Matt Hansen with a golden perch
It’s official, the annual Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic is set to become the biggest in the state according to organisers.
“The Easter event is one of the best catch and release fishing competitions in NSW, with 702 entries recorded at the 2011 event.
Lake Burrendong Classic president Matt Hansen said they were hoping for an even bigger crowd this year.
“There is speculation the numbers might increase to 1000,” Mr Hansen said.
“The competiton is a family-based event with entry being $30 per person.”
The event will also include entertainment for families with Movies Along the Macquarie, in conjunction with RiverSmart, screening the family film Red Dog on the Saturday night of the 2012 Lake Burrendong Classic catch and release fishing competition.
Riversmart CEO Dr Bill Phillips said the huge outdoor movie screen would again light up at this year’s Easter time event, with all children and families welcome to bring along a camping chair, picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy this fantastic film under the stars.
The towering outdoor movie screen, complete with state-of-the-art outdoor sound system, will light up as soon as darkness falls on the Saturday night of the Lake Burrendong Classic, giving both competitors and families a chance to sit back, relax and socialise after the first day of fun at the not-for-profit fishing event.
“The Lake Burrendong Classic will also see many exhibitors showcasing their wares, with Canobolas Caravan and Marine Centre again bringing half their shop to the dam.
“Other exhibitors include AusSpin Lures, the Fisheries Trailer, Maritime NSW, Native Lures, Full on Fishing Adventures, Secret Creek Lures, RiverSmart, BTW communications, and the IWRA will also have a full range of Lake Burrendong Classic merchandise on sale,” Mr Hansen said.
Sponsorship for the event continues to flow in with business across the central west digging deep to push the prize pool towards the $40,000 mark.
Some of the prizes to be given away at this year’s competition include a 4X4 off-road Skamper Camper trailer, Quintrex trailer boat and motor, a holiday accommodation package, $2000 Canobolas Marine voucher, $6000 worth of rods, reels, sounders, tackle and electric motors from Canobolas Marine, eight Plano four-tray tackle boxes, 40 landing nets, 20 Shimano fishing rod combo’s, five mobile phones from One Zero, a stack of vouchers from local businesses, and five inflatable PFD’s.
The prize list is still growing with members of the community invited to contribute by contacting IWRA president Matt Hansen on 0427 454 357, IWRA vice-president Mick O’Neill on 0402 232 479, IWRA secretary Wendy Hood on 0427 845 192 or IWRA PR officer Gordon Cowan on 0418 582 221.
Fishing times will be:
Saturday April 7, 2012 8am to 5pm
Sunday April 8, 2012 7am to 1pm
