Angling for red-hot fishing competition
ANGLERS eager to get out on the water for marlin season will have the chance to put their skills to the test in a big month of competition fishing in the Far North.
Yorkeys Knob Sport Fishing Club will host the opening event of the light tackle Billfish season by holding a Light
Tackle Slam on August 1-2.
One of the biggest tournaments on the club’s calendar, anglers from as far as Townsville are expected to travel north to participate.
All fish must be tagged and released and only 10kg is permitted.
There will be categories for boats over and under 8m and for those anglers not seeking to battle it out with a marlin, there will be prize categories for heaviest pelagic species including mackerel, tuna, cobia, wahoo and dolphin fish.
Event co-ordinator Darren Hendrie said it could be a challenging tournament but always an eventful one.
He encouraged anglers to get their nominations in.
“There’s good signs of fish out there at the moment, even though it’s been a bit hard for people to get out there and have a fish with this weather,” he said.
“We’re the first light tackle slam coming up for our zone area, which includes Innisfail, Townsville, Port Douglas. So we’re the first ones to be up and running.”
Cairns Bluewater Game Fishing Club will host the region’s next event of the season, a tag and release tournament on August 21-23.
Innisfail Game Fishing Club will follow with their annual Billfish tournament on August 27-29.
“August is going to be a busy month for comp fishing but definitely worth it,” Mr Hendrie said.
For more details or to register, visit each fishing club’s Facebook page. Get the best guide to the region’s hot spots in our Friday Fishing section.