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    KEEN ANGLERS: Brothers Judd, 4, Tanner, 7, Kynan, 13, and Campbell, 10, Stasinowsky are looking forward to The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Fishing Competition along the Wimmera River this weekend. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Hunt for The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Fishing Competition prize

By DEAN LAWSON

Horsham’s annual 44th Labour Day fishing competition this weekend appears likely to reach its maximum number of 1000 entries.

Entries are again flowing in after easing off during the state’s five-day ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown as people from across the region and beyond explore outdoor family recreation opportunities.

One of the biggest lures to this year’s contest, which has dramatically transformed to meet exhaustive COVID-19 guidelines, is that anyone who enters the annual Wimmera River event can win the major prize – regardless of whether they catch a fish.



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Junior allocation has sold out and senior entries are filling fast.  Juniors can still enter the competition as seniors – which will put them in the running for the senior prizes.

The event’s major prize has traditionally gone to the angler with the heaviest eligible fish.

Contest chairman Ray Howard said the change, which involved an overall entry draw, was based on recognition that people who simply took part were what the contest was all about.

“As an inland fishing contest the chances are the relative fish catch will never be that high and we get a lot of feedback from people who come back year after year but don’t catch anything,” he said.

“Everyone now has the chance. You don’t have to catch a fish, you just have to enter to win an overall draw.”

First prize this year is a Webbcon Marine boat, trailer and motor package, which headlines a list, that despite an overall competition contraction, still offers more than $30,000 in prizes.

Mr Howard reassured angling purists, who used the event as a test of piscatorial skill, that they remained an important part of the contest appeal.

“We have major prizes up for grabs in four species categories – redfin, yellowbelly, catfish and silver perch – each based on the length of fish caught,” he said.

“We will also continue to have a carp competition, but we’ve had to make some rule changes here as well.

“And you know what, as a point of interest, while a yellowbelly is still likely to be the biggest fish caught in the event, I reckon the longest fish caught could well be a catfish.”

Text catch

To meet strict COVID-19 guidelines, unlike usual years there will be no stewards to collect eligible fish to a marshalling area for weighing.

Instead, anglers will have a registration card with their number and when they catch a fish will take a photograph of their catch with a measure and card. They will then text the image to officials and release the fish back into the river. 

There will be no traditional presentation event or official gathering area at Sawyer Park and while camping opportunities remain, there will be restrictions involving movement of people.

Organisers will provide competition progress and updates via The Weekly Advertiser Facebook page.

People are not allowed to return carp to the river, but volunteers in cars, travelling the length of the contest area from Riverside Bridge to Horsham Weir, will collect the noxious fish for disposal.

“When it comes to having a win, to put it simply, people who catch fish will be eligible for all prize draws. People who don’t catch a fish will be eligible for 50 percent of draws including the big one,” Mr Howard said. “We’ve had to change the competition completely, but we’re confident everything is in place and we’re pretty well prepared. 

“We’re anticipating we’ll get our 1000 entries.” 

The Weekly Advertiser has continued its strong support as major sponsor and many other businesses have also rallied behind the iconic event.

Mr Howard urged visitors taking part in the competition to show their support to the Horsham district business community with patronage.

“We put all the money we raise back into local businesses and that’s why it was important to keep the event going,” he said.

“Businesses have done it hard, so this should be a good boost for the economy. It is also about giving people a chance to return to some normality and to go fishing.”

Mr Howard appealed for the help and patience of all involved in working with the new format.

“It is going to be very new for us as well and there are sure to be some teething issues,” he said.

“The key is that people can get in touch with us or find out more about how everything operates via our website or through social media.”

Wimmera catchment leaders, meanwhile, are confident Wimmera River conditions will be ideal for the Sunday event.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said environmental flows had combined with favorable weather to flush away a ‘blackwater’ threat in Horsham.

“It’s fair to say we’ve dodged a bullet in regard to water-quality issues in Horsham and latest assessments suggest the river will be ideal for fishing,” he said.

The entire March 3, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!