Glynn Dromey was a passionate spearfisherman with a particular penchant for chasing pelagic species. He has held a number of Australian records including largest sailfish and largest yellowfin tuna. This in an era when the focus was on reef species. Tragically, he was taken by cancer at the age of twenty nine back in the early 1980’s. Recognized as a top spearo and a person who had time for others learning the sport, it was in his memory that a competition held its inaugural meeting in 1996 and has continued on an annual basis ever since.

The Glynn Dromey Memorial Shield is organized by the West Australian Undersea Club and is advertised both locally and interstate. It aims to foster a competitive spirit between spearos and promote the virtues of selective hunting. Of all the ways, using breath hold diving is the most extreme to bring your target onto the boat. It requires fitness, regularity of practise and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is definitely out. Conditions on and in the water can be rough. Visibility may be poor, there could be a 2-3 knot current running, wind and swell can combine to produce an unpleasant experience. There is nowhere to lie down when you’ve been seasick in the water. Then there is the ever present threat posed by sharks in a sport where the hunter can become the hunted. In this environment a competition focuses effort on planning and performance within time and species constraints.

The competition goes for 6 hours. Points are awarded for one fish of each nominated variety and for its weight. The minimum weights for each fish far exceed those applied by the Fisheries Department. To differentiate it from other competitions, this one has a few distinctive features. Firstly there are a limited number of species, those which are targeted by most spearfishers for their eating and sporting qualities. Secondly, all fish are entered without guts or gills. This makes for better eating when later the fish are either reclaimed or donated. Scales are on hand at the beach for potential record captures. And thirdly, prizes are awarded one per competitor with subsequent prizes going to the next competitor in that category without a prize. The competition is now recognized as the pre-eminent event on the West Australian calendar, attracting 40 to 50 divers, some of whom are recognized worldwide for their exploits.

Lancelin was chosen as the venue which would offer better fish along with a good weekend away and a chance for competitors to socialize and have a beer without being too far from Perth. It is far enough away to ensure no-one has a ‘local’ advantage yet close enough to be a single day comp. The event is conducted from individual boats. Visitors without a ride are accommodated on members’ boats.

The weigh-in is conducted back in Perth to give divers a chance to freshen up and relax with family and friends around a meal of pre-prepared fish and drinks. Fish are weighed, points tallied, prizes presented and winners photographed. The day starts with a spirited departure from the boat ramp as the pairs strive for maximum points and ends with congratulations for all those who participated in a sport which demands passion and commitment just to be average.

RULES

2011 Glynn Dromey Memorial Spearfishing Competition Rules

1) Registrations will be accepted on the day between 6:00am and 6:40am at Miragliotta Street, Lancelin. (Park directly across from Lancelin main Jetty and boat launching area) or at Club meeting on Tuesday night March 15. All boats must log on and log off via radio with Lancelin Sea Rescue (Ph:9655 1289)
2) The competition will start at 7:00am and conclude at 2:00pm, but may be shortened by consensus or due to safety reasons. Start and finish times will be determined by the W.A.U.C. timekeepers watch. Competitors can go by sea or land but must depart and finish adjacent to the jetty.
3) Every diver must register with a partner. Each pair to dive from the same boat. Each diver to tow one float with flag, whistle and mirror attached. The competition is a BYO boat competition. Each pair must have signed off by the notified finish time.
4) Competitors must be immersed in the water at time of spearing the fish.
5) One fish of each species to be submitted per pair.
6) Burleying is only permitted using fish speared on the day.
7) Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd pairs, most meritorious and mystery weight fish (open only to those who haven’t won a prize). Spearfishing Organiser has final say on prize allocation.
8 ) Should the day be cancelled, the competition will be postponed to the Sunday or following weekend. Refunds will be given if the competition is cancelled.
9) It is each individual’s responsibility to be aware of Marine Sanctuary boundaries. Anyone diving in a Sanctuary will be disqualified.
10) All fish to be submitted gutted and gilled and divers should ensure that fish are thoroughly cleaned. If however you believe you may have a record fish, certified club scales will be available at the sign off area prior to gutting and gilling for potential records.
11) It is a freedive only competition