It's almost time to grab your fishing rod, tackle and bait and head to Burnett Heads to reel in a big one as part of this year’s VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic.
For 15 years the well-established fishing competition has lured friends and families to try their luck to catch a monster, all for a good cause.
Returning after a two-year sabbatical due to Covid-19, the VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic is back with an emphasis on family participation.
The organisation was recently awarded a $4000 community grant from Bundaberg Regional Council to support the return of the competition.
Council’s Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said it was a fantastic opportunity to support local community events who had been doing it tough.
“The Bundaberg Region community prides itself on helping others,” Cr McPhee said.
“Community grants like these help support local groups to run events like VMR Bundaberg’s Fishing Classic that contribute to the Bundaberg Region and the wider community.”
VMR Bundaberg spokesman Graham Kingston said since its inception in 2006, the family fishing classic had steadily grown in popularity and it now attracted more than 2000 participants and numerous visitors to the Bundaberg Region.
“As a public event, it enables marine rescue to engage with its target audience and the wider community that it relies on for support,” he said.
“Emphasis is on family participation, including family entries and prize categories for senior and junior levels.
“Additional on-site attractions include food stalls, a licenced bar, raffles and entertainment.”
Graham said sustainable fishing was also a major theme this year, with catch limits, target species and a live catch, tag and release program.
He said there would also be static and interactive educational displays to promote caring for the marine environment and safety on the water.
The VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic prize pool for lucky draws this year includes cash prizes of as well as a Quintrex boat and trailer package valued at $15,000.
VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic will be held on 24 to 26 June.
Registration forms and rules can be found online here.
