The Thomson River Recreational Fishing Group of Longreach, proudly supported by the Longreach Shire Council, will host the second Longreach Yellowbelly Classic Fishing Competition on August 27 and 28.

This catch and release competition is open to land and boat anglers. There will be prizes for Adult and Junior Classes for the longest yellowbelly, catfish, barcoo grunter, welch’s grunter and bream, however yellowbelly are the main target species.

While camping and tent sites are permitted for competitors along the banks of the river, motor homes and caravans must comply with Council rules and camp at Apex Park where there are toilet facilities. Porta-loos will be available to campsites along the river.

There is over $12,000 worth of prizes on offer plus some great entertainment. Hot food, soft drinks and chips will be available and a bar will be operating over the weekend.

Included in the adult nomination fee of $20 is the chance to win a Stacer 370 Proline boat, trailer and motor package donated by the new owner of Terry’s Marine Centre, Rockhampton, Terry Donpon. Included in the junior nomination fee of $10 is the chance to win a camping package valued at $400, donated by Longreach Great Outdoors.

On Friday August 26 at 6pm, there will be a meet and greet with a competition briefing and lucky draw. So come along, catch up with mates and be entertained by local musicians Shelley Colvin and Franke Calleja. A courtesy bus will operate on Friday and Saturday night from 6pm for those requiring travel assistance.

Fishing times on Saturday will be 8am-5pm with all measuring to be at Apex Park. There will also be Tae Kwon Do and aerobics demonstrations at the park, along with a hand reel casting competition. You can take part in any of these activities, listen for the lucky draw or simply grab a chair, sit back and relax while listening to the live entertainment.

Fishing on Sunday will take place from 8am-12noon. The presentation of prizes will be from around 1pm and winners must be present to claim them. There are heaps of prizes to be won and the major prize draws will be last.

For more information on the Longreach Yellowbelly Classic Fishing Competition contact Helen Balke on (07) 4658 2814, email --e-mail address hidden-- or visit www.longreach.net.au/fishing/. – Helen Balke