Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic has $200,000 in cash and prizes

The Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic is back for its 36th year in 2023, with $200,000 up for grabs in cash and prizes over a special week in June. Here’s everything you need to know:

05/05/2023 - There were some big fish caught last year. Picture: supplied

The Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic is back for its 36th year in 2023, with $200,000 up for grabs in cash and prizes over a special week in June.

Hundreds of fishers from across the country are expected to converge on the small Queensland town from June 10-17 with a top prize of $10,000 on offer at the grand finale on Saturday, June 17.

The registration day for those wishing to take part will be on Sunday, June 11 between 1pm and 4pm.

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, said it was an exciting time of the year for the club, the town and the region.

“Our event benefits the entire Rainbow Beach community, bringing families from all over Australia to compete in the event,” she said.

“Our fishing classic complements and strengthens the economic capacity of our town and the entire Gympie region.

05/05/2023 - Another couple of big fish caught at last year’s Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic. Picture: supplied

“The Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic and Expo has been operating for 35 years, bringing community, businesses and visitors together.

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“Our event encourages mateship and positive mental health outcomes through the sport of fishing.

“It’s a full week jam-packed with fun and fishing.

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“We have become a thriving hub of sport and social activities that reinforces our community’s social resilience and inclusivity and leads the region for sports and tourism.”

Ms Jensen is also delighted to have secured one of the country’s top music acts, with Queensland’s Busby Marou headlining the pre-party on Saturday, June 10.

“We are thrilled to be selected as the host for their Tiny Towns tour,” Ms Jensen added.

“It’s absolutely perfect timing for when they wanted to come - the day before our fishing classic commences, we knew it was meant to be.”

05/05/2023 - Last year’s $10,000 Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic winner Travis Steinhardt collects his cheque. Picture: supplied

Following registration day, a week of fishing will begin, with daily weigh-ins taking place from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 5pm.

The grand finale is on Saturday, June 17, with weigh-in from 2pm to 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 9yrs; Cadet - 9yrs to 16yrs; Adult - 16yrs and over; Veteran - 60 and over.

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

“There are also special prizes for the juniors drawn daily," Ms Jensen added.

“Everyone is welcome. You do not need to weigh in a fish to be part of the action. It really is fun for the whole family.

“There is free entry for spectators with a full expo this year.

“There are more than 15 expo sites, bars and food stalls with plenty of merchandise on sale too.”

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/ 

Rainbow Beach Family Fishing classic schedule

Saturday, June 10: Pre-Party from 6pm featuring Busby Marou, tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CHQOX

Sunday, June 11: Registration Day from 1-5pm - All competitors come to the club to collect their competitor bags and cards and listen to the skipper talk and coastguard. Fishing begins

Monday, June 12: First weigh-in from 3-5pm followed by prize presentation

Tuesday, June 13: Weigh-in from 3-5pm followed by prize presentation plus Veterans Day (over 60s)

Wednesday, June 14: Weigh-in from 3-5pm followed by prize presentation plus Ladies Day

Thursday, June 15: Weigh-in from 3-5pm followed by prize presentation 

Friday, June 16: Weigh-in from 3-5pm followed by prize presentation plus Teams Day  

Saturday, June 17: Grand finale Final weigh in from 2-4pm followed by prize presentation, overall winners, draw down prizes for adults, cadets and juniors, followed by after party in the club featuring Tennessee Lights 

Early Bird pricing ends May 15, so grab your tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CEXUW

Originally published as Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic has $200,000 in cash and prizes