THIS YEAR the prizes for the VB Straddie Classic start even before the competition kicks off in August. Anyone submitting their entry form before April 30 will go into the draw to win a two-day ‘Ultimate Sport and Gamefishing Experience’ with Nomad Sport Fishing Adventures for two people. The prize is valued at $3000 and the winner will be picked from all entries received and drawn on the opening night of the VB Straddie Classic.

This fun family competition is now in its 13th year and is one of Australia’s premier recreational fishing events – the VB Straddie Classic gives away around $250,000 in cash and prizes.

Major prizes for this year’s events are a Mazda Bravo as first prize, a Cruise Craft Regal 475 powered by a 90hp Yamaha outboard motor for second prize and a Deluxe Off Road Camper Trailer as third prize.

The event will run from August 8-14, 2004, and will again be held at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island.

As well, the tournament includes prizes for the heaviest catch in a range of species including whiting, sweetlip, jewfish, parrot, samson/amberjack, pearl perch, bream, snapper, tailor and more. Heaviest category catches will net each angler $1500 cash plus a trophy. The Classic Catch of the tournament will win $2000 and a trophy.

Prizes extend to second place in each category as well as novice awards for those with the heaviest catch who have never won a category prize before in the tournament.

According to tournament organiser Ray Johnson, the VB Straddie Classic has been designed to promote quality of catch rather than quantity of catch.

Entry is $121 for adults and $50 for juniors. For more information on the VB Straddie Classic call the organisers on (07) 3821 0266 or visit the VB Straddie Classic website at www.straddieclassic.com.au. This new site has early entry forms for download along with newsletters, rules information and prize details. – VB Straddie Classic