Welcome from the Section Captain

A LEGACY OF BIG GAME FISHING

The Game Fishing Section was established before the construction of the current Fremantle Sailing Club facilities. Among its founding members were Peter Aspland, Brian Banovich, and John Kilpatrick, passionate anglers who helped shape the Section’s early direction.

In its early days, the Section operated from a nearby Fisheries ramp, hosting smaller-scale interclub and open events. However, everything changed in 1978, shortly after the completion of the current Clubhouse.

Over a few drinks, the founding members realised that no Perth-based club was hosting a dedicated marlin competition in local waters. Inspired by Exmouth’s annual GAMEX tournament, which all three had fished, they began planning a new kind of event for Fremantle.

Later that year, the Blue Marlin Classic was born, a marlin-specific game fishing competition that has become a highlight of the Club calendar. Over 46 years later, it continues to be one of Western Australia’s premier game fishing events, drawing skilled anglers and enthusiastic supporters alike.

THE BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC – FREMANTLE’S PREMIER GAME FISHING EVENT

The Sovereign Blue Marlin Classic – Western Australia’s Ultimate Blue Water Tournament

The 2024 edition of the Blue Marlin Classic made history with a record-breaking 40 boats and 140 anglers, cementing its place as the largest in the tournament’s 46-year legacy. With epic competition, generous sponsorship, and unmatched vibes on and off the water, this signature event continues to grow stronger each year.

Save the Date – The next Sovereign Blue Marlin Classic hits the water 27 Feb – 02 March 2026.

The History of the Fremantle Sailing Club Game Fishing Section

The Game Fishing Section was originally formed prior to the existence of the current Fremantle Sailing Club facilities and among the foundation Members were Peter Aspland, Brian Banovich and John Kilpatrick.

The section initially operated using a Fisheries ramp nearby and there were non-major interclub or ‘open’ events organised by the Section.

In 1978, post completion of the present Clubhouse, the same members mentioned above got together over a drink (or three) and during the discussion, it was realised that there was no specific marlin competition being held in Perth local waters by any other Perth based Club.

Thus began the process of formulating a specific marlin competition, modelled on Exmouth’s annual GAMEX Comp, which it is believed all those in the discussion had fished.

In 1978, the Club’s annual marlin game fishing event know ‘Blue Marlin Classic’ was born and to this day, 42 years later, it remains as one of the premier events on the local calendar.

Upcoming competitions

THE TRIPLE CATCH COMPETITION

KINGFISH, SAMSON & TUNA

Get ready for an action packed weekend on the water!

The competition kicks off at 6am, Saturday 11 October 2025 from Fremantle Sailing Club and closes at 2pm, Sunday 12 October 2025. With $5,000 in prizes up for grabs, the stakes will be high both on and off the water!

(Line class and all tackle sections).

Key Dates:

• Registrations close: Thursday, 9 October 2025

• Event briefing: 6:30pm, Friday, 10 October 2025 at FSC

• Weigh in and presentation: 3pm Sunday, 12 October at FSC

ENTRY: $30 PER ADULT | FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 16