Pack your swag and grab your rods and head to Longreach for the Longreach Yellowbelly Classic Fishing Competition on August 27-28 on the banks of the Thomson River.

Longreach Fishing Club Inc. will host its catch and release fishing competition on the Thomson River in Longreach on August 27 and 28.

Free camping is available in designated areas from Thursday to Monday along the banks of the river during the competition and fishing is sure to attract many angling enthusiasts. The sign up is at 6pm on Friday 26 August at the licensed bar and Lions Association BBQ at Apex Riverside Park till late. This will enable the community of anglers to catch up with friends, nominate for the competition, join in the nightly competition games, spin a few yarns and get involved with the yabby auction and races, and even win the night’s lucky draws. Live music will be performing from 6pm.

The competition is open to boat and land anglers with fishing commencing Saturday at 6am concluding at 6pm. All fish caught are to be measured in at Apex Riverside Park starting at 7am. Sunday fishing times are 6am until noon with presentations starting at 12.30pm. All entrants must be present to claim their prizes or they will be redrawn.

Trophy and prize categories for Adult and Junior are: Longest Yellowbelly, Longest Catfish, Longest Bream, Longest Barcoo Grunter and Heaviest Yabby.

All entrants go into the lucky draws on Friday and Saturday night as well as numerous draws at Sunday’s presentations.

Included in the Adult’s nomination of $20 is the chance to win a boating package purchased by the Longreach Fishing Club. Juniors (15 years and under) nomination of $10 gives them a chance for a Berkley Kayak. All entrants will also go into numerous lucky draws at Sunday’s presentations.

Saturday night’s entertainment starts at 6pm with live music. Shortly after watching the yabby auction and races, roll the swag competition, lucky draws and hand reel casting competitions.

Nominations will be taken at the event from 6pm on the Friday night at Apex Riverside Park. For enquiries phone Helen (07) 4658 2225 or email: --e-mail address hidden--

Longreach Fishing Club Inc. would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors who have given assistance in making this years event a fantastic family weekend as in previous years. Check out the competition website: www.longreach.net.au/fishing/. – Longreach Yellowbelly Classic Fishing