The Stage setting for the 25^th Tea Tree Snapper Competition / Victorian Amateur Snapper Championship hosted by Snapper Point Angling Club of Mornington, was one of very rough seas, high winds, demanding sensible judgment of ones boat and personal capabilities.

Competition spokes person John Beasy said that the predominating local low-pressure system brought 30-35kn westerly winds, seas to 2metres, with some larger waves from stories told by boaties.

The wind against tide was reported to have caused a washing machine effect, particularly influencing Westernport and Southern Port Phillip Bay.

The desire to catch a prize snapper in the best snapper competition in Victoria only allowed the big boats onto Port Phillip during Friday, while Westernport was more accommodating to smaller craft.

At approximately 7pm on Friday the seas appeared to ease a little and by 5am on Saturday conditions allowed smaller craft to venture out, offering competitors the opportunity to fish.

The organizers of the event wishes to thank the competitors for using sensible judgment in fishing the competition in these conditions and placing safety of person, crew and boat as a priority.

Total number of competitors was 1696 including 172 juniors, fishing from 733 boats.

Total fish weighed for the competition was 1031 of which 233 were taken in Westernport.

The average number of fish per competitor was 0.74, which was the same as 2007.

2007 competitor numbers varied slightly, with warmer temperature, better weather and good fishing on Friday, deteriorating overnight to unpleasant on Saturday.

Winner of the competition, thus being deemed Victorian Amateur Snapper Champion 2008 was Allen Rayner of Carrum with a fish of 7.22 kg caught in Westernport.

As part of his prize, Allen will be representing Victoria at the Australian Snapper Championships at Whyalla, South Australia early in 2009.

Runner up was Jason Angel of Langwarren weighing his catch at 7.00 kg.

Third was John Dafilis of Bundoora with a 6.54kg snapper.

Adam Petrakis, who weighed in a 4.43 kg fish, won  the junior section

Second place went to Jack Leroy, his snapper greeting the scales at 4.40 kg

Third was taken out by Club member Brad Walker weighing a snapper of 4.35 kg.

There was a total of 78 prizes won on the day which, included 3 JV Marine sponsored Quintrex aluminum boat and Dunbier trailer outfitted packages, plus a 4.30m inflatable craft from Elite Inflatable Boats.

 A pair of encased , autographed boxing gloves, courtesy of World Champion Danny Green was amongst the prizes . Danny’s boat ‘Green Machine’ was present at the prize presentation venue.

The competition organizers wish to acknowledge and thank all sponsors for their most valued and important regular support and patronage  of  this annual event.

The organizing committee also thanks the competitors who help make this event a success by their annual turnout. It also welcomes any feedback that may be of value in the holding of future events.