It’s been a fixture in Eden for nearly 40 years, but next year’s Eden Amateur Fishing Club competition promises to be the best yet.
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With just over three months until the first rod is cast in what will be a new-look competition, the club committee has ramped up its sponsorship drive.
From 2015, fishing equipment suppliers who sign up as sponsors will have the opportunity to display and sell their products as part of the competition.
Eden Amateur Fishing Club president Bob Wilcox said the trade show-type addition is the logical next step in growing the annual event.
“We had 853 entrants this year, and we’re expecting a similar turnout again this year,” Mr Wilcox said.
“The potential for growth here is huge, being situated halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and having the diversity of species of fish that we have.
“If this idea starts well and some of the major suppliers support it, who knows where it could end up – hopefully it will continue to grow steadily into the future.”
Vice-president Eddy Evans said the response has already been positive.
“We’ve got a handful of sponsors who will be coming along to display their products, and they’ll have the opportunity to sell them as well,” Mr Evans said.
“It’s still in the throes of being organised and there are a few suppliers that we’re waiting to hear back from, but to get 5-10 for this first year would be fantastic for us.”
The announcement comes on the back of the competition offering its largest ever prize pool, and recording its highest participation numbers in 22 years, in 2014.
Hundreds turned out at Quarantine Bay to see who would be crowned champion in each category, and to see who would take home the main attraction – a Quintrex 420 Renegade boat and trailer from Fraser Marine, valued at $15,490.
Melbourne visitor Mick Loebert was the lucky man, and another entrant will have the same opportunity next time around.
“We’ve got the same boat on offer again, just in a different colour,” Fraser Marine manager Mark Stav said.
“It’s a fantastic boat, powered by a 40hp electric start Suzuki motor.
“It also comes with a battery and live bait tank, and front and rear casting platforms.
“We’re always happy to come on board and support the local area and local fishing.”
Mr Evans said the club will look to start taking registrations from anyone keen to participate in mid-January.
