 |
 |
|
(Click images for larger photos)
|
|
|
| . |
|
|
| . |
|
|
| . |
|
|
| . |
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR CLUB
Back in March 1992 the Loy Yang Recreational Angling Club was formed at a meeting of approximately 20 interested employees from the Loy Yang 'A' Power Station. The idea arose after organised fishing trips were becoming more regular among a group of workmates and concern was rising as to both the declining nature of our fisheries and the attacks on recreational fishing by a vocal minority within the community.
In a short period of time the club was officially incorporated and after a decision was made not to restrict membership to Loy Yang employees only, it grew quite rapidly. By the end of the first year we had over 50 members on the books and have consistently maintained an annual financial membership of about 40. To put this figure more clearly, each membership covers that person, their spouse and any children under 16 years of age. So at any time our actual membership is probably closer to 60 to 70 local anglers. As with most organisations the club is administered by a few dedicated members and the average meeting attendance would be in the vicinity of 12 to 15 members. Attendance on runs is very variable depending on leave availability (as we have a high number of shift workers) and of course weather conditions, but we regularly have 25 to 30 members attend 3 to 4 day weekend trips.
From the beginning our aims have been to organise family oriented, mildly competitive, enjoyable fishing runs to a variety of locations and employing a variety of angling techniques throughout the year. Our most popular (or best attended) runs have always been lake trout fishing trips to Dartmouth and Jindabyne, and the bream fishing run to Bemm River. We have consistently maintained runs which employ a variety of angling techniques and target species, including surf, estuary, offshore, inland, bream, trout, natives....etc. Many of our members have small trailer boats and as such our runs tend to lean toward the use of them, but it is nearly always possible to get yourself into a boat if you don't own one yourself but would like to attend a run.
We have been affiliated with the South Gippsland Angling Clubs Association, the Victorian Piscatorial Council, the Australian Anglers Association and Recfish Australia which allows us to keep in touch with what is happening in the politics of recreational angling, and also gives us an avenue for comment whenever we desire. Our membership has never been strongly represented on any of these committees but have continued to keep in touch via regular newsletters ..etc.
The first couple of club meetings were held on site at Loy Yang Power but were soon moved as non-employees joined up. Our next venue was the 'Traralgon Club' and after it's doors closed in 1995 we moved onto the 'Traralgon Bowls Club' in Liddiard Rd and have continued to meet there regularly since.
Due to ongoing work by our committee we have managed to maintain a lucrative sponsorship from both 'Loy Yang Power' and our local tackle shop 'Alpine Country' in Morwell. Three or four prizes are normally awarded for each run, along with annual prizes and our coveted 'Champion Angler' shield. We maintain a fairly complex point system throughout the year and the angler with the most points at the end of each year is the champion angler.
During the last couple of years the emphasis on most club activities is to involve as many of our juniors as possible. We have quite a few kids in the 8 to 16 year old bracket and have found they are now very keen to attend most runs and be fiercely competitive.
Membership of our club is open to anyone in the general public and enquiries are always welcomed.
Return to Loy Yang Recreational Angling Club's main page
|
|
|
|
