fishing

Why would I enter a fishing comp when I hate fishing you say?

Well, I’m about to give you the 7 best reasons to pack your bags and get yourself off to your nearest, daggiest fishing comp and go mingle with the locals (and sometimes the yokels depending on the area!). There are plenty of fishing comps near Brisbane to read on to find out more…

1. You don’t have to catch a fish to win big

   

So this is a secret I didn’t know until I started organising the ARB Moreton Island Fishing Classic, but you don’t have to catch a big fish, or a fish at all in fact to take home the major prizes at a fishing comp, often worth in excess of ten thousand dollars!  For an entry fee that might range from $10 to $100 and usually not a lot of entrants, that’s better odds than last month’s scratchy spend.

2. You might pick up a husband (or wife…)

No seriously ladies, lots of eligible bachelors who aren’t the type to head to the pub on the weekend, congregate here with their mates…ok so they’re not all a good catch (pardon the pun) but there is something to be said for that rugged outdoor bloke who can feed the family with his bare hands.  And blokes, you’d be surprised at the amount of fish friendly ladies out there who have worked out that the prizes are not just for the men – expect some serious competition!

3. Massive prizes up for grabs – and anyone can win

   

So a fishing comp generally runs in this fashion.  You catch a big fish, you win a little prize.  You catch a bigger fish, you win a bigger prize.  You catch the biggest fish, you win money – hooray.  You don’t catch any fish, but are still entered into the daily and major random prize draw and you stand the chance of winning some of the $50 – $100,000 worth of prizes given away over the duration – and the prizes are not necessarily fishing related.  I’m talking 4WD gear, boats, kayaks, cars & holidays!

4. Get rid of the missus

   

Want to hang out with your mates and have a boy’s trip, but that pesky wife (god love’er) is up for any holiday and always tags along?  I can guarantee if you spin it right, a fishing trip with the boys is NOT one of the holidays she will want to attend. Perhaps just don’t let her read reason number 2 or find out that actually the ladies often do better than the blokes (yup I said it.)

5. Travel on the cheap

   

So another secret no one wants you to know, is that often companies are putting out specials for the event (we do!).  Whether they be accommodation specials or ferry specials depending on the location, you can jump on board just by entering in the fishing competition.  It’s a win win situation, you get the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes, head to an awesome beach side location, and get some great savings on your travel.  Why not?

6. Your kids will survive the zombie apocalypse

Ok, that’s a bit dramatic perhaps but, you do want them to be able to feed themselves if they need to right?  There’s something completely organic about hunting and gathering your own food.  Fishing with the kids is a great way to get them outside, and teach them a thing or two about feeding themselves.  The best part is, if you reel in a monster, you’ve got witnesses to attest to your awesome fishing skills!

7. You’ll get brownie points with the boys

Nobody likes a soft cucumber right?  Well, organise the fishing trip, grab the beers and you’ll get untold brownie points with the boys.  A great way to get away with the mates, away from those poncy cafes & halfwit soccer dads and, at the very least you’ll avoid having to follow your wife around the shops this weekend holding all her purchases and sitting on those “I’d rather be dead” seats out the front.

If you’re keen to wet a line (or open a beer, no pressure) why not check out the best 3 fishing comps near Brisbane:

ARB Moreton Island Fishing Competition

Location: Moreton Island, 35km from Brisbane

Dates: 23 – 27 August 2017

Prizes: Over $65, 000 of cash & prizes including 4WD gear, fishing gear, camping gear, BCF vouchers cash & more.

Cost to enter: $85.00 for adults, $45.00 for kids, special discounts given on ferry fares for competitors.

Why it’s a winner: One of the only island fishing comps left. Super chilled out comp located on idyllic Moreton Island. Family friendly with great kid’s & adult prizes. Small number of entrants so a greater chance of taking home a cash (or other) prize.

Check out some photos here

Rainbow Beach Fishing Competition

Location: Rainbow Beach, east of Gympie

Dates: 21^st – 29^th July 2017

Prizes: $100, 000 worth of prizes (less random prizes)

Cost to enter: Adults $140, Cadets $80, Junior $35

Why it’s a winner:  Great if you live on the North Coast and want a longer competition to go to.  Boat fishing is included, as is a separate cadet’s competition.

Hervey Bay Family Fishing Competition

Location: Urangan, Hervey Bay

Dates: 2017 dates to be announced

Prizes: $10 000 cash prizes, $8000 boating package & more

Cost to enter: Adults $40, Juniors $10

Why it’s a winner: small family fishing club run competition.  Great for starters and kids to get out there and have a try.

If you would like to be kept in the fishing comp loop and receive updates about the ARB Moreton Island Fishing Classic, you can sign up to the VIP list HERE