The weather was very kind for the third year running of the Clifton Carp Competition over the weekend of 22-23 September 2012.

Approximately 2km of Condamine riverfront on the Kratzman family property, 22km outside of Clifton, was once again made available to the 426 entrants in this family competition.

Camping areas were all freshly mown and well situated, while firewood, toilets facilities, sausage sizzles and fresh coffee was on hand for those who cared to partake. The weekend was well supported by Mullet Gut Marine, Condamine Alliance and Engel Fridges in aid of providing support to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the St Francis de Salle School in Clifton.

When the raucous calls of the white cockatoos heralded the sundown, families and new friends enjoyed each others company in their relentless pursuit of the dreaded European carp. Differences in bait selection including garden worms, saltwater yabbies, freshwater shrimp and sweetcorn kernels were used while the many rods, usually set with bells on their tips, often signalled a halt to the conversation around the evening campfires.

A children’s fishing clinic presented by Mullet Gut Marine of Toowoomba on Saturday was well attended by about 50 young people. They learnt from expert tuition and also gained prizes for their participation in question time. The 5 raffle prizes were donated by Engel and competition prizes were donated by Condamine Alliance and various local businesses. Thank you all for your support.

Overall, 224 carp were caught for a combined length of over 84m. A great relaxing weekend and for a great cause; this family orientated competition is definitely worth considering for next year. – Clifton Carp