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GFA of PNG
30th National Game Fishing Titles

MESSAGE FROM THE GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

It is my great pleasure to welcome all anglers and their guests to the 30th GFA of PNG National Game Fishing Titles. A particular welcome to anglers representing our sponsors, and to those from other countries. I hope you have all brought your Blue Marlin tackle with you as I am sure that you’ll need it!

On behalf of all anglers, our thanks to our hosts, the Madang Game Fishing Club, and of course Robbo and his dedicated bunch who have worked long and hard to make this all happen.

The GFA has had an interesting year, starting with the Seminar in Port Moresby 12-13 March 2004 which was sponsored by the Australian Government’s Silver Jubilee Sports Program in PNG, and attended by at least two delegates from all eight member clubs. The seminar was given presentations from Ian Bull and myself on Titles fishing rules, IGFA rules, weighing procedures and safety at sea.

A revised set of Titles rules was developed and agreed. These rules were circulated to all clubs for their acceptance and ratified at the AGM in January this year. You are now fishing under them.

Madang Club has cleaned up in the interclub Four Species Shield comp with three very good fish in 2004, Lae Club picking up the Yellowfin.

I am pleased to report that both Mobil Oil and Global Technologies have agreed to sponsor another round of Titles as naming sponsors, and with increased and generous support. Consort Express Lines - the unsung heroes - have again agreed to ship boats to Madang FOC.

Many thanks also to all of our other sponsors who contribute cash, kind and effort towards making these Titles the great events that they are. Please remember this support when making your business decisions in the future.

Tight lines and good fishing,

Robert O’Dea
President, Game Fishing Association of Papua New Guinea.

Consort Express Lines provides Shipping Services for all PNGGFA affiliated GF Club Members boats ex Port Moresby, Alotau, Lae, Kimbe Rabaul to attend the Titles and return after the Titles

Welcome from your Committee of the Madang Game Fishing Club At the time of writing this big welcome to you all it was late January and the National Titles momentum was really starting to roll, with a huge effort being put in by all involved. When the pressure is on a select few put an enormous amount of time, commitment and plain old hard work into ensuring the 300 or so visitors expected from around PNG and the world have a great time fishing and enjoying the beauty of Madang. An extra special thanks to all those behind the scenes that rarely receive the credit they deserve for making the day to day running of these Titles possible. My special thanks must go to my fellow Titles Committee members – Ian Middleton, Charlie Edmunds, Peter Todd, Trevor Hattersley, Steve France, Mhay Cooper and Jake Henson. Thanks for the mobile phone!! It was also a time to reflect on and realise the paramount importance of sponsorship and where game fishing is in Papua New Guinea today because of the support received from business’s throughout the country and even abroad. It goes without saying that it is because of you guys out there (many of you fishing in this very event) small and large, that we can even contemplate hosting a National Titles in Madang. The Committee would particularly like to thank the two major, naming sponsors, MOBIL and GLOBAL for their invaluable contribution, all our listed sponsors, and from those small businesses, particularly in Madang, who gave what they could in support, welcome aboard. Finally, the Committee looks forward to calm seas, biting fish and a safe, enjoyable time for you all during the 30th GFAPNG National Titles in Madang. Robbo Tournament Director. reprinted with permission from the 30th National Titlles Magazine