Don’t miss Australia’s biggest Family Fishing Classic at the top of the Whitsundays, along Bowen’s Front Beach. Join in the fishing and the fun at the famous Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend - to be held this year on the 17th and 18th September 2016.

The entertainment of the year will be enjoyed by the whole family, throughout the weekend. The XXXX Beach Party begins on Saturday afternoon from 12.45pm, following the Blessing of the Fishermen. The show kicks off with a local Gospel Band. Across the weekend XXXX Beach Party, seven bands from Bowen to Melbourne will play on Bowen’s Soundshell to entertain all ages, from the young to the young at heart.

Local band 1984 start the evening of perfect and powerful music, and they’ve been rocking Bowen crowds since they were teenagers. Having just reunited in the last couple of years, they play everything from old rock to new country. Always ready for a party, 1984 will have your dancing shoes on before you know it.

Undeniably, Shannon Noll has captured the hearts and minds of music fans around Australia and overseas with his raw, gifted rock-voice. He remains one of the most recognisable faces in the Australian music industry and only a few match his success. As The Voice Australia first runner up, household name Shannon Noll and his band have fans all over and are sure to have everyone racing to the front row!

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia’s premier Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Montserrat, are well known for taking you on a musical voyage through the islands of the Caribbean with their unique style of country rock music. They will have everyone rocking and singing along to many old time favourites.

Pop Standen, Phil Emmanuel and sax player Dave Hoffmann combine together to bring a new sound for the music lovers around the country – some country rock, swing and blues. Christian Power and Lonesome Train have been delighting audiences across the world over 15 years with their highly entertaining, original and interactive performances. Lonesome Train play a fantastic mix of originals and classics, all cooked up to an infectious, high energy, rockabilly beat. They love to invite audience members up on stage too, so if you have a talent you’re happy to share, there’s more fun for everyone!

Don’t forget to look to the sky for the Grandview Fireworks that are sure to delight the young and old at 9pm. Then, come on down for Brekky Beachside on day two, before leisurely music and family fun. Weigh in, and wonderful prizes must go home with a lucky winner.

This is all interspersed with a huge range of activities from Cake Crunchin’ Contest, Sand Sculpting (new time this year due to tides), Lolly Drop, Crawchie Races, Bush & Beach Craft for the kids, Yabby Pumping Competition, Cast Net Casting Competition, Dash for Cash and Kids Hand Ball Competition. There will be heaps of rides for the young at heart, as well as games, displays, food and three bars.

You will enjoy two weigh-ins over the weekend and fish are filleted, packaged, and delivered to Meals on Wheels. Proceeds from the Classic assist local and national charities, with a significant donation each year allocated for Fish Stocking.

There are sixteen categories for fishing, including Crabs, Highest Weight Prize, Secret Weight for all senior and junior anglers. There is a top prize for the heaviest fish weighed in by a female angler from Centrepoint Traders. The Senior Lucky Nomination Prize is seven nights accommodation at Montes Reef Resort, valued at $1820 and Lucky Weigh-in Prize is a trip from Cairns to Cooktown from Bowen Transit. Trans North Presentations are at 4pm Sunday, and end with the Senior and Junior Lucky Nomination Boat Draws. We have trophies and prizes for Champion Junior and Senior, tagged fish prizes for the juniors and thousands of dollars in prizes and giveaways.

Senior Lucky Nomination Prize is a boat worth $37000 – the BLUEFIN 4.8 Silver Edition. This Plate-sided hull has a centre console with screen and grab rail. It’s built tough with high sides and full motor well – a no nonsense sportsfishing boat that is at home in estuary or offshore waters. This boat is fitted-up with the ultimate four stroke HONDA BF80 ENGINE with a seven-year warranty. On the dash is the Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS and GME entertainment System. The painted Bowen Classic Silver Edition is finished in a distinctive custom wrap and aqua silver paint, set up on an Swiftco 5.0 Hot Dip Galvanised trailer.

The Junior Lucky Nomination Prize Boat is worth $6675 – Bluefin 3.5 Blaze Bandit. The traditional vee-bottom dinghy has never been simpler, easily driven and stable at rest. Distinctive aqua silver paint, like the senior boat, in keeping with the 25th Silver Anniversary Classic theme this year. This boat offers stability and is fitted-up with the portable power of the HONDA 2.3 HP with a seven-year warranty. The BANDIT, with its level floatation, is also very safe. This great Junior Prize Boat has standard features, anchor shelf, grab handles, bow eye, transducer bracket, side pockets, two thwart seats and has added options of a drop-in floor and two rod holders. It comes on a Swiftco 3.6 trailer.

Make sure you mark your calendar, book your accommodation early, – have your holidays booked so you can dust the cobwebs off that fishing gear, and make your way to beautiful Bowen on 17-18 September 2016. Take part in Australia’s biggest Family Fishing Classic, in its 25th year! Keep it local!

Entry / nominations are available from tackle stores – see our website for the full list of outlets. You can also enter online at www.bowenfamilyfishingclassic.com. Check out the Facebook page for Bowen Family Fishing Classic, for all our exciting news. – Bowen Fishing Classic