The Exmouth Game Fishing Club's annual GAMEX tournament has established itself as Western Australia's most acclaimed fishing event. Known for its diversity, it features 30 prize categories spanning various fishing techniques for over 50 eligible gamefish species.
Taking place from March 12-20, 2021, the 53rd edition of GAMEX faced the unique challenge of COVID-19, resulting in a smaller field this year. Despite these restrictions, 37 boats and 163 anglers from around Western Australia participated, showcasing their passion for the sport and camaraderie among fishing enthusiasts.
"Despite the challenges, we were thrilled to see so many familiar faces this year," said event organizer and club president. Fishermen arrived with great anticipation, ready to explore the pristine waters of Exmouth.
When tournament fishing commenced on March 14, teams quickly took to the water, eager to catch billfish. The decision to target these species on the first day proved advantageous, as crews reported solid numbers of black marlin, sailfish, and a few blue marlin. Collectively, participants tagged and released a total of 41 billfish right out of the gate.
However, the excitement didn’t maintain its momentum. Over the following three days, the number of tagged and released billfish significantly dipped, generating totals of only 15, 17, and 23. "We were hoping for a more consistent catch, but that's fishing for you—sometimes it goes up and sometimes it goes down," said a veteran angler reflecting on the tournaments.
Despite the decline in daily catches, some impressive fish made their presence known. Notably, black marlin were caught with weights estimated up to 150 kilograms and blue marlin reaching as much as 280 kilograms. However, some larger fish managed to slip away, eluding the taggers.
One remarkable story emerged from angler Anna Passmore, who was aboard the vessel *Awesum*. She experienced the thrill of battling a potential Australian record black marlin on an 8kg line for over six hours. "It was an incredible fight until the line finally gave out just as the fish was within reach," said Passmore, reflecting on her tense and exhilarating encounter with the massive marlin.
As the tournament wrapped up, things picked up slightly over the final days of fishing, leading to an impressive total of 164 billfish tagged during GAMEX 2021. This included 109 black marlin, 41 sailfish, 13 blue marlin, and a single striped marlin. While the numbers did not reach the usual heights seen in previous years, participants remarked that the overall spirit and experience made it worthwhile.
"At the end of the day, it’s not just about the numbers but the memories we create together," said another competitor, emphasizing the camaraderie fostered throughout the event. Despite the fluctuating catches, the tournament upheld its spirit and charm, bringing together fishing enthusiasts in a magnificent backdrop.
Overall, GAMEX 2021 stood out as a memorable event, proving that even in challenging times, the game fishing community is resilient and passionate. The anticipation of returning for GAMEX 2022 is already on the horizon, with hopes for more favorable conditions both on the water and in the world at large.
