Horsham Fishing Competition organisers have opened registration for the 47th annual event.

The 2024 Horsham Fishing Competition will take place along the banks of the Wimmera River on March 10.

Anglers and families are invited to get involved in the long weekend tradition, which promises lots of fun, camaraderie and exciting prizes.

Horsham Fishing Competition president Bart Turgoose said the committee was enthusiastic about this year’s event.

“We have listened to the valuable feedback from our competitors, and we are excited to introduce some exciting changes to our event to better align with the spirit of our family-oriented competition,” he said.

“Our survey data showed attendees were looking for a fun weekend away with their families, rather than just serious angling.

“We’ve carefully curated prizes that cater to this sentiment.”

This year, the first-place prize is a $7500 travel voucher awarded to the angler who catches the longest native fish. 

More than $40,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs during the Sunday event.

Mr Turgoose said the committee was grateful to the businesses that generously donated goods and supported the competition.

“Our committee believes the travel voucher is the perfect prize to provide the winning family or individual with an unforgettable getaway,” he said.

“It aligns with the anglers’ desire for a more family-centric experience.”

Last year the fishing competition returned a profit and the committee elected to return the money to non-profit groups and initiatives. The committee distributed $3000 to each of Phoenix Animal Rescue, Beyond Community Inclusion, Horsham Rural City Band, Riding for Disabled Horsham, Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre, Horsham Falcons Soccer Club, Horsham Motor Sports Inc, Kannamaroo Festival, Horsham City Pipe Band and fundraiser Phoebe’s Future.

It also donated $1500 to all-abilities athletics team Horsham Rockets to attend an annual carnival.

Regular updates and announcements can be found on the competition’s Facebook page, ‘Horsham Fishing Competition Inc.’.

People can register for the competition at horshamfishingcomp.com.au  

The Weekly Advertiser is the naming rights sponsor of the fishing competition.

The entire February 7, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!