Beach Fishing Comp Goes Enviro-friendly

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter 12th July

SOUTH east Queensland's Moreton Island, is set to host the inaugural TJM Moreton Island Fishing Classic from August 31 to September 3, 2012. The Classic is set to draw hundreds of participants onto Moreton Island's beaches (no boat fishing) to compete.

Moreton Island Adventures (MIA) CEO Roz Shaw said the amateur friendly fishing competition, open to teams or individuals of men, women and children aims to 'leave no trace', with a variety of environmentally sustainable approaches put in place to minimise the event's eco-footprint.

"Moreton Island is Brisbane's own adventure playground and it is one of Australia's most unspoilt locations so close to a major metropolitan city, so we need to be even more mindful of our environmental footprint.

"A one species per day limit will be enforced with only the best catch of the day being weighed and all other fish being released," she said.

Ms Shaw said the Fishing Classic would bring together some of Queensland's keenest fishermen and hopes the event will also provide an opportunity to teach all participants the important message of sustainable fishing.

"There is an abundance of marine life inhabiting the Moreton Bay area with flathead, bream, mulloway, tailor, whiting and dart the species which will be judged in the competition.

Fishing Ambassador Dave "Nugget" Downie said the Moreton Island Fishing Classic would fill a gap in the calendar following the end to a number of destination fishing competitions over the past five years.

"The Moreton Classic will become one of Queensland's iconic fishing competitionsin its own right, one that is all welcoming for families and seasonedfishermen alike," he said.

Nugget said the Moreton Fishing Classic had the potential to become the premier tailor competition in Australia.

A number of prizes will be on offer for both entrants to the Classic and spectators, including cash prizes up to $1,000, fishing equipment, 4x4 accessories and products and a major prize raffle, featuring a week's accommodation at Moreton Island in a holiday house valued atover $1200.

Fishing Classic headquarters in Bulwer will be the central point for the competition and feature a daily weigh-in from 4:00pm–6:00pm alongside a bar, local entertainment and a sausage sizzle. Participants and spectatorswill be able to buy fresh local bait, stock up on ice, fuel andfirewood from Bulwer.

To enter or for more information visit www.moretonislandadventures.com.au or phone (07) 3136 2555.