Richie and his 'rich' swordfish experience goes on show at the 2024 Annual dinner.
- STC Committee
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Another wonderful occasion.
Another wonderful guest speaker.
From Club Trophies, to The Presidents Report, Commitee Elections and the chance to recount fishing stories with Club friends, the 2024 Annual Dinner and AGM was yet another night of sophisticated fun and ceremony.
This year's occasion not only saw the usual suspects join us at The Australian Club, some former Club presidents, the committee (of course) and a lovery group of first timers!
For those unable to attend, the highlight, as is with most dinners, was our guest speaker. We were delighted to have good friend and colleague of current commitee member Tim Simpson Capt. Richard Abela share his intel and knowledge on chasing local Swordfish. A very fitting topic considering how this pelagics name is embedded in our Club's name.
Those in attendance will no doubt agree, Richie was able to blow us away with his indepth knowledge, gained over countless trips and hours of research, on how to maximise the oppotunities to tangle and hopefully catch the almighty swordfish.
I was astounded by the layers of effort, time and refinement Richie has undertaken to get to this level of expertise on this target species.
To summarise his inspiring presentation into some quick takeaways would be do it an injustice. For those seeking some words on Swordfishing from the 'masters mouth' here's a great article to read and someting to listen to.
If you're still seeking more, let it be known that the results of what Captain Abela has been able to achieve in what he accounts as a new fishery, hasn't just come from the search and find ol' school fishing model. Many of you may be interested to learn technology now plays an integral role in this game. Maps that draw on the patterns and shifts in the ocean currents and seas levles, along with depth sounding, have changed the game – and not in the Swordfishes favour.
I only get excited when I see a target on the sounder at 300 metres or under.
Indeed, the fish still have the upperhand, however, pin pointing the better opportunties for when fishing may be best and where to fish is the new weapon in the gamer fishers arsenal. It appears now that luck plays less a role. Praying for some luck when deciding to angle with Richie on one of his charters is the least of your worries. He's diligence in maximising opportunies and his attention to detail, gear and rigging, mean the odds are working more in your favour.
Keen to catch a swordfish?
Those interested looking to chase a Swordfish are best to get in touch with Richie. The 2025 autumn swordfish season is in full swing off Victoria's south-east coast, with many crews, including Richie, finding some sensational fish.
Richie can be contacted by 0438 014 814. The STC sincerely thanks him for being our guest speaker and educating our members.