2011 State Of State Of Origin Fishing Comp

[Angus]

The 2011 State Of State Of Origin Fishing Competition kicked off on the 7th of October, 8:00am at Jacobs Well in South East Queensland. 2011 would see the event held in Queensland for the first time with the previous events being south of the border. With one competition won per state to prior to this event, it was an eagerly anticipated tie breaker bound to include a lot of fishing, a lot chin-wagging and of course a lot of friendly ribbing!

The State Of Origin Fishing Competition (SOO), like all fishing competitions run by Brisbane Fishing Online uses a photo entry method based on length. A unique item handed out during the event briefing keeps all the anglers honest and ensures that fish submitted at the nominated times are indeed caught during competition times. This photo entry format ensures no fish are needlessly killed purely for “trophy” reasons and many fish at this event were released to fight another day. With the social side of things being important (in quite a few cases more so than the competition) keeping fish for a feed is allowed however a many a good BBQ was enjoyed by competitors and fellow park patrons throughout the event.

The categories for the SOO change each year depending on the location and info leading up to the event. These decisions are obviously made so the categories represent a diverse yet achievable spectrum of fish to suit different styles of fishing and fishing gear. For 2011 the line up included Jewfish/Mulloway, Bream, Flathead and Whiting. There were also prizes available for some lucky draw species and for the best junior miscellaneous entry. The lucky draw species were selected simply by writing each additional species caught on top of the target 4 on tickets and drawing 2 from a hat. The angler who caught the largest specimen of that species, whether it be a toadfish or a marlin was awarded a very generous prize pack consisting of over $100 worth of lures from event sponsors Fishing Mania. The lucky duo ended up being Beau Bettridge for a Tailor and Ian Ferguson for a Squire. Brian Ellis also lucked out by being drawn for a lucky door prize sponsored by major event sponsors Nordic Stage. Brian scored himself a Nordic Stage Areal Gunslinger!

Kendall Soo excelled in the Bream category this year taking out first place with a 37cm+ specimen. To prove you don’t need a boat to do well in these events, Kendall managed his bream flicking a land based session in the Gold Coast area. Although only Kendall’s largest bream counted for a prize, on the table of total fish caught, Kendall actually scored the 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest bream for the event! Ian Ferguson and Jon New came 2nd and 3rd respectively for the Bream category. The Jewfish category was closely contested throughout the event with numerous school sized fish being submitted. However in the last hours of submissions Adam Long came in and trumped the competition with an impressive 90cm fish. Troy Whyte and Wayne Young rounded out the 2nd and 3rd places.

Despite the Flathead Classic being on the week previously the numbers of 60+cm Flathead measured in was high with some very thick fish (and in nearly all cases released) during the competition. AFO veteran Jeff Flynn however took the honours for this category bagging his 76cm+ fish. Jeff epitomised the concept of “think big, catch big” by hooking this crocodile in deep water on a 7 inch plastic and a 1 ounce jig head! Scott Marks and Matt Long brought in 2nd and 3rd with high 60’s fish. Arguably the most impressive category this year was the Whiting with some truly huge fish being measured in! Another AFO stalwart Ray Kennedy narrowly was took first place with a stonking 43.5cm Whiting! Whiting expert and fellow Bush & Beach author Wayne Young squeezed into 2nd with a 42.5cm fish and Danny Do finished off in 3rd with a 42cm fish. Many other fish in the lower 40cm and high 30cm range were submitted just to show how competitive this category was. Last but not least, competing in the Junior’s category Jacob Stevens was awarded the prize for best miscellaneous fish entered by a competitor under the age of 12. Jacob was awarded this prize for a very respectable flathead he managed to bag on a plastic on his first cast of the event! Brisbane Fishing Online typically opens a Junior Category at all of their events to ensure each event has a fun and family atmosphere.

Overall it was a great event and we simply can't wait for the upcoming 2011 Brisbane River Classic being held in early December this year! A huge thank you must go out to the sponsors for this event who supplied us with some awesome prizes: Nordic Stage (via Obsession Fishing) for their huge commitment in prizes and support as well as Searing Tackle, Fishing Mania and Austackle for all providing some great lure packs which were really appreciated by all that took home a prize. Another massive thanks must go out to all entrants who competed in this event and helped create the fun, social and friendly atmosphere this event is becoming renown for. Additionally thanks to Brisbane Fishing Online (AFO), North Coast Fishing Forum (NCF) and Nuggets Fishing for all promoting this event and sending entrants our way.

We are already talking amongst ourselves and some of the boys down south as to where the event will be held next year. Stay tuned for an early announcement this time!

Cheers.

Angus

[Zim man]

great report gus, well done to you and your team for organizing the event and to everyone who attended. i hope to make next years one

[Dell]

Nice write up Angus. I reckon the tweed river would be a good spot to hold it next yr. Lots of fishing options and the staff at the boyds bay caravan park have always been friendly when i've stayed down there.

cheers

[Angus]

There are a few locations on the cards for next year and its fairly safe to say it will be in NSW. Just want to consult all those involved and the potential participants regarding best locations and dates.

Expect a few polls to help decide this

Angus

[Surfingant]

Yep I reckon the tweed would be the go. Enjoyed the report and pics

[Angus]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. We are still to make any decisions.

Tweed is on the cards for future events for sure though!

Angus