An array of fantastic prizes is set to lure many young anglers to the Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club’s fourth annual Junior Tournament this month.
The popular “catch and release” event, to take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October, offers a great time for all youngsters, 16 years and under, in two categories: “local” for Lake Macquarie and “online” for those who are further afield.
But, at the end of the day, the name of the game’s all about involvement.
“The aim is to get as many juniors as possible out there having a go with family and friends,” Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club’s junior coordinator Leanda Guy said.
“Catching is not a necessity for this event but having fun and making some great memories is.
“This is our fourth tournament, we’ve only missed one due to COVID-19, so we’re anticipating this year’s instalment will be the biggest and best.
“We had 65 for the first outing.
“However, participation numbers are likely to hit the 100 mark, due to additional promotion throughout the Grafton and Coffs Harbours areas.
“Every junior must have an adult supervisor registered with them while we’ll have some mentors available for tips and advice for those newer to fishing.
“We can also provide pre-loved gear for the youngsters who may not have access to any.
“That will ensure no one has to miss out on the fun.”
A major incentive are the remarkable prizes on offer, too, according to Guy.
“We’ve obtained some excellent items, including a $140 voucher from Buzz Boats, which they can use to hire a jet ski; Jimmy Barnes gave us a medium-sized black and gold zip jacket with Soul 30 on it; Bar Crusher provided four hoodies and caps; Hot Tackle merchandise; the DPI sent 20 fishing rods and reels; Weet-Bix packs (shirts, scarves, socks); Duffs’s at Salamander (two $50 and one $25 voucher); Ryan Moody’s offered five online courses to learn about your Fish Finders; hand-crafted nets and lures; Lake Macquarie Cruise voucher; John Paul Young-signed merchandise; family passes to Paul Bennet Air Show, Inflatable World and Boolaroo Cinema; Tackle Addict, Tweed Bait and Gobblers Lure packs; and much more,” she said.
“Then there’s a hat, with a matching backpack, from Joe and Steve Starling from Fishtopia.
“It’s their latest design, which hasn’t been released yet, but it says ‘let them go, let them grow’ in graffiti style.
“They’re brilliant… everyone wants them.
“So, the support from businesses has been fabulous.”
The Junior Tournament will kick off with a FUNraiser on the Friday night (27 October) with the staging of the Fishing IS The Fashion Parade, and raffle, at the Teralba Bowling Club from 5pm.
All proceeds benefit Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
The event will feature the inaugural Favourite Crusty Lucky Fishing Shirt (FCLFS) competition as well.
“For a gold coin entry fee, the contestants will model their FCLFS on the runway and the audience will award a King/Queen Crusty and two Burley Up attendants,” Guy told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Crowns, sashes and sceptre (stinky finger bait holder donated by Hot Tackle) are awaiting the winners, along with a new fishing shirt donated by Reel Fun, Lifestyle and Fishing’s Dean Giakoumakis.
“The kids have said smellavision will count but no bait in the pockets.
“It’s open to all interested… just be there and join in the fun.
“However, it is also an opportunity for them to become involved and learn from the benefit of supporting and raising some funds for the volunteers of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, who give their time 24/7 to help keep us safe on the water.”
Every junior takes home at least one small prize or trophy and a participant bag while adults receive an information pack.
They can fish anywhere – for example, Newcastle, Port Stephens, inland, freshwater or saltwater – from 6am to 6pm on Saturday (28 October) and between 5am and 10am on Sunday (29 October).
“We don’t mind if they use a rod, a handline or a line tied to a pram – we just want to see kids fishing,” Guy said.
“The adult supervisor will have a special code word text to them each day, which must be on the brag mats with the photo of the fish before releasing.
“They’ll photograph each junior catch or just fishing if they aren’t having any luck.
“The best five fish are recorded on the result sheets and SMS back to Ian (Guy) by 11am on Sunday.
“Photos will be required to be sighted for major prizes at the presentation at Teralba Bowling Club at 3pm.
“None are needed for the local section.
“But, online contestants must email photos and result sheets by 4pm on the Sunday with results announced on the Monday via email.”
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi and Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper are expected to hand out the prizes, pending political commitments.
“Dan attended last year; and the children loved him,” Guy said.
“I’ve got a wonderful photo of him kneeling to a little four-year-old with a mop of curly hair, who was so excited.
“It’s adorable.
“We have also had Swansea MP Yasmin Catley attend in the past and she was absolutely brilliant.
“It was a great event in 2022 and we can’t wait to get into it this year.”
To apply for an entry form, email ianguy@outlook.com or contact Ian on 0400 883 239 for more information.
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- ALW: Gutsy Jets down Mariners in season opener
- A GOOD SPORT: Sense of pride in Jets’ jersey this season
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