THE FAMOUS Gold Coast Flathead Classic is an institution for tournament anglers in southern Queensland.

Many anglers return year after year to catch up with old friends, have a great time and to learn more about fishing for flathead in the local waterways.

Organised and run by the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club, the 2004 Flathead Classic is primed for a big event. Early reports of flathead numbers and sizes have been encouraging. Last year more than 2400 fish were measured, with the longest flathead caught by Alistair Whitehead at 86cm and Tony Devine measuring the most flathead to win the event with 1335 points. The 2003 Classic was considered a huge success.

The dates for this year’s Flathead Classic have been set to overlap NSW and Queensland school holidays. Briefing and sign-on will be on Wednesday, September 29, from 3pm. Fishing will start on Thursday, September 30, at 7am with the finish at 4pm. Saturday will follow a similar schedule, while the final fishing day on Sunday will run from 7am to noon.

The format will remain much the same as last year apart from the fact that all flathead over 40cm must be photographed against the official tournament ruler. Fishing boundaries will remain the same as last year. Entry fees are $150 for seniors and $75 for juniors (under 16). The fee includes meals (dinner on Wednesday, breakfast and dinner on Thursday and Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday), a tournament shirt for every competitor, a team bag of goodies, and a tournament handbook for every competitor.

For inquiries, phone the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club on 07 5597 2111 or visit www.thefisherman.com.au.

– GCSC