The Club held its AGM on Tuesday 14th November to receive the reports of the 2017 committee and elect a new Committee for the 2018 year. Nominations were received for all positions except Vice President and none was contested.
Opening the meeting, President Tim Carson said that the past two years had been an enjoyable experience and acknowledged the committee for their efforts and assistance.
The committee for 2018 is:

In recognition of the importance of the long relationship between the two clubs, RPYC Commodore Mark Hansen was elected as Patron for 2018. The Commodore of RPYC will be extended an invitation to act as Patron for the foreseeable future.

In accepting the Presidency following the election, Deon van der Westhuizen said that he was honored to be elected President of an historic and well respected club, and that his objectives for 2018 include providing members with an expanded range of activities in which to take part, with the aim of increasing member participation rates and providing further value to sponsors and members.

Following the formal part of the evening, members joined with the new committee in a convivial atmosphere.

The GFAA Rules committee is pleased to announce the following changes to the GFAA Rules effective immediately, following IGFA’s acceptance of changes to their rules proposed by GFAA.

Queries on the interpretation should be addressed to the Club’s Weigh-master John Webber on 0407 38673

Changes – GFAA 2017 Journal
P 57
THE FOLLOWING ACTS WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH:
#2 Add in to follow on from the existing rule.
Holding or touching an angler in a manner that assists them in fighting the fish or takes pressure off the angler. Touching or briefly holding the angler to prevent them from falling does not constitute a disqualification.

P 54
EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS:
(b) Line backing change to Line & Backing.
New 1. The use of backing is permissible.
New 2. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five meters of the line directly preceding the double, leader & hook. This section must be comprised of a single homogenous piece of line.

Changes – GFAA Website (www.gfaa.asn.au)
Under:
THE FOLLOWING ACTS WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH
After
15. The act of any person touching any part of the leader when striking or hooking a fish.
Insert
16. Holding or touching an angler in a manner that assists them in fighting the fish or takes pressure off the angler. Touching or briefly holding the angler to prevent them from falling does not constitute a disqualification.
Under:
EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS
(b) Line backing
Replace
(1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material.If the fishing line is attached to 2. the backing, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the two lines. The backing may not exceed the 60kg (130lb) line class and must be of a type of line approved for use in these angling rules.)
with:
1.The use of backing is permissible.2. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five metres of single line directly preceding the double, leader or hook . This section must be a single, homogenous piece of line. 

Effective Dates The GFAA rule changes are effective from 7^th February 2017. The changes do not apply to IGFA rules until the 1st of April, 2017. Until 1^st April, world record claims will need to be submitted under the previous set of IGFA rules.

Line & Backing Changes – Interpretation 5 metres is the minimum length of rated pre-tested line that can be used. When submitting a record claim, 16 metres length of line will need to be supplied which may include part of the backing line.

There is no restriction on what can be used as backing (braid etc.). For example, a 15kg pre-test monofilament main line (at least 5 metres in length, excluding the double line) is attached to 75kg braid, the weakest link is the 15kg line and that is the line class that is considered for a record claim.

These changes do not apply to fly fishing which are detailed in the GFAA Game Fishing 2017 Journal and the GFAA website www.gfaa.asn.au .

Queries on the interpretation should be addressed to the Club’s Weigh-master John Webber on 0407 386734

PGFC’s Strike magazine for 2017 is packed full of stories, facts and figures and useful information for all readers.