Hawkesbury & Nepean Bass Anglers is a reputable sports club in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to the sport of fishing for Australian Bass. Established in 1996, the club aims to bring together like-minded individuals who have a shared interest in catching and protecting this unique Australian native fish.
The club holds regular monthly meetings, competitions, and social events to educate members and promote the conservation of Australian Bass, known scientifically as “Macquaria Novemaculeata”. Emphasising catch and release practises, the club sends catch sheets to New South Wales Fisheries for scientific research. The club solely focuses on lure and fly-fishing techniques in all its competitions, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
The Hawkesbury & Nepean Bass Anglers actively participate in fish re-stocking programmes across various waterways in Australia. With 9 club competition events annually, including 6 Bass events and 3 Bream events, members also have the opportunity to participate in other organisation fishing tournaments and ProBass events. The club also organises Junior Camps to support the development of junior fishing skills.
The club traces its roots back to 1996 when Peter Jacovides, owner of the Australian Bass Angler tackle shop, discussed the idea of forming a bass fishing club with a group of patrons. With the help of Tony Beeck, the first meeting was held in September 1996, and the committee members were elected. The club rapidly gained popularity, reaching 150 registered members within a year, and solidifying its position as the leading bass fishing club in New South Wales.
As the club grew, meetings were moved from the tackle shop to the Windsor Leagues Club, and various enhancements were introduced, such as guest speakers, technique sessions, interclub fishing challenges, and monthly competitions for members. Several dedicated individuals, including Len Vigurs and Adrien Clark, provided support and sponsorship, contributing to the club's success. The club continues to thrive with the involvement of its founding members even after almost 10 years.
Overall, the Hawkesbury & Nepean Bass Anglers Association is a family-oriented sports club that provides a platform for anglers to meet, share stories, learn from each other, and fish together in a fun and supportive environment. With a strong emphasis on conservation and responsible fishing practises, the club aims to preserve and promote the Australian Bass population while fostering a passion for the sport among its members.