THE Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Association (IWRA) staged the 2012 Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic over the Easter long weekend.
The comp is one of the biggest freshwater C&R events in the country and this year was no different with 1079 entrants descending on Lake Burrendong to target its big yellowbelly, Murray cod, redfin, silver perch, catfish and carp. (Results at bottom)
The event raised tens of thousands of dollars which will be put towards rejuvenating local waterways. One junior entrant, four month old Tully Brown, registered by his grandparents, had a particularly good weekend when his ticket was drawn from the barrel and earning the infant a brand new Quintrex Explorer trailer boat complete with a 15 hp outboard motor.
The volunteer IWRA committee, administration team and marshals did amazingly well in coping with the 53 per cent increase in competitor numbers, with the team run off their feet for much of the weekend catering for visiting families and fishers from as far away as Darwin, Alice Springs, Stawell and Cairns.
The IWRA committee is presented with commemorative plaques by president Matt Hansen for services rendered to the community. Pictured is Ed Wassil, Paul Millstead, Scott Watkinson, Tim Leary, Mick O’Neill, Peter Hood, Matt Hansen, Wendy Hood, Gordon Cowen and Brock Duncan.
Lake Burrendong State Park Manager Jason Kirk reported that park visitation was up by around 24 per cent on previous Easter holiday periods.
Around 50 businesses from across the Central West contributed to the catch and release event to amass almost $40,000 in cash and prizes, with the competition marquee overflowing with hopeful fishermen and women at presentation time on Easter Sunday.
The IWRA would like to thank all sponsors, helpers and marshals, as without them this not for profit event would not be possible. The IWRA is keenly seeking new sponsors, and invites any interested parties to contact IWRA President Matt Hansen on 0427 454 357, IWRA Vice President Mick O’Neill on 0402 232 479, IWRA PR Officer Gordon Cowen on 0418 582 221, IWRA Secretary Wendy Hood on 0427 845 192, or go to www.iwra.com.au
Four month old Tully Brown comes on stage after winning a Quintrex Boat and motor at the Canobolas Marine Lake Burrendong Classic.
Results 2012 Lake Burrendong Classic:
Native Species: Junior
Junior Silver Perch: 1st Jay Hogan 355m. 2nd Zac Farr 335mm. 3rd Rachel Dival 329mm
Junior Catfish: 1st Bradley Burrell 563mm. 2nd Nicholas Cohen 505mm. 3rd William Goodman 500mm
Junior Yellowbelly: 1st Jason Marks 570mm, 2nd Macca Tierney 568mm, 3rd James Gemmel 560mm.
Native Species: Senior
Senior Silver Perch: 1st Josh Higgs 380mm. 2nd Mark Cook 372mm. 3rd Joe Egan 370mm.
Senior Catfish: 1st Luke Stephens 580mm. 2nd Adam Kennedy 580mm . 3rd C. Carpenter 570mm.
Senior Yellowbelly: 1st David Rogen 580mm. 2nd Andrew Wright 575mm. 3rd Howard Griffiths 563mm.
Senior Murray Cod: 1st David Aries 730mm. 2nd Kurt Webster 700mm.
Pest Species: Carp and Redfin
Junior Carp: Hudson Gunning 750mm
Junior Redfin: Charlie Wilson 395mm
Senior Carp: Adam Kennedy 735mm
Senior Redfin: Paul Berry 380mm
Most Carp: Andrew Lindner: 26
Most Redfin: Adam Kennedy: 247
Total Carp and Redfin caught by all Anglers: 1,075
