2023 Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic breaks all the records

A woman has shown the men how’s it’s done, taking out the $10,000 top prize for the biggest fish from a record 546 competitors at the longest running fishing classic in south east Qld.

Ashleigh Jensen announces the top prize winner of the 2023 Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic, Wendy Blake, who took home $10,000.

Big crowds and big fish were the order of the day in a fun-filled week of fishing at the 36th annual Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic.

There were a record number of competitors too (546) who turned up to Rainbow Beach from June 11-17, 2023.

There were daily prizes for the biggest fish caught every day with some $200,000 worth of camping and fishing gear also up for grabs over the week.

The Rainbow Beach Sports Club hosted the annual event, the longest-running fishing classic in the southeast of the state.

The club’s general manager, Ashleigh Jensen, delighted by the week’s event headlined by star Queensland outfit Busby Marou, who whipped crowds up to a fever pitch in their pre-competition concert on Saturday, June 10.

“All in all, it was a very successful week for Rainbow Beach,” Jensen said.

20/06/2023 - Another big fish is weighed in. Picture: supplied

“Competitors and sponsors are all raving about how well the event went. 

“We had record-breaking crowds, record-breaking number of competitors, and a record-breaking prize pool thanks to our 46 sponsors. 

“All sponsors are happy to jump on board from 2024 and there have been several inquiries about gaining additional sponsors too.”

The prize pool for the Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic was $200,000, with the $10,000 top prize on offer for the biggest fish at the grand finale on Saturday, June 17.

That prize went to Wendy Blake.

2024 dates have been set with the Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic set for June 2 to June 8. Tickets will go on sale soon. 

20/06/2023 - It was on for young and old at Rainbow Beach. Picture: supplied

Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic results:

JUNIORS

Beach

Bream - 0.762 - Ollie Pearce

Flathead - 1.163 - Harry Carter

Dart - 0.440 - Charlie Madden

Whiting - 0.324 - Madelyn Midgley

Tailor - 0.680 - Lachlan Brooks

CADETS

Beach

Bream - 0.781 - Ben Hoffman

Flathead - 0.478 - Sonny Bennet

Dart - 0.478 - Brody Miles

Whiting - 0.390 - Brody Miles

Tailor - 1.275 - James Bergin

20/06/2023 - A big fish is weighed in. Picture: supplied

Reef

Snapper - 4.165 - Charlie Wandrey

Red Emperor - 4.390 - Luke Treloar

Tusk - 2.416 - Luke Treloar

Pearl Perch - 2.952 - Luke Richardson

Sweet Lip - 2.560 - Sienna Arthur

ADULTS

Beach

Bream - 0.979 - Kim Prange

Flathead - 2.630 - Alan Balfour

Dart - 0.676 - Kaleb Hamilton

Whiting - 0.501 - Craig Hamilton

Tailor - 3.236 - Brian Byrne

20/06/2023 - Big fish were the order of the day at Rainbow Beach. Picture: supplied

Reef

Snapper - 5.960 - Rowdy Corbett

Red Emperor - 12.995 - Justin Walters

Tusk - 8.431 - Stephen Askew

Pearl Perch - 3.969 - Ryan Walters

Sweet Lip - 5.328 - Patrick Koch

Mulloway - 10.556 - Suzie Arthur

Ashleigh Jensen announces the top prize winner of the 2023 Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic, Wendy Blake, who took home $10,000.

BIG FISH

Blue Eye Trevalla - 21.237 - Ian Brookes

Peter Brady Memorial Trophy Winner

"Best and Fairest Fisherperson"

Ben Horne (Junior)

Cedric Byrne Memorial Trophy Winner

"Tailor Fisherperson"

Lachlan Byrne (Adult)

$10,000 Adult Major Draw Down winner

Wendy Blake