RECREATIONAL fishers will once again have the opportunity to reel in a winning catch as part of the Hooked on Portland fishing competition this January long weekend.
The two day competition will run from this Saturday to Sunday and will be open to six species, including kingfish, snapper, whiting, gummy, salmon and tuna.
Cash prizes of up to $250 are on offer for the heaviest catch in each species and age category.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said the competition was expected to draw keen anglers from across the country.
“We are extremely excited to once again feature a fishing competition as part of the Hooked on Portland festival,” she said.
“Last year was an enormous success, with participants hailing from all across Australia.
“Portland is now recognised as a premier game fishing destination and as a result we are anticipating even further entries this year as keen fishers flock to our region to lure a winning catch over the January long weekend.”
The land and sea based competition will run from 6am on Saturday through to 2pm on Sunday, with weigh-ins from 1-5pm on Saturday and 11am-2pm Sunday at the Portland Yacht Club.
Entry forms are available for collection at Compleat Angler, Portland Bait and Tackle or the Portland Visitor Information Centre.
Final presentations will take place at the Portland Yacht Club at 3pm on Sunday.
For novice or first time anglers, Hooked on Portland will also host free fishing clinics, providing event-goers the opportunity to learn expert fishing techniques and tricks with the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
The fishing clinics, held throughout Saturday along the Portland Foreshore, will teach community members how to cast, tie knots and what to do with a fish when caught.
More information on festival details and further announcements can be found at the Hooked on Portland Facebook page.
