Australian National Sport Fishing Association - Queensland


The Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA) formally started in 1967 when a group of dedicated sportfishers met at Yorkeys Knob in Cairns. Fourteen “barefooted yobbo’s” under the stewardship of Vic McCristal and George Bryden put into some order their ideas of fishing for sport and enjoyment. From that time on, they determined to promote sportfishing under the motto “sport, conservation, integrity”.

Today membership of the Association is approximately 200 clubs, containing over 5000 members. The Association is represented in all states and territories and maintains affiliation with the International Game Fishing Association.

ANSA is an association of clubs and individual members. Clubs are geographically organised into state or territory branches. Each branch has an elected executive responsible for the local activities in each state or territory.

At the national level ANSA is responsible for coordinating and printing “The Fishing Rules”, maintaining a comprehensive record chart and presenting the “Master Angler Awards”. It also selects the recipient of the “Meritorious Capture” award. Nominations for this award are submitted during the year.

Queensland Branch Inc. conducts an annual conference in Yeppoon. This is traditionally held in August. Each year, guest speakers representing government, industry and science present information on how their organisations will impact on recreational fishing in Queensland. The conference provides an opportunity for members to meet people from other clubs and branches as well as fisheries management and enforcement. The branch annual general meeting is held as a part of the conference allowing members to see their club delegates elect the new executive and debate policy.

Queensland Branch Inc is affiliated with Sunfish, the peak recreational fishing body recognised by the Queensland government.

Queensland Branch Inc. is also responsible for vetting and processing national and state “Master Angler” awards, national and state “Record” claims and maintaining a Queensland Branch Inc. record chart. It is also responsible for conducting five state wide angling competitions. The State Championships are held twice each year in May and October. The Top Ten, Top Club, Bob Carruthers Trophy and Length Based Competitions run consecutively during the whole fishing year.

Queensland Branch Inc. produces and edits the quarterly newsletter “Sportfish Queensland” which is issued individually to all members.

Queensland Branch Inc. in cooperation with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries runs a comprehensive fish tagging program (Suntag), which is encompassed by the national tagging program Austag.

All clubs affiliated in Queensland must be incorporated under the Incorporations Act and ANSA Qld Inc. has undertaken to assist clubs in this endeavour. Part of incorporation is that a Public Liability Insurance policy be maintained. ANSA Qld. Inc. holds the policy on behalf of the membership of ANSA Qld. Inc.


Australian National Sport Fishing Association - Queensland


275 Darts Creek Road Darts Creek, Queensland 4695
✆ 07 4975 1128
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