SWAN Hill’s Lions and Rotary clubs are joining together this weekend to host their annual Fishing Classic contest at Pental Island.
The major prize winner will take home a Shimano fishing pack filled with rods, reels, lures, lines and other fishing accessories.
Now in it’s 14th year, the contest has gathered momentum and draws a crowd of more than 150 competitors from across the state in a two-day boat only event.
All funds raised from the weekend will be dispersed back into the local community according to Rotary president Rod Bishop.
“In previous years we have donated the money raised to local services such as the State Emergency Service, Swan Hill Hospice and last year we gave Women Touched by Cancer $10,000,” he said.
“The contest has developed a good reputation with feedback telling us that the competitors find it to be a well organised event and hosting it from the Pental Island Caravan Park means all the facilities are in one place.”
Mr Bishop said the contest would not be possible without the support of more than 50 local volunteers who donate their time to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“This year we are also paying the local Country Fire Authority to marshall the event so I guess that’s another way local services benefit from the event,” he said.
Lions immediate past president Colin McAlpine said the fishing contest was a great chance for the Lions and Rotary to join together for a common cause.
“Both service clubs have the same goal of giving back to the community and this event allows us to collaborate and decide together the best way to disperse the funds,” he said.
“But it is also a great social event and sometimes the only get together the fishermen have each year.
Entry to the event is $140 per person and two people are allowed per boat.
All meals are included over the weekend from Friday evening until Sunday lunch.
There will be a host of prizes given away over the weekend, with an opportunity to relax and brag in the evenings.
Mr McAlpine said the contest was also environmentally conscious with cod and yellow belly stocks being fed into the river.
“Over the past 14 years we have restocked the river with over 15,000 fish at Pental Island to ensure the contest does not put a strain on fish numbers,” he said.
Those interested in taking part in the competition can collect an entry form from all local fishing supply businesses before the event kicks off early Saturday morning.
