Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
AUSTRALIAN Fishing Tournaments has taken over management of the Evans Head Fishing Classic, adding competitions, champion categories and a new process of weigh-in called ‘Catch ‘n Snap’.
Weigh-ins are now based on fish-friendly photographs – anglers will photograph their competitive catch on brag mats, then have the option to keep the fish or release them back into the water as desired, keeping those larger breeding fish in population, all while anglers compete for the big fish prize.
The new process might sound daunting but it’s all pretty simple and AFT has all angler anxieties covered. The all-new 2017 Evans Head Fishing Classic will run from July 7 to July 14 and AFT has introduced a slew of random prizes, a whole new schedule and its new competition guidelines will improve this beloved annual week of serious fishing and socialising. These days, there is a lot of movement towards more sustainable practices and being fish friendly, all while allowing anglers to take home a feed.
AFT has also broadened competition fishing zones. This year you can launch from Byron to Yamba and fish both estuary and offshore. This lends flexibility for bad conditions and opens up more fishing opportunities for anglers. It also takes the pressure off the local stock of fish. While adults will predominate the weekdays, the weekend invites the little ones in for the new Cadet Competition on Saturday and Sunday, a junior two-day competition with prize pools open to all buddling anglers under the age of 16.
AFT has also introduced new overall champion categories. Winners will be announced for the overall champion male, champion female and champion team. Champions, competitors and attendees will be in the running for a total prize pool of over $80,000. All seven-day competitors have the chance to win a boat, motor and trailer package sponsored by Evinrude E-TEC, Lowrance, Hobie, and a host of other respected brands. The Evans Head Fishing Classic will be held on the banks of the Evans River banks outside the Woodburn Evans Head RSL Club.
This year, adults compete in a variety of fish categories including snapper, pearl perch, mulloway, tailor, kingfish/cobia, amberjack/samson fish, whiting, bream, blackfish and flathead. Cadets can target the usual estuary suspects of flathead, whiting and bream. To enter and find out more, visit fishingcomps.com.au/ehfc
