Pirtek Fishing Challenge this weekend

The Pirtek Fishing Challenge is on this weekend (March 22) and 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 a new cap of 9500 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 a 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 Pirtek Fishing Challenge.

"A new Stacer Boat, trailer and Evinrude outboard is the major prize – worth around $25,000 – we also have spot prizes as well as BCF vouchers, Lowrance GPS Units and a whole lot more – which every single entrant has the chance to win," said Guest.

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.

"It is a great day out for the whole family, in our local area I always enjoy catching up with people of all ages that have been on the water all morning," Guest added.

"We’re seeing more and more fishing clubs and groups get together and promote the Pirtek Fishing Challenge among their peers – the competition for bragging rights between families and mates has become more competitive than the overall competition I think!"

Entries to the Pirtek  Fishing Challenge are still open and are just $20 (plus postage). Entries can be completed at www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.

Organisers have released the species list for the competition, which is:
>> 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.