Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition a Success in 2015

THE Paradise Stocking Association Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition held at Mingo Crossing on August 29 and 30 was a resounding success despite receiving a severe thunderstorm on Saturday evening.

Everyone camping at the grounds for the weekend was affected by the storm in some way but all competitors were greeted with lovely fine weather for the final day of fishing.

The competition drew a crowd of over 300 people and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time.

A great number of fish were caught, though some said it was tricky to get them to bite. Surprisingly, catfish were the hardest to catch but the number of yellowbelly landed was quite outstanding.

The weekend’s winners were divided into four fish categories for both seniors and juniors. The “elusive barramundi” category sponsored by Evolution Mining of Mount Perry was not caught, though not for want of trying.

Winners

In the catfish category, the winner of the major Senior Male prize was Kevin Murton, with his wife Dawn taking out the Female section.

Junior Male winner was Jordan Brady, while Isabella McAskill won the Junior Female section.

Other species category winners were: Yellowbelly – Senior: Brad Doyle; Junior: Dalean Simionato. Bass – Senior: Shane Roth; Junior: Levi Roth. Eel-tailed catfish – Senior: Dallas Doyle; Junior: Ivan Wykes. Spangled perch – Senior: Gregory Green; Junior: Ivan Wykes.

Sunday’s major Senior draw for a two-man kayak, Minn Kota electric motor and battery was won by Lisa Wheeler of Bundaberg. This gear was sponsored by Koastal Kayak, Bundaberg Marineland and J & J Motors.

In the Junior Male major draw, Ben Cooper of Biggenden won a kayak sponsored by Koastal Kayaks.

Junior Female major draw winner was Emily Sullivan of Urraween, Hervey Bay. Emily won a kayak sponsored by Koastal Kayaks in conjunction with Paradise Stocking Association.

Those seniors and juniors who were lucky enough to have their numbers drawn went home with a bag of goodies donated by various sponsors.

A multi-draw raffle featured a first prize of a Weber barbecue and six lucky winners went home happy.

Members of the Paradise Stocking Association would like to thank all sponsors for their generous support because without them we would not be able to have such a successful event. We would also like to thank all the competitors for their support in turning up for a fantastic weekend of fishing.