Vol. 19 No. 34
FREE PUBLICATION
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Australian Editorial Award 2016
Contest last call H
BY DEAN LAWSON
orsham Fishing Competition organisers have urged people planning to fish in Sunday’s big community money-raiser to avoid leaving registration to the last minute.
NEXT GENERATION: Lachlan MacDonald, 7, made a beeline for a John Deere tractor display during the opening day of the 2017 Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Lachlan travelled from Inverleigh with his parents and younger brother Darcy, 3, to attend the event at Longerenong. For more on the field days, see pages 16 and 17. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
IN THIS ISSUE
Contest chairwoman Adele Rohde said while registrations from visiting anglers had flowed in consistently, Horsham district people had maintained a tradition of waiting until shortly before the event to enter. She said the major issue of late entries when dealing with an influx of so many people, together with their family and friends, was finding appropriate places to fish on the Wimmera River. “It starts to get harder the longer you wait to register,” she said. “The message is that we really encourage people to register sooner rather than later, not only for the benefit of committee members working through the entries, but also to get a good spot on the river. Stakes are already out there filling most of the popular fishing spots.” Mrs Rohde said early indications showed significantly more senior registrations than in recent years and estimates were that an overall entry in the 40th anniversary event might top the 2200 mark. “If we can get that number we will be very happy,” she said. The Weekly Advertiser is again providing strong support for the Labour Day weekend event, which anecdotal estimates suggest pumps more than $1-million into the Horsham district economy each year. Anglers will fish for a total of more than $60,000 in prizes from 7.30am to 3pm on the Wimmera River, from Riverside to Horsham Weir, with the first senior prize for the heaviest eligible fish caught during the event a choice between a Kia Cerato hatch car, boating package or Jayco Swift Outback caravan. Second prize is a five-night Barra Tours fishing adventure package for two to the
Northern Territory and third prize a Gone Fishing Charters tuna fishing trip for up to eight people. Mrs Rohde said people could register in person today and tomorrow from noon until 6pm at Horsham Apex Shed, or on Friday and Saturday at Horsham Soundshell from 9am to 7pm. Organisers will also accept Sunday entries at the soundshell from 6am to noon and online entries until Saturday. Mrs Rohde said an early-bird entry prize, a $500 kayak from Aquayuk, had gone to Julie Lasinger from Learmonth. “The caravan, car and boat will be on display at the soundshell from Saturday morning,” she said. Predictions based on summer fishing form are that an angler who lands a large native yellowbelly, also known as a golden perch or callop, will again secure top prize. Mrs Rohde said large native catfish might also feature prominently. “We’re expecting some big fish and it will be interesting to see what redfin and carp come in,” she said.
Display
The Horsham contest is a catch and release event with notable fish on public display in tanks at Sawyer Park before being released back into the river at the end of the event. “We had a great result with the health of the fish last year and are keen to maintain high standards,” Mrs Rohde said. The contest committee is also on a lastminute hunt for about half a dozen stewards who, as part of the contest community reward system, have the opportunity to raise money in the role for their clubs and organisations. Anyone keen to get involved as a steward can call Barbeques Galore in Horsham on 5382 1541. Mrs Rohde said people seeking general information could call Prue Dellar on 0439 826 187, visit website info@horshamfishingcomp.com.au or visit the contest Facebook page.
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