For many anglers, January is one of most highly anticipated months of the year and for a good reason! One of the premier events of the NSW Gamefishing Tournament calendar is coming our way as the Batemans Bay Game Fishing Club is once again set to host the Tollgate Island Classic. If you’re a fan of fishing, get your fishing rods ready and head to Batemans Bay on the 19th – 21st of January, 2018, for three whole days of fishing, exciting prizes, and fun events and entertainment.
About The Event
So who can take part in this annual extravaganza? The Tollgate Island Classic is open to members of fishing clubs with a state association and is affiliated with either the Game Fishing Association of Australia or the Australian National Sportfishing Association. Participants are advised to provide proof of membership during registration, which will start at 5 pm on the 18th of January.
If you’re not a member of any clubs or you can’t present any proof of club membership, don’t worry. You can still join this annual Batemans Bay Fishing event by paying a $30 tournament membership fee. However, do take note that organisers reserve the right to refuse entry. Also, all participants must have at least two registered anglers in their teams. In particular, the boat captain or anyone involved in the capturing, tagging or releasing of fish must be registered anglers.
Fantastic Prizes On Offer
Huge prizes await those who have the most exceptional catch. For instance, the Champion Boat that catches the heaviest marlin will take home $2,500 and a trophy, plus a Shimano Tiagra 50W and a matching rod. The winner of the Heaviest Shark by a Team award, meanwhile, will receive $1,000, a trophy, and a Flying gaff from Hook’em. To keep everyone entertained, the event organisers have arranged a series of performances and events, including a raffle and delicious food.
Boating Safety
It’s easy to lose yourself in the heat of competition, but one thing you must never forget is to ensure you and your team’s safety. Whenever you’re on the water, you should make boating safety your priority. Have your inflatable life jackets serviced if you haven’t done it already. Always remember that being prepared can go a long way towards saving people’s lives in case of an accident.
