THE NINTH annual Flathead Classic was held over October 3-6, attracting around 250 keen competitors of all ages.
The prolonged dry conditions meant the fish were spread out over a large area, making angling a greater challenge than usual. The total number of flathead caught was 1342 – approx 5.4 flathead per angler – which was down from the 2000 tournament average. Another interesting finding this year was the success of soft plastic lures. 255 flathead were caught on plastics this year, up from 52 in the 2000 comp.
For the lucky draws, 20 seniors and eight juniors were drawn at random for the chance to win a Stessl boat and Yamaha motor package. This year saw the Stessl 3.85m Edgetracker and 25hp Yamaha go to Roger Emmerson in the senior draw and a 3.4m Vagabond and 4hp Yamaha go to Doug Burt Jnr in the junior draw. The 26 remaining lucky anglers shared in a heap of prizes donated by many generous sponsors.
On behalf of the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club, we congratulate all the winners, with special mention to David Green and his team. David has been involved with this tournament since its inception, and fishes hard every year.
Thanks also go to the Southport Yacht Club, Castlemaine XXXX, Channel 10 and Paul Burt, the Gold Coast City Council, and all of our sponsors for their help and support.
2003 is looking to be the best ever Classic, and everyone’s invited to participate. See you there! - Phil Imhoff, Tournament Chairman.
[FACT BOX]
TOP ANGLERS
David Green1310 points
Roland Gray800 points
Ben Job (Jnr)747 points
Brian Allen745 points
Michael Horn745 points
Daniel Sands715 points
Ross McCubbin715 points
Michael Green (Jnr)687 points
Graham Dodds670 points
Keith Stratford665 points
Champion Flyfisher – Kevin Ballantine
Most Flathead Caught – Roland Gray (38)
Highest Total Length of Flathead – Roland Gray (16.23m)
TOP TEAMS
2 Greens and a Magnet2712 points
Black Pirates 21545 points
Lively Lures1392 points
Team Dog1325 points
Honcho Brothers1195 points
Pig Lures1178 points
Rainmakers1115 points
Lazy Lizard Lures1015 points
Team Hornet890 points
Fishn’ Mates856 points
Champion Flyfishing Team – Doug Burt Fishing Tackle
LONGEST FISH
Flathead (Snr) – Damien Newton (93cm)
Flathead (Jnr) – Michael Green (69cm)
Flathead on Fly – Kevin Ballantine (57cm)
Mulloway – Ross McCubbin (77cm)
Trevally – Danney McDowell (65cm)
Tailor – William Horn (49cm)
Tarpon – Graham Herbert (47cm)
Estuary Cod – Steven Ross (46cm)
Whiting – Bruce Mooring (40cm)
Bream – Thomas Wallbank (39cm)
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