READY TO FISH: Looking forward to the Stacer Ovens River Classic are Yarrunga Primary School principal and Rotary member Neil Pryor, Yarrunga Primary School students Kara Jones, Caitlin Jenkins and Jacob Collison, and Rotary Club of Appin Park members Dennis Devine and Ron Summers.
ANGLERS from all walks of life are being urged to flock to the banks of the Ovens River for the staging of the Stacer Ovens River Classic by the Rotary Club of Appin Park on January 31-February 1.
Rotary Club president Bernard Young said the club was "really excited" about the challenge, which will see fishing enthusiasts pick their favorite spot along the Ovens River and try their luck at catching Murray cod, redfin, yellowbelly and carp.
The event will be complemented by the Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Leisure Show, held at Apex Park, Wangaratta over the two days of the classic.
"Both events have had tremendous support from local and national businesses, with sponsorship of donated services and prizes, and the club thanks the sponsors for their support," Mr Young said.
"The event will see many people having a great time on or near the Ovens River and appreciating what a great resource we have right here.
"We plan to make this an annual event," Mr Young added.
The show will showcase a number of leisure businesses from the North East and beyond, and there will also be a lucky door prize for visitors.
Mr Young said the aim of the classic was to help people to recognise the value of the Ovens as a recreational destination and also to encourage locals, particularly children, to get out and about and get hooked on outdoor activities.
The classic will be held along the Ovens River, with the area covered starting at Everton and ending at the junction of the Ovens and Murray rivers at Bundalong.
The emphasis of the event itself is on non-competitive fishing, with a catch and release system preferred for Murray cod, redfin and yellowbelly (carp cannot be released if caught).
However, all members of the public paying the entry fee - $25 for junior entrants and $50 for adults – are automatically entered into the draw for the prize of a Stacer 3.99m Proline boat.
Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish of each type caught by both juniors and adults.
Other fish caught will be entered in draws for prizes that will be determined by the length of the fish.
Another Proline boat is the major prize in a raffle that is being conducted in conjunction with the Fishing, Camping and Leisure Show.
Event coordinator Ron Summers said an entry into the classic would be an ideal Christmas present for the fishing enthusiasts in the family, and said the emphasis for the event was on family fun and active enjoyment.
Anyone wishing to know about the classic and register their interest can call Dennis Devine on 0413 300 176 or Bernard Young on 0417 236 840.
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