THE TIARO Landcare Annual Ergon Fishing Competition is going from strength to strength. The comp was held on the ponded area of the Mary River during the weekend of October 19-20 and was based at Petrie Park, Tiaro.

Registrations for all categories of seniors, juniors and families increased by more than 50% on previous years, and anglers came from as far as Rockhampton, Monto and the Gold Coast.

Tiaro Landcare President Darryl Stewart was very happy with the support shown by the community.

“The word is getting around that the Tiaro Landcare Fishing Competition is a great family weekend and represents excellent fishing and value,” Darryl said. “It is also of immense value to the endangered Mary River turtle, because all of the proceeds will be used to assist in its survival.

“Unfortunately, anglers were greeted by a raft of water hyacinth stretching from bank to bank, as far as the eye could see from Petrie Park. It is a damning indictment on Sunwater and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, that they have done nothing to eradicate this noxious weed for many years.”

Despite the difficulties, plenty of fish were caught and released. Evidence that the recently modified fishway at the barrage is allowing improved passage was shown in the fact that three estuary fish species were landed, with the best – a 0.9kg yellowfin bream – being awarded the Kingfisher Bay Resort holiday for the most outstanding catch to four-year-old Teresa Banister of Monto. Her father also landed a bream of around the same size.

The heaviest fish amongst the seniors was a 4.056 forktail catfish caught by Barbara Mosk of Tiaro, who landed $500 worth of paving bricks supplied by Focus Flagstone Pavers. Mark Tyler topped the juniors and will enjoy a return trip to Brisbane on the tilt train, courtesy of Q-Rail, for his 3.594 catfish.

The family section was keenly contested all weekend. The overall winners were the Stiab family from Tiaro, who won narrowly ahead of the Dales of Tinana. The Stiab family won a camping gear package, including a family-size tent.

Mr Stewart praised all entrants who, because of the hyacinth, had to fish areas remote from the weighing station and then had to drive back and forth with sloshing eskies full of fish to weigh in.

“With full catering by Tiaro Lyons all weekend, live entertainment and lucky prize draws on Saturday night and great fishing prizes provided by our growing band of wonderful sponsors together with a lucky draw for $1000, next year’s competition on October 18-19 is not to be missed,” Mr Stewart said. – TDLG.

For further information call Daryl Stewart on (07) 4129 6190.