The third annual Bluefin Lake Maroon Fishing Classic was conducted over the weekend of 13-15 November, 2015 and a number of records were broken.
A group of 373 that comprised of 297 seniors and 76 juniors took part. Steve Raabe led the way for the Senior division with a brute of a bass that measured 57cm. Together with a few other species, the massive bass helped Steve take out the Overall Senior Champion award.
The Junior category was dominated by Sam Ryan who was lucky enough to catch a 45.5cm silver perch, 43cm yellowbelly, 48.5cm catfish, 38.1cm bass and a 20.8cm spangled perch. Hence, the junior record for Overall Champion Angler was smashed.
Red claw were placed in the dam several years back and they have exploded. This has added another food source for the stocked fish, and they are now growing at a rapid rate, as is evident with Steve’s 57cm specimen.
Over the weekend there were plenty of giveaways. All the juniors received sample bags and there were random draws, merchandise draws and an early entry draw. The juniors also took part in the Abu Garcia and Shakespeare Kids’ Casting Competition and there were eight lucky winners who walked away with new fishing rods and reels. And not to forget, the two Bluefin Boats were also lucky draws. The senior lucky draw was a 4.3 Bluefin Tournament Drifter, powered by a 40hp 4-stroke Mercury outboard, on a Dunbier trailer. Richard Gibson was the lucky winner of that prize.
The event was once again catered by CJ’s Pasta. Thanks to David, Sonya, Josh, Harry and Bailey. Between Kings provided the live entertainment and they just about rocked the roof off the new building. It was great to have some up and coming artists performing for the event.
A very special thank you to all the generous sponsors who make this event such a success: Bluefin Boats, L. Wilson & Co, Bush n Beach Fishing Magazine, Mercury, Austackle, Rapala, Minn Kota, Humminbird, BLA, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Shakespeare, Dunbier, Nordic Stage, Damiki, Eva Kool, Queensland Fishing Monthly and Westpac.
Sports Tuition is extremely grateful for the generous support of Bluefin. If you’re thinking new boat, think no further than Bluefin. – Steve Wilkes, Sports Tuition
Results
| Category | Senior | Junior |
|---|---|---|
| Longest bass | Steve Raabe (57cm)* | Hudson Hunt (44cm)* |
| Longest yellowbelly | Andrew Taylor (52cm) | Sam Ryan (43cm) |
| Longest silver perch | Dom Ryan (44.2cm) | Sam Ryan (45.5cm)* |
| Longest eel-tailed catfish | Anthony Johns (53.6cm) | Shawn Hansell (52.7cm) |
| Longest spangled perch | Charmaine Clark (25.2cm)* | Ryleigh Whell (26cm) |
| Overall champion | Steve Raabe (165cm) | Sam Ryan (195.9cm)* |
* = New record
Reads: 2312
David Croft picked up this solid bass during the Lake Maroon Fishing Classic.
Andrew Taylor landed this 52cm yellowbelly, which won the yellowbelly category for the Bluefin comp.
Richard Gibson didn’t catch a fish all weekend, but he caught the lucky prize draw, which was the 4.5 Bluefin Tournament Drifter, powered by a 40hp Mercury Fourstroke on a Dunbier trailer. Brad Richey, owner of Bluefin, was on hand to present the prize to
