keeping MBFG meetings on a Wednesday evening would be suitable to most members.
Terry reminded the group that the next meeting would be on Wednesday, 02 December 2026, and closed the meeting at 8:57pm. Several members retired upstairs to continue their conversations and stay for a social drink at MHBC.