The Tin Can Bay Fishing Club was established in 1998 with only eight members and has enjoyed a steady growth in numbers since. Currently there are 135 members active in The Club. Membership diverse and is spread across all age groups from children to retirees. The Tin Can Bay Fishing Club is a not for profit organisation based on the love of fishing, friendship, fun, and promoting the pleasure and benefits of recreational fishing to all, regardless of age and fishing ability.
The Club’s objectives include:
- being mindful of the need for sustainability and management of fish stocks
- actively managing, protecting, and improving the marine environment
- supporting businesses within our region that have a similar approach to sustainability
- supporting fishing, boating, and tourism within our region
- Encouraging a responsible approach to fishing where members are encouraged to keep only sufficient fish for a feed, with the focus of our Club competition being sustainability where we follow a catch and release policy
- We also schedule workshop and training days for members throughout the year with guest speakers providing information and updates to members about the location of green and restricted zones.
- Club fishing outings are held on land and in the bay as well as several freshwater dams within the local area. Points awarded for fish caught and measured during these events go towards the Club’s monthly fishing competitions, culminating in an annual awards presentation in October each year.
- The Club hosts two Fishing Workshops a year for members of the public generously funded by a grant from the Department of Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries along with support from one of the Club’s sponsors The Chandlery Bait & Tackle, Tin Can Bay Training is provided by experienced Club Members with instruction given in all aspects of fishing. This event culminates in a land-based fishing session in the Tin Can Bay area. This year’s events have recently concluded with a total of 40 participants receiving training and also being presented with a new fishing rod and reel on completion of the course.
The Club endeavours to support our community members and other volunteer groups by participating and sharing any assets or events wherever possible for the benefit of the community as a whole. Our organisation readily supports other not for profit groups including Coastguard Tin Can Bay, Sailability, the Tin Can Bay Camera Club, and the annual Tin Can Bay Dragon Boat Carnival.
A bit of recent history:
2014: The Gympie Regional Council provided our club with a lease on a 1730 square metre block of land at 33 Dolphin Avenue, Tin Can Bay. The Club subsequently built a 10m X 7m Colourbond Building which became our clubhouse.
2016: Amenities block for members and visitors was constructed and commissioned.
2018: The Club completed the building of a Colourbond Storage Shed to secure various equipment. Club members also carried out extensive landscaping surrounding the buildings, including the planting of many shrubs, trees, and ornamentals.
2019: After being successful in obtaining grant funding the club grounds and facilities were upgraded. Our hard working and enthusiastic members put in a lot of effort in the completing this upgrade.
2020: The Club was successful in receiving Grant Funding in 2020 which was used to improve security, the Club grounds, and the Clubhouse
2021: The club installed a kitchen in our main building with both electricity connected to our site and solar panels installed on the building. The Club also completed construction of an outdoor meeting and BBQ area which is used for various social and training events.
2022: Funding was obtained to further upgrade clubroom security, refresh the grounds, and upgrade some necessary IT equipment
The Club’s Executive Committee and members would like to acknowledge and thank the Gympie Regional Council, the Queensland Government and the Federal Government for the assistance and support that has been provided to our organisation. We would also like to thank our many sponsors for their support and assistance that has enabled our club to continue to grow.
Keep a look out for us at the Tin Can Bay Markets, which are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, where members are more than willing to answer questions about fishing and other information about our local area. You will also see us staffing the Bunnings Gympie BBQ stall on a regular basis.
We always welcome enquiries and new members, please contact us if you have any queries.
