"All entries will be automatically transferred to this date or refunds to boats and crews who cannot make this postponed date, please let us know," Kiama Game Fishing Club president Mark Way said.

'We apologise to competitors for the cancellation of our comp, however, safety must always come first for all boats who have entered the tournament and besides common sense, a gale warning under NSWGFA rules automatically cancels a tournament.

"The final decision was made after viewing updates on all popular marine forecasters, some worse than others but at this time, showing an increase in wind and swell in alignment for a strong southerly change.

"As the new date co-insides more so with tuna season, the committee will look at adding cash prize to Yellowfin Tuna. Mako sharks are also about in numbers at this time and I would expect large striped marlin to be an option with a late run of blues a possibility.

"We will publish more information later on this aspect of possible tournament prize alterations soon," he added.