Thousands descend on Boyne River and Tannum Sands for Hookup weekend in Australia’s biggest family fishing competition
More than 3,000 budding fishers have now registered to battle it out for a whopping $375,000 prize pool and to be crowned with the best catch at the daily fishing competitions. See the pictures and details here.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia’s biggest family fishing competition has returned for another year and the conditions are primed for a massive weekend in the twin community of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands.
Weigh-ins have begun and prizes have already been given away to locals and tourists alike at the launch of the three-day event over another beautiful long weekend in coastal Central Queensland.
With a prize pool of more than $375,000 on offer, including a $90,000 major boat prize in the Sea Jay 630 Vision, you don’t even need to catch a fish to win big at the 2022 Hookup.
See some pictures from Day 1 below.
Hundreds braved a cooler wake-up to meet at Bray Park on Friday morning for the start of the event and hopefully have their name called out for the first batch of prizes at the Early Bird Random Prize Draw.
The event, now in it’s 27th year, welcomes tourists from around Queensland and Australia and will return to a more typical program after two years of interruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Andrew Davis said a lot of planning went into an event as massive as the Hookup and he was rapt the weather had cleared after a gloomy few days and conditions were now prime for a big weekend.
“It’s awesome that we’ve now got 3,000 people registered with the event and it was great to see how many people came down here this morning for the Early Bird Prize Draws,” Mr Davis said.
“People will be coming up to the main stage here for the weigh ins throughout the weekend but you’ll see some of the massive catches later in the afternoon.”
Water Police and Gladstone’s Volunteer Marine Police gave safety warnings and demonstrations at the launch on Friday morning at Bray Park, which included showing competitors how and when to use flares.
Gladstone VMR president Jeff Caldwell said, when speaking to Hookup News, that boaties should be mindful of expiry dates and maintenance before entering the water.
“The number one important thing is people have the correct and appropriate safety gear in their boats,” Mr Caldwell said.
“And that safety gear is in good condition and not expired, for example flares have an expiry date.”
As day one wrapped up, locals and tourists flocked back to Bray Park to firstly weigh in their prized catches and are sticking around for the festivities, including rides, food and eagerly awaiting the prize draws.
The Observer will post videos, pictures, and updates throughout the Hookup weekend.
Pictures from Day 1
More Coverage
Originally published as Thousands descend on Boyne River and Tannum Sands for Hookup weekend in Australia’s biggest family fishing competition
Your ultimate guide to every gun club in Queensland
A new public shooting gallery catering to unlicensed shooters as young as 11 has opened as firearm sports experience a surge in popularity. See our exclusive list of all gun clubs in Queensland.
Watch: ‘How my 21yo son’s town-changing fatal crash is saving lives’
A year on from the shocking crash which claimed a “cheeky”, fishing-loving labourer, we visit the still-grieving hometown where touching memorials and his brave parents are ensuring “his honour lives on”. VIDEO, PHOTOS.
Eerie quiet as towns await Bruce Highway reopening
The eerie quiet in Bororen and Miriam Vale remains three days after a devastating fatal crash on the Bruce Highway which caused significant damage from a chemical explosion and closed Queensland’s number one road.
Brother and sister take out Gladstone’s cutest Book Week costumes
A Gladstone brother and sister’s creative Book Week costumes have been voted the region’s best by locals. Check them out here, as well as the other fantastic costumes that just missed out, following our online poll
Growing demand: Eight new child care centres planned for Central Qld
Parents and carers with children on Central Qld child care wait lists will be pleased to know more centres will be opening up around them. See where they are set to be built and those that have recently opened:
Two injured after car rolls on major highway
Two women were taken to hospital after a single-vehicle rollover on a major highway in Central Queensland.