With so many well-stocked rivers, creeks and lakes, fishing enthusiasts come from all over Queensland for the great fishing on offer in these parts. Fishing competitions are a regular feature of the region and families love to get amongst the action at the best fishing and camping adventures going around.
The comps raise important funds to buy fingerlings to re-stock fish reserves. If you fancy your chances at snagging a winner, take your pick of the events or take the time to do the lot.
Great Baralaba Saratoga Classic
Dates to be confirmed for 2025!
Touted as one of Queensland’s top inland fishing competitions, the Saratoga Classic falls on the second weekend in September. Attracting 300 plus participants, aged from four years and up, and with rich prizes up for grabs, there’s no shortage of willing challengers. It’s all friendly rivalry though, and a great excuse for family fun with live entertainment until midnight, markets (free to stall vendors), and festival fare provided by the local P&C.
Weigh-in is strictly by 12:00 noon each day and a mobile weigh-in service is being offered so contestants who don’t want to leave their post, can weigh-in without having to move.
The Baralaba Recreation & Fish Stocking group tops up fish supplies with about 60,000 fingerlings each year.
CONTACT DETAILS
Dave
Great Baralaba Saratoga Classic
P: 0427 137 368
E: baralabafishing@gmail.com
Lake Callide Family Fishing Classic
25 – 27 October 2024!
Usually held five days before the full moon in October, Biloela’s Lake Callide Family Fishing Classic is all about the Barra. Pulling a 116 cm beauty has set the record and got everyone excited for what’s to come. It’s a ‘drag ‘em out’ tussle that’s on for young and old, to see who’ll crack the record at this year’s turn out. About 400 fishing fans join the throng, so all-weekend action is guaranteed. Saturday night the mood continues with live music, raffle draws and food, cold beers and drinks.
There’s free onsite camping for everyone and thanks to the Banana Shire Council, new amenities and recreational facilities make this venue top draw.
The Callide Valley Fish Stocking Association has re-stocked the weir, year in and year out since 1987.
CONTACT DETAILS
E: the.secretary@cvnfsa.org.au
Facebook: @Callidevalleynativefishstockingassociationinc.
http://www.cvnfsa.org.au/lake-callide-fishing-classic.html
Moura Muddy Water Family Fishing Classic
Dates to be confirmed for 2025!
Upwards of 400 contenders turn up for the Moura Muddy Water Classic each year. Held at Apex Park on the beautiful Dawson River, hopeful contenders begin to pour in on Friday to get their nominations in. It’s an early night though with battle lines drawn at 6.00 am the next morning and first weigh-in starting at 7.00 am. The focus is all on family fun with juniors making up more than half of the number of seniors in the game. Saturday night entertainment includes special guest Dave Hodge, ‘Hodgie’ the Bare Foot Fisherman, who’s on the spot and willing to share his tips and tricks to help out budding fishos.
Excellent camping facilities are available at Apex Park with powered and unpowered sites.
Established back in 2003, the comp has released more than 400,000 barra and yellowbelly fingerlings (in the main) to restock river supplies.
CONTACT DETAILS
Zelma
P: (07) 4997 1932 / 0428 971 932
E: m.a.f.s.g@bigpond.com
Graeme
P: (07) 4997 2244 / AH 4997 2010
Taroom Fishing Competition
Dates to be confirmed for 2025!
Glebe Weir is always great fishing and the Taroom Fishing Competition is a tradition most freshwater fishos refuse to pass up. Some 300 competitors turn out each year for the event. Nominations for all age groups are taken on the Friday night before kick-off at 6.00 am Saturday morning.
Onsite catering is always handy for those keen to get their energy levels primed and to keep them going while there’s action on the water, and a bar to help relax when the hard yards are done. The comp concludes at 12.00 noon on Sunday.
Excellent camping facilities are available at Glebe Weir with powered and unpowered sites available.
From funds raised since 1987 the Glebe Weir Taroom and District Fishing and Restocking Club have restocked the dam with fingerlings to the tune of 72,600 silver perch, 353,000 golden perch and 36,350 sleepy cod.
CONTACT DETAILS
Harry Johnson
P: 0427 361 631
‘Hooked on theodore’ family fishing competition
Dates to be confirmed for 2025!
The Theodore Family Fishing Competition is back and better than ever! It all kicks off on the Friday night with nominations at the local bowls club and the chance to chat with the locals to get the insider knowledge on the best places to target. There are always heaps of prizes to be won, live music, a bar operating, and food available for purchase throughout the weekend. All funds raised go towards making future fishing competitions self-sustainable, upgrades to boating facilities and possible fish re-stocking programs.
Limited camping is available onsite at Junction Park, however Theodore Showgrounds has heaps of space with both powered and unpowered camping available.
CONTACT DETAILS
Theodore Chamber of Commerce and Industry
P: 0408 710 442
E: theodorechamber@outlook.com
Do I need a permit and are there regulations I need to follow?
Recreational fishing rules and regulations
For all the do’s and don’ts on recreational fishing and where to get your permits, refer to the Queensland Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide available from local bait and fishing shops, online at www.daf.qld.gov.au or download the App from Google Play or App store.
Rules for freshwater boating also apply. For more information, check www.msq.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.
