THE annual Pirtek Fishing Challenge on Sunday March 22 is within sight of officially becoming the world’s biggest single day fishing competition, according to Event Director, Michael Guest.
Entries have surpassed last year’s record at the similar time and are approaching the new-for-2015 cap of 9,500 individual entries, with organisers anticipating a last minute surge from anglers around Australia.
“The response has been fantastic so far and we’re on track to officially become the largest single day fishing competition in the world,” said Guest.
“It is a huge achievement and one that we’re absolutely thrilled about. It keeps getting bigger and better. We brought on a range of merchandise this year which has been extremely well received by our entrants and has opened another fundraising stream for our charity partners.
“Each year we are amazed by the entries that pour in and the shifting dynamic of our entrants. In 2015, we have more female competitors than ever before and more junior competitors than ever before.”
The Pirtek Fishing Challenge in 2015 will benefit two charity partners in foundation partner, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and new partner, the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney.
Over $169,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs in this year’s Challenge.
“A new Stacer Boat, trailer and Evinrude outboard is the major prize – worth some $25,000 – we also have spot prizes as well as BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) vouchers, Lowrance GPS Units and a whole lot more – which every single entrant has the chance to win.”
The Pirtek Fishing Challenge is broken down into locations throughout every state and territory of Australia – with “target species” matched to what is known to populate local waterways.
Entries to the Pirtek Fishing Challenge are still open and are just $20 (plus postage). Enter at www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.
Species List for the competition:
ACT/NSW – Bass, flathead, bream, whiting
NT – Barramundi, queenfish
QLD – Barramundi, whiting, flathead
SA – Tommy ruff, King George whiting
TAS – Flathead, brown trout
VIC – Bream (all species), flathead
WA North – Trevally (all species) WA South – Bream (black/yellowfin), tailor
Murray Darling Basin – European Carp, golden perch, redfin
Great Dividing Range – Rainbow trout
Since its inception, the Pirtek Fishing Challenge has raised around $635,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
