THIS YEAR the VB Straddie Classic will be offering around $250,000 in cash and prizes, including the choice of a Mazda Bravo 4x4 or a Tribute All Wheel Drive as first prize. Second prize is a package of a Cruise Craft Regal 475, 90hp Yamaha outboard, Humminbird sounder and a Redco Sportsman Trailer fitted out by Wynnum Marine, and third place takes out a Deluxe Off-road Bayside camper trailer.

The event will be held at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel on August 1-16, with daily draw winners as well as the three major prizes. The heaviest catches in each category will net anglers $1500 and a trophy, and there’s also prize money given to second and third heaviest catches. Categories include whiting, sweetlip, jewfish, parrot, bream, pearl perch, mackerel, tailor and more.

Activities during the week include Kid’s Day on Exhibition Wednesday, the Cougar Bourbon Bowls Day on the Friday, and the Mazda Zoom Zoom Golf Day on Saturdayat the Stradbroke Island Golf Club.

Accommodation on the island ranges from campsites on the beach to resorts and holiday houses, and these can be booked through Redlands Tourism. Access to the island is by Stradbroke Ferries, which offers competitor discounts on vehicle ferry bookings.

Anglers wishing to enter the tournament can contact Redlands Tourism on (07) 3821 0057 or email --e-mail address hidden-- for more information. – Redlands Tourism.