2017 Kingfish Cup
The Victorian Kingfish cup is a two-day competition that runs in the middle of February (weather dependant), with the main target species being the elusive, Victorian Kingfish. The competition is in pairs, with the heaviest combined weight of the two kingfish being the victors of the entire competition. There are also trophies and prizes for the Most Meritorious fish of the weekend (Non-Kingfish), as well as heaviest southern rock lobster.
With low ocean swell and moderate southwest winds predicted for this weekend, the decision was made by the committee to give the prestigious Victorian Kingfish Cup the go ahead for the weekend of the 11th and 12th of February. Conditions look tough, with theswell rising on the Sunday morning, which would make it hard diving as well as challenging. The Southwest winds blowing straight onshore both days also will make difficult conditions, varying the visibility in areas.
Fish have been hard to come by as of late, with many divers venturing out to local ‘hot spots’ for no results. Great fish have been shot in the past few months, with Southern Freedivers member, Paul Blackbarrow, shooting a great 15kg fish, as well as a few of the boys landing specimens in the 10-14kg range. Seals have been prominent which made landing fish tough, as veteran Brett Illingworth found out the hard way with a seal stealing his kingfish off the back of his jet ski.
Great numbers of kingfish have been sighted in Eastern Victoria as far as Wilsons Prom, as well as Western Victoria as far as Portland. With the swell low on the Saturday, it looks to be the day when everyone will be heading out to hunt for this sought after Victorian fish. The competition is shaping up to be a great weekend, with various prizes to be won, and a great atmosphere around the club. Following the success of last weekends Bluefin Battle held by the Shipwreck Coast Skindivers, it looks as if Victorian spearfishing is on the rise with fish numbers growing, and the sport becoming more popular in Victoria. Good luck to all competitors and we hope to see you back in the coming years.
Words by Mitchell Kornberg Southern Freedivers Member Adreno Spearfishing
