Don’t miss Bowen’s famous Family Fishing Classic, now in its 20th year, at the top of the Whitsundays along Bowen’s front beach. Join in the fishing and the fun at the Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend - to be held this year on September 17 and 18.

The Classic is more than fishing – the free entertainment will be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the weekend at the XXXX Beach Party. Saturday afternoon at 1.30pm following the Blessing of The Fishermen, the Classic Legends Show kicks off with Brisbane band Broadwater, then local re-united indigenous band Lieght, the Piano Man and then Pooki Doos for the kids. And at 6.00pm Captain Wow show band of Classic fame, Grand View Hotel Fireworks, country music Adam Harvey back to the Classic Stage, Tyte-n-Live, Harbour Road the band to see to round the night show off.

Sunday sees Breakkie With The Stars, Pooki Doos for the kids, Gunnadoo Australiana band, Luella Classic entertainer, and The Crack-up Sisters roving humour will be throughout the two days of live entertainment. This is all interspersed with a huge range of activities from Beach Cricket and Soccer, to Cake Eating Contest, Sand Castles, Lolly Drop, Crawchie Races, Bush and Bush Craft for the kids, Chuck-a-Tuna Comp, Dash for Cash and Fashion at the Beach. There will be heaps of rides for the young at heart, as well as games, displays, food and two bars, or try a Scenic Helicopter Ride.

Entry and nominations are available from tackle stores or check out the website for the full list of outlets or you can enter on line at www.bowenfamilyfishing classic.com.

Senior entry is $25, Junior entry is $12 and the senior lucky nomination prize boat is the 4.75 Blue Fin Wrangler Sports Fishing Centre Console with a great list of features and powered by the economical and quiet 75hp Honda 4-Stroke with 5 year warranty. This ultimate boating package also boasts a Humminbird 778 colour sounder and the whole rig is set up on a Sea Link Trailer and is worth $34,500. The Junior lucky nomination prize boat is a 3.45m Blue Fin Trekker. This stable V-Bow punt is powered by a 2.3hp Honda 4-Stroke and is worth $4000. Both these packages are fitted up by Tropical Trailerboats.

You will enjoy two Weigh-ins over the weekend with fish donated to the Weigh-In Team, filleted, packaged, and delivered to Meals on Wheels, with anglers knowing this charitable organization benefits each year. Proceeds from the Classic assists local and national charities, with a significant donation each year allocated for fish stocking.

There are 16 categories for fishing, including Crabs, with a Highest Weight Prize as well as Secret Weight for all Senior and Junior anglers. The ladies are catered for with a top prize for the Heaviest Fish Weighed in by a Female Angler and the Senior Lucky Entrant Special Draw is a Freezer, HD TV and Microwave by Delacey Retravision, and you have to be there 3pm Sunday.

The Senior weigh-in prize is 7 nights accommodation at Montes Reef Resort, and the Junior weigh-in prize is 2 nights with transfers at Hamilton Island. Presentations are at 4pm Sunday culminating in the Senior and Junior Lucky Nomination Boat Draws. There are trophies and prizes for Champion Junior and Senior anglers and tens of thousands of dollars in prizes and give aways.

The Classic attracts thousands of visitors to Bowen each year, so make sure you mark your calendar, book your accommodation early, tell your friends. Come to Festival Park at Bowen’s Beachfront on September 17 and 18 and take part in Australia’s biggest family fishing classic in the perfect setting at the top of the Whitsundays. – BFC