The Wivenhoe Kayak & Canoe Fishing Convention began in 2008. The objectives were to raise funds for fish restocking/conservation, to increase participation rates of kayak fishing and to highlight the under used fishery and facilities at Lake Wivenhoe.
At that time there was a lack of dedicated kayak fishing events being run in Australia, soon after the inaugural event, several other kayak fishing competitions sprang to life, all striving to match what has been achieved at Lake Wivenhoe.
This event is now regarded as the benchmark for kayak fishing events in Australia. Competitors have travelled from South Australia, Victoria and NSW. In 2010 there were over 100 entrants making this the largest dedicated kayak fishing tournament in Australia.
Due to the success of previous events and the growing interest, there will be a cap of 150 competitors as the facilities may struggle in excess of this amount.
The concept is a Catch, Measure, Photograph, Release (CMPR) with prizes being awarded for length. This will see anglers not needing to bring their catch back alive to a weigh-in station. Simply catch your fish, take a photo of your fish on a fish measuring mat (with your entry card in the photo) and release the fish. The digital photo must clearly show the whole fish.
The convention is very non-restrictive and is open to anyone with a canoe or kayak who wishes to nominate and agree to abide by the rules. This includes peddle, paddle, electric motor or sail power assisted canoes or kayaks (catamaran’s and sailing boats not permitted). Fishing styles permitted are cast and retrieve or trolling of lure or fly with only one rod permitted to be used at a time.
September 10 – 11 and the timing could not be better. Lake Wivenhoe fishes at its best from April through to October and being held in September the Wivenhoe Kayak & Canoe Fishing Convention is sure to see the fishing at its best and with Lake Wivenhoe at higher levels than in previous years there should be good fishing much closer to the camping area.
An event like this will be a must attend for many keen kayak anglers, as much for the get together and the location as anything else. However there are some great prizes on offer. At only $50 this is a very affordable event.
As many regular Lake Wivenhoe anglers would know, the fish can be spread out in the lake and many have a favourite spot. To assist in accessing the various areas of the lake, competitors may drive to other access points around Lake Wivenhoe and launch from there. Competitors who are also members of clubs that have their own land leases may also launch from these locations.
Due to the floods in early 2011, many fish have moved both up and downstream. So in 2011 competitors may choose to fish in the Brisbane River above the lake to Toogoolawah or below Lake Wivenhoe down to Burton’s Bridge. So long as they are at the staging area at the Logan Complex at the start and end of each session for head count, this is acceptable.
Camping is available Captain Logan Camp and Lumley Hill. These are both within the Logans Complex. Please phone 07 5426 4729 to book a site if required. Fees for camping per site per night are $15.00 (1-2 people), Maximum 10 per site. Additional persons $6 per person per night. Powered site – additional $6 / night.
Requirements to be followed by all competitors are a condition of entry are as follows. Competitors are: Fishing in accordance with current Qld Fisheries regulations required to wear a suitable personal floatation device at all times while on the water required to carry a working mobile phone at all times required to observe any no go areas required to take and replace safety key tag at start/end of each session to follow the direction of SEQWater Staff at all times if directed either verbally or in writing required to have a current Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP). These can be purchased from the ranger at Lake Wivenhoe
Major sponsor BLA are will again be there with their huge range of Ocean Kayak, Old Town and Necky watercraft. These will be available for test paddles throughout the event.
For further details of the event and entry forms and electronic payment of fees go to www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au and follow the links, or ask your local kayak dealer for entry forms. – Gary Fitzgerald
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With the river above and below Wivenhoe open to fishing, there are going to be some massive bass landed this year.
The peaceful calm before the storm of another 50cm plus Wivenhoe special hits.
Fat and fit bass are on the cards in this catch, measure, photograph and release tournament for all forms of kayaks and canoes.
