The annual pilgrimage to the Gold Coast Flathead Classic is a feature on many fishos’ calendars. This year marks the 17th Flathead Classic, which is held in Sept/Oct each year and welcomes all levels of anglers.

The Gold Coast Flathead Classic is proudly organised by the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club. The event is run out of the club house and surrounding park at GR Thompson Park, Southport (entry is at the intersection of Marine Parade and Nind Street, near Southport Pool) on 29 September to 2 October.

This catch and release tournament is a lure and fly comp only and all fish are measured, photographed and recorded to the anglers catch sheet before being released to swim again. While the focus is on flathead other species are covered by separate categories, such as mulloway, bream, trevally, whiting, mangrove jack and tailor, which are all present in the estuaries at this time of year.

The innumerable waterways, from the Nerang River in the south to the Jumpinpin area in the north, offer a countless number of fishing spots with many creeks, rivers and islands providing protection from any wind. This area offers some of the best flathead habitat in the country and is very accessible to the average angler.

The Gold Coast Flathead Classic is a team event consisting of either two or three anglers per boat. The club encourages junior ranks to get involved, a category dedicated to under 16s complete with a major prize draw. The size of the fish will determine the amount of points on the catch sheet.

Registration is on wednesday afternoon, 29 September, with fishing over the following two and a half days, this allows time to travel home on the Sunday and means the majority of fishing time takes place during the quieter times on the waterways.

Entry fee for seniors is $175 for early bird entry (prior to July 31) or $200 normal entry and juniors are $100. This includes a bumper tournament team bag full of goodies, tournament shirt, tournament handbook and meals (as per entry form), as well as entry into the daily and major prize draws.

Feedback from a previous competitor describes the Flathead Classic as: “Much more than a fishing comp, it’s a fantastic event!”

This comp welcomes and caters for all anglers regardless of experience. Each days fishing is capped off with a great meal and fishing fellowship in the surrounding parklands of the clubhouse. The event is well supported by sponsors and the major prizes are all awarded on a random basis, regardless of the score sheet. A lucky angler will also be randomly drawn to take home a Blue Fin Scoundrel Boat, motor and trailer package.

Above all the Gold Coast Flathead Classic is a fun competition. So even if you have never fished a comp before or you don’t like the idea of turning fishing into competition don’t be put off; this comp is a very social event and you will be sure to learn something new from a fellow angler.

If you are a keen fisho wanting a great few days on the fabulous Gold Coast this spring, then get your mates together and enter the Gold Coast Flathead Classic. Be sure to bring a big net too, as flatties over the 90cm mark are a common catch this time of year.

The Gold Coast flathead Classic is proudly sponsored by Blue Fin Boats and TT Lures.

You can check out all the details on www.flatheadclassic.com.au in the archives section, and while you’re there be sure to download your entry form. – CGSFC