
Kids from all over the state competed in the December Queensland Kids Fishing Classic with four young locals taking out a win during the school holidays.
Connor and Jayden Brown and Mirane and Tyler Ridgeway were hailed the Bundaberg winners after their impressive statistics.
Mirane Ridgeway – 3-7 year age group
Most fish – 103
Most species – 20 unique species
Flathead – two for 775mm
Barred Javelin – two for 740mm
Tyler Ridgeway – 13-17 year age group
Most fish – 267
Snapper – Tie – two for 830mm
Jayden Brown – 8-12 year age group
Most species – 28 unique species
Barred javelin – two for 920mm
Flathead – two for 1160mm
Whiting – two for 635mm
Connor Brown – 8-12 year age group
Most fish overall
The competition, run every school holidays by 2 Bent Rods, aims to teach young fishing enthusiasts about the different type of marine life while giving them an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
Participants can share a win in over $6,000 worth of prizes including reels and a kayak.
Mum of the local winners, Mellie Ridgeway, is no stranger to the competition and said all four of her children had entered five times previously.
“They have improved so much….”she said.
“The kids have all mastered beach fishing and are catching some awesome fish compared to this time last year.
“My family and myself are very proud to see them and their results, the kids live and love
fishing and fish as much as they can.”

Event organiser Samantha Beckmann from 2 Bent Rods said she started the competition 18 months ago.
“It was going to be a yearly competition, however the feedback from parents and children
has been so positive that it now runs every school holidays,” she said.
“It’s been fantastic watching some of the kids improve, they send me messages saying how
proud they are of themselves because they caught a particular species or beat their PB.
“With species categories and three age groups, there are plenty of winners.
“There is even a category for collecting rubbish while fishing.”
Samantha said out of the 12 species of fish in the competition, two pests were also targeted.
“I always add invasive species such as carp and tilapia,” she said.
“I like to encourage everyone to learn about the detrimental effects they have on our native species and the damage they do to our waterways.
“In this competition the kids caught over 240.”.
Competition details
The January competition is now underway and is run through the 2 Bent Rods mobile app.
“Kids and parents can upload their catches to the app, they can check their progress and check out the leader boards,” Samantha said.
When: Saturday 11 to Monday 27 January 2025
How: Download the app to enter.
Entrants should join the Qld Kids Fishing Classic Facebook group to stay updated.