The Shane Stewart Memorial Fishing Competition has fast become the premier fishing competition on the Sunshine Coast. If entrant numbers continue to increase at this rate it will soon be recognised as one of the must-fish events in Queensland.

This year saw the introduction of online registration through the website, which assisted with booking in the increased numbers of anglers. While there were some early technical problems it will certainly make things easier for all those attending the competition next year.

The tournament is organised and run by the local Caloundra Coast Guard in memory of the Stewart family who tragically lost their son Shane in June 1999 to what can only be described as an easily avoidable boating accident.

The fishing competition is the best way to remember such a classic bloke like Shane whose passion for fishing was something extraordinary and to those that knew him he will always be remembered for his easygoing understanding nature.

Competitions rely on the generous support of sponsors and it is something special when they continue to be a part of a tournament every year. The major prize up for grabs this year was a 4.2m Quintrex aluminium boat with a 30hp Suzuki motor and trailer package with the top junior angler taking home a Viking kayak.

The competition provides cash prizes for the best fish in most categories and plenty of random and lucky draws throughout the tournament duration.

This year the competition was enhanced by the introduction of computerised scoring and display screens which kept those with fish on the score board continually checking their standings.

The weather outlook at the beginning of the competition was very favourable but it soon deteriorated ending up with strong cool southeasterlies making fishing very uncomfortable.

Those who fished early in the competition found the fishing to be slow but steady and it resulted in a number of good sized pearl perch, snapper, parrot, whiting, flathead and bream being weighed in on Saturday.

The last day of the competition saw the temperature drop dramatically and with the cool southeasterlies blowing hard it was amazing to see the number of fish, including big mackerel and mixed reefies that hit the scales.

Thumbs up to the Caloundra Coast Guard as the tournament was well organised, the presentations ran smoothly and those involved were already planning strategies for the 2011 competition.

For additional information on the competition and about Shane you can check out the website at www.shanestewartfishingcompetition.com.au. – Brad Mckendrick

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