Bigger and better in 2021

* UPDATE * The Fishing Classic has been cancelled – more details at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club Facebook page.

The Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic is still one of South East Queensland’s most iconic annual events, now in its 35th year, and it is one of the few remaining fishing tournaments on the eastern seaboard.

“This year there is a new committee and management,” said Greg Pearce, one of the organisers. “There’s over $100 thousand in prizes and sponsorship!

“Events like this don’t happen without our major sponsors. Wilson Fishing, the largest sponsor, has been good enough to sponsor two of the six nights, manufactured our fishing shirts and hoodie jumpers, and helped us with purchasing more prizes compared to previous years.”

Rainbow Beach Sports Club in partnership with Mayco Craft and Bonza Graphics are supplying the adult major drawdown Boatie’s Package prize, which includes a boat with a wrap, motor,  trailer, and safety gear valued approximately $12,000!

The Cadets major drawdown prize will be a marine vessel: Sea Jay 3.7 Nomad HS (High Side Model) – short shaft transom, proudly sponsored by Guse Transport and Westlink Petroleum.

Other major sponsors include XXXX, Coopers Tyres, Suncoast Marine Electrical/Simrad, ARB supply camping equipment and 4WD accessory prizes, with Cadets sponsored by 7th Wave.

John Madill Toyota provides the nightly random draw prize eskies and Sales Manager, Steve Byrne is hoping to get out on the water again this year.

“We’re there, it’s the fourth year we’ve been involved. We enjoy having a week at Rainbow Beach and listening to everyone’s stories, and being there for our community.”

Greg agrees – each night is an experience, watching the fish come in, and meeting the fishers who return year after year in what is a must-do event for their families or mates.

Greg said, “Many people don’t realise the competition also provides a meeting point for people who don’t see each other for the rest of the year.”

You don’t need to catch a fish to win a prize, and this year, every entrant receives a free Camps Australia Wide App subscription!

Greg assured, “It is the same fishing comp, same categories – we’re hoping our prizes have improved and will continue to improve.”

Fish in the offshore and inshore waters from Maheno Wreck to the north and Noosa North Shore River to the south. In order to protect the Grey Nurse Shark habitat, there is a 1.5km radius restriction of fishing around Wolf Rock.

“It is important to the club that it brings much needed business to town in a traditionally quiet time of year,” said Greg.

“Unfortunately, at the moment with border closures – we’ve lost ten percent of entrants, so we hope to attract more Queensland entries this year.

“At this point we are all systems go – we are hoping to host in excess of 650 competitors in face of the current COVID conditions.”

All ages and all levels of experience are invited, it is all about enjoying our great outdoors. There’s something for all fishers, and all types of fishing – kilometres of beach and protected waterways reaching up through the Great Sandy Straits.

Greg assures, “It will continue to be a family based event with juniors and cadets firmly involved now and into the future.”

The event proudly supports community groups – Rainbow Beach Amateur Anglers, Tin Can Bay Coastguard, Rainbow Beach Bowls and Cricket Clubs, Rainbow Beach Junior kids footy, and Rainbow Beach State School P&C will raising much needed funds when you buy your raffle tickets for meat trays and seafood, supplied by Rainbow Beach Meats.

So come along for the fun: register today at trybooking.com/BQZOJ, download the printable version OR email: fish@rainbowbeachsportsclub.com.au