Another successful year for the Isisford Shire Fishing Competition saw 438 adults and 80 juniors entering the competition, with the weekend enjoyed by everyone.

Many fish were caught over the weekend, and the lead in the Longest Yellowbelly category changed hands a number of times. The final winner, James Shirtcliff from Blackall, caught a 535mm yellowbelly to claim the prize of $1000 and a 40L Engel Fridge, sponsored by Boyd’s Earthmoving Barcaldine and Engel Portable Refrigeration. James was also presented with the inaugural Ernie Dagan Memorial Shield by Mrs Shirley Dagan. The runner-up, with a 530mm yellowbelly, was George Hunt from Rockhampton.

Brendan Schluter from Blackall caught the Longest Black Bream (376mm), while Gary Whitehead from Coombabah snared the Longest Catfish (410mm).

3-year-old Natalie Kingston from Rockhampton won a prize of $200 in the Junior Section for the Longest Yellowbelly, with a big catch of 518mm. The runner-up was Josh Hengst from Hughenden, who weighed in a 495mm yellowbelly. The Longest Black Bream was caught by local boy Raymond Hanton from Isisford and measured 335mm, while Brogan Geiger from Windorah seized the Longest Catfish with a 375mm fish.

Ken Ogden caught the Longest Yellowbelly By A Local (sponsored by Reliance Petroleum Isisford), measuring a 515mm fish.

The major draw for adults was sponsored by Road Tek Plant Hire and won by Lynne Harlow of Blackall, who claimed $1000. The major draw for the juniors was won by Jacinta Fehlhaber of Emerald.

Competitors from areas such as Isisford, Blackall, Barcaldine, Quilpie, Clemont, Goondiwindi, Castlemaine, Springsure, Blackwater, Emerald and Burpengary took home various prizes in the random draw.

In the raffle, Michael Schmidt of Ilfracombe won a 7-night holiday for two, while Jenny Bianchi of Springsure claimed a beautiful Yellowbelly Clock, which was donated by Loraine Read of Hughenden.

The Isisford Shire Fishing Competition would like to thank all their sponsors who helped make the event successful. They are very grateful to Queensland Events who provided funding through the Regional Development Program and the Isisford Shire Council who also contributed to the weekend. Finally, they would like to thank all the competitors and volunteers who made the competition possible. – ISFC