Now in its 19th year, the Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend is the biggest family fishing competition in the country.

Held on September 18 and 19 on Bowen’s beautiful front beach, the competition offered recreational anglers the chance to compete for a host of fantastic prizes and provided the whole family with the opportunity to play and be entertained over an entire weekend.

The Classic, as it is rather affectionately known, is a local tradition within the region and record crowds attended in 2010. A top line up of entertainment including The Wolverines, Abba Live, Dean Vegas (Australia's best Elvis), The Barbary Coasters and the Ladies and Mercedes entertained massive crowds. Dave Lord the magician and top local talent with Jon Griffin and some fantastic fireworks topped off a wonderful weekend of live beach front entertainment that pleased every member of the family.

New events added to the already diverse activities included the parrot head party and kids crab races. Beach cricket, beach volleyball, Dash for Cash, kids bush to beach craft, Eagleboys sandcastle competition and Classic lollydrop and Jochheims pie eating contest were all popular once again and kept the families entertained throughout the 2 day event.

But it was the fishing that drew the crowds when it was time to do the nightly updates.

Weigh in numbers were down due to strong winds on Saturday but that didn’t stop the keen anglers getting out on the water and many catches where still donated to Meals on Wheels.

Some amazing catches were made including a sensational 24kg Spanish mackerel caught by Simon Brooks and junior angler Cody Lea landing a ripping 10.450kg trevally. Sarah Griggs landed the biggest fish of the tournament, a massive 25kg plus cod and the Vella family showed amazing ability to take out the Champion Junior and Senior angler by Jackson and Jim respectively.

All in all, regardless of the harsh weather, Bowen still produced an amazing array of fish that showcased just how good the fishing can be around Bowen. But, as we all know the Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend is about so much more than the fishing. – FMG