The 2012 Wivenhoe Kayak and Canoe Fishing Convention and Brisbane River Bass Opening Classic is on again September 15-16 and Logans Inlet, Wivenhoe.
The soaring popularity of this competition is no surprise, as there has been an increase in sweetwater anglers chase everything from bass to barra on stocked lakes and rivers.
In 2008 the Wivenhoe Kayak and Canoe Fishing Convention pioneered kayak fishing competitions, and while several kayak comps have sprung up since, none have come close to the reputation of the Wivenhoe event run by organiser Garry Fitzgerald and his team of volunteers from the Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association.
After the devastating floods of 2011 many big bass from Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset ended up in the Brisbane River downstream of the dam walls. With this in mind, organisers allowed competitors the option to fish the river below Lake Wivenhoe, which was welcomed by the majority of entrants. This year, the river downstream of Wivenhoe Dam has been added as its own stand alone event – The Brisbane River Bass Opening Classic – to be run at the same time as the Wivenhoe Convention.
The convention is non-restrictive and is open to anyone with a canoe or kayak who wishes to nominate, and agrees to abide by the rules. This includes pedal, paddle, electric motor or sailpower-assisted canoes or kayaks (tinnies, catamarans and sailing boats are not permitted).
Fishing styles permitted are cast and retrieve or trolling with lure/fly. You are allowed up to two rods at the same time to allow for trolling.
The tournament is a catch/measure/photograph/release with prizes being awarded for total length. 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 and competitor’s card.
The timing of the event coincides with the end of the ABT tournament season and the opening of the bass season on the Brisbane River downstream of the Wivenhoe Dam.
This must-attend event will have some fantastic prizes on offer and, at only $50 entry, it is a very affordable event.
Regular Lake Wivenhoe anglers know all too well that the fish can be spread out in the lake. 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 launch from these locations.
Due to the floods of early 2011, some fish moved upstream or downstream of the lake to the river. Competitors will be permitted to fish either Lake Wivenhoe or the Brisbane River downstream of the dam to Burtons Bridge. Competitors will need to select which location they wish to fish, as the lake and river events will be run as separate events at the same time.
All competitors are required to go to the Logan Complex at the start and end of each session for head count.
Camping is available at Captain Logan Camp and Lumley Hill, which are within the Logan Complex. Please telephone 07 5426 4729 to book a site if required. Fees for camping per site per night are $15 (1-2 people); additional persons $6 per person per night (maximum 10 people per site); powered site are an additional $6/night.
A 10% discount applies to the above fees for a group booking rate.
All sites at Captain Logan Camp have been reserved for the Convention so please be sure to inform the ranger when booking.
Tournament Details
| When: | September 15-16 |
|---|---|
| Cost: | $50 each |
Session Times
Saturday
| 6am: | Final Briefing |
|---|---|
| 6.30-2pm: | Fishing, catch cards in by 3pm |
| 4pm: | Show N Shine |
Sunday
| 6am: | Briefing |
|---|---|
| 6.30-1pm: | Fishing, catch cards in by 2pm |
| 3pm: | Presentation |
Where:
Event compound is at Logans Inlet, Lake Wivenhoe.
Camping is available at Captain Logan Camp and Lumley Hill, Lake Wivenhoe.
Code of Conduct
Conditions of entry are as follows. Competitors are required to:
• Wear a suitable personal floatation device at all times while on the water
• Carry a working mobile phone
• Observe all ‘no fish’ and ‘no access/entry’ areas
• Sign a register upon entry and exit each day on the water
• 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.
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Place getter Danny Wong showing what Lake Wivenhoe is famous for; big, mean bass.
