A total of 34 people attended the trip, staying at the Marion Bay Caravan Park, on Yorke Peninsula, in accommodation that varied from caravans to cabins in the park. Many of the total number of members attended for the whole week from Sunday 7^th March , to Sunday 14^th March, whilst others arrived earlier, and some, were unable to attend for the complete week, of fishing.

The fishing started in earnest on Monday  8^th March, with some members turning to at 0500 hrs.  the top of the tide, at the beach, to discover the seaweed, which was to be blamed by most, as an excuse for not catching the number of fish that they would have preferred.  Then continuing to fish, on and off at their leisure up until the fishing was to cease at 1530 hrs. on Saturday 13^th leaving enough time for the presentation of prizes.

Not all members chose to fish the beach adjacent to the caravan park, but  fished  at other places on the Peninsula, none of which produced very large catches.

The beach scene, most days, as the tide was rising was, really something to behold, as thirty plus people were fishing along the beach over not more than a three hundred meter length, and with the seaweed build up many a cross word was spoken about rigs being lost, especially when there was a fish attached.

 One of our members, Don T, thought that he had the biggest catch of the week, when he pulled hard back on his rod, he having thought, a bite from a big one, but to discover that he had a double header of mullet each 620 mm in length, and in the excitement of the moment he was walking backwards slowly, to retrieve the fish and fell over backwards onto the seaweed, much to the pleasure of the people fishing alongside him : how dare he get a “ Double header.”

Every day, those who were not fishing, congregated at the barbecue area of the park for coffee, and a report of the events of the day, and at one of those coffee breaks congratulations were given to two of our members Doug and Audrey, who on that day were celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary, and as a little extra for their benefit, Bob and Don T. put on a small performance, whilst Bob was taking a photograph, and to everybody’s amazement, Bob remained calm and stationary throughout the performance , which was surely rehearsed. Bob has an obvious liking for long tee shirts.

We had two evening gatherings at the same venue, one of which, became a , “ Remember this song” competition, at which Joy and Wendy, gave us their rendition of a “ Soft shoe shuffle” to a tune, that many of us were not old enough to know.

Dinner at Rhino’s Restaurant, was the order of the day on Wednesday 10^th, where, we all had a very enjoyable meal, and our group rendition of The Song of Australia, was widely excepted by other patrons, and the owner said that we could always return to his venue, and sing for our supper, this song was sung, after a group photograph was taken.

Ross K caught the largest fish, and Don L caught the most fish, and they were rewarded with trophies.

Don T, gave a vote of thanks to Margaret and Bob, coordinators of the ARPA Pleasure Fishing Group, for their hard work, and determination to make sure that we all, had a very enjoyable week, and that, we certainly did.

 A total of 22 people attended the trip staying at Cobdogla Station Caravan Park, almost all

attended the full week from Friday 18^th June to Friday 25^th June 2004.

 Friday 18^th June

 Left a very wet Adelaide to arrive at Cobdogla to a sunny but windy afternoon. Greeted by Margaret and Bob with an invitation to Happy Hour at 4.30pm in Wendy and Ross's cabin. The five couples that were there for the first night all attended, after tea we would get together again and have a few ports around the Bon Fire down by the river. A good time was had by all.

 Saturday 19^th June

 An overcast and windy day, not much fishing was done. Marg & Bob went to check out Loch Luna but found the road was extremely slippery as we had had heavy rain the night before, so a free day to do our own thing. A few tried fishing, the rest decided to watch the local footy team as they were playing Paringa on the oval next to the caravan park. That night the Port/Fremantle match was to be on TV, but to a few people’s frustration they could not get any reception not even the people that were in units. The only cabin or caravan that was not visited was Merle & Peter's, it was only the next day that everyone found out that they did have good reception and had been sitting comfortably back watching the game unaware of all the drama going on around them.

 Sunday 20^th June

A trip to Kingston‑on‑Murray for our fishing on a lovely sunny winter’s day each with a picnic lunch. John B caught two Carp and John A a baby Callop the rest of us just happy to share the beautiful peaceful surroundings. Another Bon Fire back at the caravan park that night when after a few ports the stories of the fish that got away got bigger.

 Tuesday 22^nd June

 At morning get together we decided to try our luck at Chambers Creek, the weather was still kind to us. Once we had arrived a fire was lit and then down to the serious business of fishing. Pat caught a 63cm Carp not that anyone would know as she screamed the whole time and was not shy in letting the guys know about it. During the course of the day only one other smaller Carp was caught but a couple of big ones broke lines as they were being wound in. Tea at the local club again tonight.

 Wednesday 23^rd June

 We tried our luck again at the back of Lake Bonney and had a sausage sizzle for lunch over our open fire with Marg's special Carp patties, delicious. No fish caught, but during lunch John B's. rod went missing; he had left his line out while at lunch. All thought it was someone playing a joke but not long after, amazingly Ted pulled it up on his line further along the bank. It was the big fish that got away. At 3.00pm as nothing had been caught all day, a few decided to go back across to Chambers Creek to try our luck. Within half and hour John A and Peter C had caught two Carp each the biggest two 65cm. Quite an exciting couple of hours fishing.

 Thursday 24^th June

 A good time was had by all and thanks again to Margaret and Bob for your coordination of the ARPA Pleasure Fishing Group and hope to see everyone at Pt Turton in November.

The Pleasure Fishing Group trip to Point Turton, Yorke Peninsula was another great success!

It started on Sunday 21^st November, through to Sunday 28^th November, and was well attended by 49 people, accommodated in caravans, onsite cabins and a tent, hosted by Managers Malcolm and Jenny.

The first few days the weather was cool and then came the heat – but this did not deter the avid fishermen.  The Jetty seemed to be the place – tommies, garfish, squid, and the odd Snook.  Other places fished were the breakwater, the rocks and some tried the local beaches Flaherty’s Corner and Burners Beach and a few mullet and puffers were caught, but catches overall were not large. Someone even tried to catch squid with corks still on the lure – quite frustrating - ‘our little RAE of sunshine’ and even a seagull was caught by accident! The guys excelled  as usual, the Longest

Fish and the Yellow Jacket was awarded to Jim Brunner and the Bill Dixon Perpetual Memorial Trophy (for the most fish) went to Colin Osborn for the second year in a row. Well done!  The girls were not outdone though, for a while they were leading the field.

We took the opportunity to have Guest Speaker Craig Nesbit of The Recreational Fishing Dept

Some of the group visited a local Vietnam War Veteran Museum and found it most interesting.

The ladies formed a morning walking group and became very friendly with some of the locals.

The morning teas and the happy hours were well attended, birthdays were celebrated and also a wedding anniversary.  A raffle was run with the prize a Fish Filleting set – tickets were sold by Colin O, and this was won by Myra L.

The Sing-along evening with Kath on her accordion was a great success.  All the Golden Oldies were sung and Christmas Carols – the park was really rocking!!

The Saturday night BBQ put on by Malcolm and Jenny was a great way to wind up a successful week of fishing and social activities, and the meeting of many new friends.

Don T gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the group to Bob and Margaret who are to be congratulated on a well run, fun-filled and enjoyable week.  We are all looking forward to April 1^st, 2005 at Marion Bay to get together again.  See you there!