By Lee Mccarthy
The first Rainbow Beach Fishing Comp, as it was called in the beginning, was held on 28 August 1987 with less than 50 entrants and the weigh-ins and presentations were held near the Lawrie Hanson Park propellor.
Few who have been attending since then will forget the hastily erected marquees, makeshift stage, smell of barbecue meats cooking and the sounds of camaraderie by the entrants and their supporters while sipping on a coldie.
The event grew to include children’s events, ladies’ day and organisers including Ruth Modin who was instrumental in starting the event, brought in volunteers and sponsors such as Sam and Maureen Mitchell from Rainbow Beach Tourist Information Centre who still sponsor the event today.
The annual event now known as the Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic and Expo has been held at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club for over fifteen years and has grown into a huge event with $200,000 in cash and prizes on offer.
The event brings in thousands of visitors including entrants, their families with the town full of good natured visitors trying their luck for the prize pool and ensuring the local businesses prosper while they are here for the week.
This year nominations close on Saturday 1 June at 5pm, registration is on Sunday 2 June and the weigh ins happen from Monday 3 June 2024.
There will be courtesy buses, buzz karaoke, pre party entertainment and nighty draws with the finale being held on Saturday 8 June and all at the Sports Club.
Included in your Fishing Classic entry this year is free entry to the Pre-Party on Saturday 1st June from 6pm which will feature entertainment from Linc Phelps, Caitlyn Shadbolt and Ruby Jane and Buzz Karaoke is on Wednesday 5 June from 8pm to 11pm.
The event now attracts major sponsors including Cooper Tyres, Wilson, Wynnum Marine, ARB 4 x 4 accessories, Allcoast Tyre Solutions, Noosa and Gympie Today, Sunshine Mitre 10, Gardiner Fisheries, Kevlacat Power Boats Australia, Great Northern Brewing Co Qld, Gympie Regional Council and the Rainbow Beach Sports Club and Hervey Bay RSL, Sam Allen Wholesale, Diablo Ginger Beer and Promopal.
To join in the fun go to www.trybooking.com/COCOA or pick up an entry from the staff of the Sports Club.
Visit www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au for more information and to register online with the option of four payments via PayPal.
