October 6, 2025
Photo: Ian Jones with the 12.3 Kg Snapper caught near the Aspendale reef in November 2010
The following image and article was kindly supplied by VRFish and BMYS member, Brian Wright.
Ian Jones (1932-2025)
Always a true gentleman and an inspiration to all anglers.
VRFish members and anglers of all ages mourn the recent passing of Ian Jones. Ian was involved with VRFish in the very early years as a member and represented the Victorian Game Fishing Association as president and delegate.
With a solid background in education, Ian became principal at Bayside schools in the Beaumaris area. His teaching skills were not lost in educating the art of angling to all comers over his long life spanning 93 years. Ian is survived by loyal longtime wife Marge and family Kerry, Ross and Andrew.
To close friends Ian was known as “Mr. Jay” the name displayed on the side of a succession of his fishing craft commonly seen out on Port Phillip Bay.
Back in the early days of the Rex Hunt radio broadcasts, Ian would phone in from his boat with live updates to a vast number of keen listeners hoping to improve their chances. Ian also spent time helping out at the Black Rock Southern Sportfishing Tackle store run by the late Wayne Wright and his mother Joan for many years from where again Ian shared so much local knowledge to help budding anglers.
Being a Beaumaris local naturally he was heavily involved in the establishment and success of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron for some 40 years serving as board member and a very successful Commodore culminating in a well deserved Life Membership.
If “Keeping Up With The Jones’s” refers to sport “Mr Jay” would be a hard act to follow… Starting with 6 VFL games for North Melbourne, VFA career at full back for Sandringham, Pace bowler who captured 9 wickets in an innings at District cricket, Accomplished Lawn Bowler, Golfer, Tennis Player and coach (in later years) and completed Frankston to Melbourne Marathons.
As the complete angler, Ian supported the Fisheries with sustainable angling and improvement in environment including reef restorations.
His favourite quarry was always King George Whiting but as the depicted photo shows he was a true all rounder.
Smooth Sailing and Tight Lines “Mr. Jay.”
