Fishing bonanza

Anew array of prizes for competitors will be one of the drawcards at next month’s Horsham Fishing Competition.

The competition, which attracts anglers from across Victoria and interstate to Horsham, will be on Sunday, March 10.

Whoever reels in the heaviest eligible fish during competition will have a choice between a new Kia Rio car and a five-night barramundi fishing trip for two people in the Tiwi Islands.

Second prize is a Savage 3.6-metre boat, fourstroke Tohatsu motor and trailer valued at $6870 and third prize is a Portland tuna fishing charter for eight people worth $3200.

Organisers have also reintroduced a club challenge, with contestants able to nominate a club they wish to represent when registering.

The club with the heaviest total bag will win $2000 cash. Club members are not required to fish in the same place.

A heaviest carp section, sponsored by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, will offer prizes ranging from $1500 to $250 for the five heaviest carp hooked in competition.

For the first time, any junior fisher who catches a fish over 30 centimetres will get a prize.

Competition chairwoman Adele Rhode said the revamped prize pool was in response to feedback from previous years.

“We received feedback from previous competitions that kids would sometimes get confused about the difference between a good fish and a bad fish and wonder why they weren’t getting a prize,” she said.

Mrs Rhode said competition organisers had worked with Wimmera CMA to ensure this year’s event would run smoothly.

“We have worked with the Wimmera CMA to understand challenges with environmental flows,” she said.

“We received negative feedback last year, with people asking us why more water was released into the river. The Wimmera CMA told us the increase in water levels before last year’s competition was an unfortunate mistake, and they have been open to feedback about water levels.

“Contestants shouldn’t see an increase in water levels between now and the competition.

“There should be ideal fishing conditions this year.”

Mrs Rhode said organisers had also worked with Wimmera CMA to develop an interactive map for competitors showing camping and fishing areas.

“No other competition I have come across has this kind of resource,” she said.

“It will be a huge help not only to contestants, but emergency services as well.

“It could revolutionise the competition and holds real potential for the future.

“It could lead to an online booking system rather than the way we currently do it with stakes.”

Mrs Rhode said making the event family-friendly was also a focus for the committee.

A free children’s fishing clinic will be at Horsham Angling Club on March 9, with activities including face painting and a jumping castle.

There will be free camping at Horsham Showgrounds from March 7 to 11, allowing competitors to spend the Labour Day long weekend in Horsham.

“The competition provides a huge economic boost to the town,” Mrs Rhode said.

“Most of the competitors are from out of town, and if anything we have seen more out of town competitors and fewer locals in the past few years.

“With all the events that are on during the weekend, we are encouraging people to take it as an opportunity to be a tourist in their own backyard rather than taking time off to go elsewhere.”

The Weekly Advertiser is again major sponsor of the event.

People seeking more information or wishing to register in the competition can visit website horshamfishingcomp.com.au.