2014 saw the Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic explode onto the fishing scene and cement itself as a major fishing competition in Victoria. Almost $64,000 in prizes and giveaways attracted around 650 competitors to this annual Warrnambool event.
Held from the 1-10 March in picturesque South West Victoria, the event attracted anglers and their families from all over the state. Over 500 fish were weighed in over the 10 days, and all but one of the 29 prize categories were filled.
After a frantic final day weigh-in, around 1200 people descended on the Warrnambool Breakwater for the Presentation event that saw 2 boat/motor/trailer packages won, and over 100 prizes awarded.
Victorian DEPI provided a large marquee for the first Sustainable Fishing Exhibit, which housed many displays from local and national groups interested in the sustainable management of our aquatic environments.
Special thanks to DEPI Fisheries, RedMap and Museum Victoria, Deakin University, Warrnambool City Council, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, FishCare, and Fish Habitat Network for their work in making this event such a success.
The final leaderboard showed plenty of significant captures:
Congratulations to Andrew Jeffries for winning the first boat/trailer/motor package, his ticket in the draw was the result for weighing in a humble salmon. And to Harry Rantall for taking out the major draw of the second boat/trailer/motor package.
The 2015 event promises to be bigger than ever. The prizes will be bigger. The presentation day will be bigger. And hopefully the fish will be bigger! 2015 will also see a change in format to allow catch and release for all categories. We are now looking for a naming rights sponsor for 2015, and welcome any enquiries.
Special thanks to all our sponsors for financial and product contributions, the Coastguard for their tireless work throughout the competition, and the Warrnambool Offshore and Light Game Fishing Club for organising and co-ordinating the entire event. But most of all, we would like to thank all the competitors who demonstrated goodwill and genuine spirit throughout the competition, making this event the biggest in the competitions history. Until next year! – Ben Pohlner
SMALL FRYNameLength (mm)Weight (kg)
| Australian salmon | Harry Eldred | 405 | 0.65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bream | Oliver Sharp | 400 | 0.95 |
| King George whiting | Harry Eldred | 440 | 0.50 |
| Yellow eye mullet | Ruby Kosh | NR | 0.30 |
JUNIORNameLength (mm)Weight (kg)
| Snapper | Mason Walpole | 490 | 1.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulloway | Lochie Mustard | 640 | 2.10 |
| Morwong | Tara Neal | 450 | 0.90 |
| Australian salmon | Brad Gedye | 605 | 1.90 |
| Bream | Jarrah Sharp | 410 | 1.05 |
| Estuary perch | Harry McLauchlan | 430 | 0.95 |
| Trout | Ruben Swann | 34.5 | 0.40 |
| Flathead | Oska Wilson | 295 | 0.15 |
| Shark gummy or school | Tyler Hewson | 1210 | 6.00 |
| Yellowtail kingfish | - | - | - |
| King George whiting | Jessica Ljubic | 455 | 0.50 |
| Yellow eye mullet | Kade Gordon | 390 | 0.65 |
SENIORNameLength (mm)Weight (kg)
| Snapper | Matthew Cook | 800 | 5.60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulloway | Daniel Hoey | 730 | 3.40 |
| Morwong | Barry Bermingham Jnr | 570 | 1.65 |
| Australian Salmon | Ben Hill | 475 | 1.05 |
| Bream | Gerard Hose | NR | 1.20 |
| Estuary Perch | Sam Powell | 445 | 1.05 |
| Trout (Brown) | Michael Pretlove | 540 | 1.45 |
| Flathead | Shane Sanders | 580 | 1.25 |
| Shark - Gummy or school | Jason Twaddle | 1830 | 21.35 |
| Yellowtail Kingfish | Ben Murrihy | 950 | 7.05 |
| King George Whiting | Chris Beaton | 480 | 0.70 |
| Tuna | Garry Anders | 1100 | 19.75 |
| Game Shark | Peter Mahony (Mako) | 2560 | 132.5 |
| BCF Biggest Bream BONUSGerard Hose | NR | 1.20 | |
| Largest scale fishBen Murrihy | Kingfish | 7.05 |
(excluding tuna)
6067 – Ed Richardson of Richardson Marine with Harry Rantall – Winner of the major boat prize
4538 – Crowd of approximately 1200
8517 – Platinum Sponsors
1422 – Andrew Jeffries with the boat prize for just weighing in a fish
1435 – Harry Rantall with the major boat prize
5473 – Bunnings provided kids activites on Presentation Day
5518 – Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority – Part of the Sustainable Fishing Exhibit
Peter Mahoney – Winner of the largest Game Shark category
Jason Twaddle – Winner of the largest Gummy shark category with a fish of 21.35kg.
Matthew Cook with a competition winning snapper of 5.6kg
Small Fry Emily Burn with a gummy shark of 2.8kg
Brad Gedye with the junior category winning salmon of 1.9kg
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