The region’s premier fishing event kicks off this weekend, with the Geelong and Bellarine Snapper Classic fishing competition running from Friday, November 4 to Sunday, November 6.
The event, which is open to members and non-members alike, is held by the Leopold Angling and Aquatic Club (LAAC) and offers over $18,000 worth of prizes.
Competition organiser Andrew McLaughlin said the focus of the Snapper Classic was sustainability and junior participation.
“It’s a photo-based competition, not a weight-based one, so basically when you catch a fish you take a photo of it on the brag mat then throw it back,” Mr McLaughlin said.
“It’s very much about the message of long-term, sustainable fishing, and making sure that fishing is there for the future of our kids and juniors.
“We also have fishing rod and reel combos that we’re giving to the first 50 juniors that enter, and junior entry is free. We’re really trying to encourage more young people to take up fishing.”
The competition is also part of the LAAC’s ongoing fundraising efforts for new clubrooms and facilities, which club president Murray McLaren said would be in operation by next year’s event.
“LAAC is currently planning to build new clubrooms on the water in Leopold,” Mr McLaren said.
“This will be the last Snapper Classic held in our current clubrooms and we would love to see as many entrants as possible.
“If fishing isn’t your go, our clubrooms will be open to all community members from 3pm, Sunday, November 6, where we’ll have raffles, a BBQ and drinks available to purchase.
“The club is a 100 percent voluntary-based organisation, like most sporting clubs in our community. We work very hard in our own time to deliver competitions and activities that community members can enjoy.”
For more information visit leopoldaac.com/2022-snapper classic.
