Preston Northcote and five other clubs fished the Essendon Masters competition in the Maribyrnong River. The competition was organised by the Essendon Angling Club who worked very hard to get sponsors and host the event. A total of 44 competitors, including 14 from Preston, tried very hard to get a share of the wonderful prizes on offer for the clubs and individuals. The competition was keen but the fish were not enthusiastic with only 19 bream being brought to scale.
Footscray Angling Club did best with 7 fish for 2.874 kg, Preston Northcote had 6 for 2.540 kg, Greensborough had 4 for 1.498 kg and Fawkner Merlinston had 2 for 0.825 kg. The heaviest bream taken weighed 0.610 kgs. The competition was decided on the average weight per competitor from each club. Footscray had the best average followed by Greensborough and Preston. The Preston Northcote competition winner was Joe Perri with 2 Bream weighing 0.880 kg. His best fish was 0.515kgs. Rod King was runner-up with 2 fish.
A great variety of baits were tried with freshwater yabbies being quite successful. Joe Perri won a rod and reel combo in the sealed weight competition and our members took away 9 raffle prizes from the great array of prizes on offer. Thanks to Essendon members for the organisation of the BBQ and refreshments. Joe Perri and Essendon President Martin Corkhill.