Stefan Bradley
IT was a feel-good day on Sunday, March 26 for ‘Eeling Good Fishing’s inaugural Junior Carp Fishing Competition at Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt.
‘Eeling Good Fishing is a family-friendly Facebook group to share fishing tips, tricks and log catches. It’s an online space to correspond with other anglers regardless of their location.
Competition organiser Matt Battley said the event exceeded his expectations. He was expecting about 20 contestants, and was surprised to see 83 kids take part as anglers. On the day, 48 carp were caught, along with one redfin and one turtle.
“Well done to all our winners and for all of those that took part and caught carp. But our comp wouldn’t have been as successful if it were not for the generosity of the local community,” Battley said.
“It was through these businesses and people that we received the prizes. Neville Loper, Greg Battley, myself and our mascot Michael Rouse organised the day.”
Battley said there will definitely be another competition due to its success.
“What we learnt from our first ever competition was the amount of bureaucratic hurdles we have to jump through. It made something so easy so very hard,” he said.
“Our next outing will be held in late April. All spots have been booked for an offshore charter with Far Out Charters in Lakes Entrance.
“There have been suggestions of another charter for group members at Port Albert.”
Mr Battley said at this stage, there is no adult fishing competition.
“‘Eeling Good Fishing wasn’t formed to organise competitions. We thought a junior carp fishing competition was a good idea to get kids and families out and about,” he said.
It was a true community undertaking to make this event a success.
Matt and Karen Telling from Stratford Marine were the first to jump on board and contributed. An anonymous donor gave generously. Ashleigh Wood from Ash’s Edible Artworks gave out awards. Rick Morrison and the staff from MAD Outdoors Sale put together a great prize pack. Michael Walker at SportsF1rst, and Toys Galore & More Sale graciously donated.
BCF Sale contributed and Heather Baird donated a $100 BCF voucher.
The staff at Avon Hotel were keen to jump on board and shared ideas for the next competition.
Kylie-Anne Rich from Victorian Fisheries Authority was responsible for the red gift bags anglers received when signing up.
Within those bags was a little gift pack kindly given by Zoran Milic.
Hanno Parker from Noojee Bush Goods made the journey to bring his child but also gave away a prize pack and a fishing rod given to him by Rex Hunt.
Finally, Stephen Flynn from Maffra Worm Man donated and supplied worms to the anglers.
Results:
Logan Rickard: Largest Carp – 71.5cm
Cambell Dawes: Most Carp – 11 caught – a combined length of 4.87m
Will Howe: mystery prize, a turtle. Emma Skeel – mystery prize, first fish
Blake McDonald: Smallest Fish – 11cms
Harvey Lindrea: Encouragement Award
