Great prize pool at VMR Bundaberg Fishing Classic

VMR Bundaberg is holding its 13th Family Fishing Classic from June 29 to July 1, 2018.

The prize pool for lucky draws again includes the three Quintrex boats with outboards and trailers, with the total prize pool for lucky draws and fishing category prizes exceeding $70,000. The Classic runs from Burnett Heads over the three days, and the registration form and rules are available on the website at vmrbundabergfishingclassic.com.au along with results of the 2017 Classic.

Registrations are $35 for adults, $10 for children and $80 for a family of two adults and three children. Burnett Heads is a great central venue for the excellent beach and estuarine fishing, with Baffle Creek and the Kolan, Burnett and Elliott rivers all fishing well. A three-lane ramp at Burnett Heads Harbour is a good facility for those who want to chase pelagics and reef fish on the many reefs and gutters in northern Hervey Bay.

The weigh-in caters for junior and senior entries in live/release and dead fish categories. The live fish category included about 30 percent of the total estuary weigh-in for recent Classics. VMR spokesman Graham Kingston said, “We have an excellent live fish viewing tank that is very popular with the kids, and fish are tagged and returned to the harbour.”

There are three trophies up for grabs:

1. Outstanding effort by a junior from the crew of Jupiter;
2. Best red emperor from Wicked Fishing; and
3. Best cobia from the Wakefield family.

There will be plenty of great food stalls manned by supporting service clubs and a licensed bar at the event. The very popular lucky draw sessions will be held from 6pm on Saturday, with a Quintrex 390 Explorer, 30hp Suzuki outboard and trailer as the major prize. Lucky draws will restart at 1pm on Sunday, when a second 390 Explorer and a 420 Renegade with a 40hp Suzuki outboard will be given away as the major prizes.

The junior lucky draw prize is a kayak. This is an exciting family event, with many prizes for both junior and senior participants. You only have to register to participate in the lucky draws – the fishing provides the extra fun. A major innovation for the 2018 Classic will be the Hitz FM and Harvey Norman Bundaberg ‘Fire in the Sky’ fireworks spectacular as the grand finale to the Saturday night presentations.

This great event is only possible with fantastic support from VMR’s sponsors. Boats Galore and Suzuki Marine have combined to support the boating packages, while long-term sponsor Tackle World Bundaberg has continued with quality fishing tackle prizes for both seniors and juniors. Harvey Norman Bundaberg is on board as a major sponsor, supplying thousands of dollars in gift vouchers.

Alliance Airlines has provided five return airfares from Bundaberg to Brisbane and The Bolt Place will again provide access to a great range of products, while Rum City Locks & Security will help with financial support for prize purchases. Koastal Kayaks is providing an impressive fleet of kayak prizes.
Queensland Computers has stepped up again to supply laptop computers and other tech goodies.

Many other local sponsors allow VMR to keep the prizes rolling. The excellent media coverage provided by the WIN network and Bundaberg Broadcasters ensures extensive promotion of the event. Tayco has boosted the promotion of the Classic with a large billboard and electronic sign.
Mark the date, get the bait – or just register for the lucky draws.