Sport
17 October, 2026
Game fishing event honours late stalwarts
THE 55th annual Innisfail Game Fishing Tournament cast off with emotion and excitement, as anglers from across Queensland gathered not only to compete, but to honour two men whose legacy continues to shape the club.
Before dawn, the fleet assembled for the Rod Collins Memorial Challenge, pausing for a blessing by Fr Kerry Crowley and a moving tribute for founding member Rod Collins and long serving weighmaster Peter Williamson, two valued members remembered as family by generations of anglers.
A shot gun start saw 24 boats took part, with around 60 male anglers, 10 female anglers and eight juniors, travelling from as far south as the Whitsundays and as far north as Port Douglas.
Club president Charles Camuglia said the tournament was one of the most moving in recent years.
“The weather gods were kind and the raft up was spectacular,” he said.
“It was an emotional three days as we remembered Rod Collins and Peter Williamson and unveiled the new Peter Williamson Memorial weigh station.
“Over the three days, anglers managed to tag and release around 25 billfish, form new friendships and realise there are still some beautiful people left in this world.
“Being welcomed to our wharf each afternoon by loyal locals is a very pleasant sight.”
The Townsville Game Fishing Club praised the event’s atmosphere.
“There’s something extra special about the way Innisfail does a tournament,” they said.
“Those daily weigh ins bring such a vibe to the community. Everyone is well fed, welcomed and celebrated.”
A stand-out this year were junior anglers. “Seeing juniors welcomed and celebrated alongside experienced anglers is exactly what secures the future of our sport, so Innisfail should be incredibly proud of what they are fostering,” a social post said.
Results
Champion male: Gareth Trefz 3000pts (Infinity)
Champion female: Gina Cleaver 2000pts (Official)
Champion junior: Reid Bitcon 1207pts (Nomad)
Runner Up junior: Jazmine Smith 1047pts (Nomad)
Champion non-Cassowary Coast angler: Harry Collins (Zulu)
Champion Skipper: Len Trefz (Infinity)
Champion Deckhand: Terry Trefz (Infinity)
Fallen Fisherman award: Thomas Chrisp (Salt Diary)
Hard Luck award: Justin Benvenuti (Over the Moon)
Highest point scoring gamefish: Dylan Evans (Corsair) 22.9kg Wahoo
First billfish day 1: Tony Camuglia (Geronimo)
Last billfish day 1: Harry Duddy (Geronimo)
First billfish day 2: Gina Cleaver (Ofishal)
Last billfish day 2: Jazmin Smith (Nomad)
First billfish day 3: Ross Fenn (Southern Comfort)
Last billfish day 3: Joanne Zefrafa (Catfish)
Champion team over 7.5 metres: Infinity
Runner up team over 7.5 metres: Southern Comfort
Champion team under 7.5 metres: Corsair
Runner up team under 7.5 metres: Reel Nice
Calcutta winners
1st: Infinity $13475.00
2nd: Southern Comfort $8085.00
3rd: Zulu $2695.00