Sorry, that was a reference to Queen Victoria. 

Rain, rain, and more rain, that was how December started, making outdoor pursuits such as fishing uninviting, as was also the case with the Lake Conjola over 50s mixed nude beach volleyball competition, which was postponed for the second week. 

Looking for some alternative entertainment, a teammate attended a meeting of ‘Eavesdroppers Anonymous’. 

She reported that it was interesting but no one knew she was there because she’d hidden behind a curtain.

Other odd events occurred. There were a few hours on the Saturday morning that were rainless, so that’s when members took to the water, including long time member Al “The Judge” Stewart. 

Having not weighed in a fish in living memory, The Judge landed the fish of his life – an 89.5 centimetre 5.4 kilogram dusky flathead. 

And to add to the beauty of the story, he said it felt even better when he released her back into the lake and watched the magnificent creature swim away. 

The Judge appreciates longevity. 

Al gained the lake 60 plus section biggest fish and biggest bag awards. 

Also unusual was how Steve “Lizard King” Wilson acquired the open lake biggest fish and biggest bag (9.45 kilograms). 

Steve flicked long and hard all weekend for only three duskies, but two of them went 84 centimetres (4.4 kilograms) and were lured up on separate days. 

That was enough for the Lizard King to deservedly leap to an early tournament lead after two rounds, just ahead of crafty kayaker Peter Binns.

Gun soft plastic angler Kylie Kersting tricked up six duskies and a tailor for a win in the women’s lake category (2.49 kilograms), while reigning women’s champ Jane Dowling, with shipmate Ritchie McLatchie, hit the Bendalong ocean for their ocean category wins – Jane with 6.265 kilograms and women’s biggest fish, a 1.58 kilogram mowong, and Ritchie with 3.975 kilograms. 

Ritchie also saved five bream from the sharks for his beach and rock success.

The junior section was a first time victory for Ethan Henkle with two duskies and a bream. 

The next comp starts at 5pm on Friday, January 2 among the holiday madness. 

May Santa bring you an abundance of fishing gear and may your friends and relatives forgive you your inexplicable excesses over the festive period.

Time is fish, Mark Paloff.