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Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic starts June 11, 2023

More than 1000 people a day are expected to descend on Rainbow Beach once the annual Family Fishing Classic kicks off on Sunday, June 11.

07/06/2023 - Some of the big catches from last year’s Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic. Picture: supplied
07/06/2023 - Some of the big catches from last year’s Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic. Picture: supplied

Organisers are expecting huge crowds when the Rainbow Beach Family Classic kicks off on Sunday, June 11.

The Rainbow Beach Sports Club will once more be hosting the annual event, the longest-running fishing classic in the southeast of the state.

The club’s general manager, Ashleigh Jensen, was excited at the prospect of more than 1000 people a day attending the fishing competition from June 11-17.

A concert headlined by star Queensland outfit Busby Marou will start the fun on Saturday, June 10 with a pre-party from 6pm.

“Tickets are still available for the concert which is the best thing we have added to the event,” Jensen said.

“We have had lots of last-minute entries for the fishing classic.

07/06/2023 - Some of the big catches from the 2022 Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic. Picture: supplied
07/06/2023 - Some of the big catches from the 2022 Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic. Picture: supplied

“At the moment we have 500 entries but there is still room for more.

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“Those 500 people will bring their families with them, so we are expecting at least 1000 a day which equates to something like the crowds we had last year.

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“We are ecstatic about that but if you want to take part then come and register.

“It’s also free for spectators and we have plenty of expos for everything to do with boating, camping and fishing.”

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

Jensen said there were plenty of reasons for fishers to get involved not least the prize money on offer.

“We have got 37 sponsors and it’s the biggest prize fund we have ever had,” she said.

“As well as cash prizes, there are fishing rods, swags, generators, deep freezers and TVs.

07/06/2023 - A couple of big snapper caught last year. Picture: supplied
07/06/2023 - A couple of big snapper caught last year. Picture: supplied

“We have sounders for boats worth up to $8000, so there is something for everyone.”

Following registration day from 1-4pm on Sunday, June 11, a week of fishing will begin, with daily weigh-ins taking place from Monday to Friday between 3-5pm.

The grand finale is on Saturday, June 17, with weigh-in from 2-4pm

That will be followed by the grand finale prize presentation and drawing of the major draw prizes including the jackpot $10,000 cash prize.

Age groups as of June 11, 2023 are: Juniors - 3yrs to under 9 yrs; Cadet 9yrs to 16yrs; Adult 16yrs & over; Veteran 60 & over.

There are also special event categories of: Ladies Day, Veterans Day, and Teams Day.

To view the full Entry Form 2023 and to read the terms and conditions of entering the competition, please visit https://www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au.

Tickets for Busby Marou concert can be bought at https://www.trybooking.com/CHQOX

Originally published as Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic starts June 11, 2023

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/rainbow-beach-family-fishing-classic-starts-june-11-2023/news-story/2f1585535b6fca6e017691e9427fc483