There will be heaps of prizes to win in this year’s Bjelke-Petersen Dam Inland Fishing Classic. The classic is run by the Bjelke-Petersen Dam Fish Management Committee who put in many hours of work to make it so successful every year.

All proceeds from the competition go into restocking the dam and the Fish Management Committee have released over two million fingerlings into the dam over the past 18 years. The Dam is at 22% capacity and with the weather warming up, the classic should be excellent.

This year it is $15 to enter, for the chance to win some of the many great prizes on offer. There will be a catch and release competition with major prizes to be won. First prize is $50, 2nd $25 and 3rd $15 for each session and heaps more.

There will also be a gilled and gutted competition with cash prizes for the heaviest catch of each species at the three weigh-ins. These cash prizes will be awarded as follows: golden perch $100, bass $100, silver perch $80, jewfish $50, spangled perch $25.

There will be many lucky draw prizes to be won and you don’t even have to catch a fish to be eligible. This year’s major prize is a $1000 open order to use at any of the golden sponsor businesses.

You must nominate by 5pm Thursday September 29 to be eligible for the early bird prize, and there will also be 10 secret weight prizes drawn after the last weigh-in on Sunday.

The competition starts at 5am Saturday October 1 and concludes after the last weigh-in on Sunday.

Competition rules will be discussed at the briefing, which starts on Friday at 8pm. Weigh-in times are Saturday 11.30am and 6pm and Sunday 9.30am.

Accommodation is available at Yallakool Tourist Park on (07) 4168 4746.

Stocked Impoundment Scheme applies and permits are available at the park office. There will be a bar, barbeque, food and drink stalls, and hot meals are available from Yallakool Café on site.

Entry forms and enquires can be directed to Allan Walters on (07) 4168 4746. – BPIFC