18 Apr 2018 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) by Gus McCubbing Nagambie has landed the jackpot: Australias biggest fishing competition Nagambie has really caught the big one Australias largest and richest freshwater fishing competition. The $500 000 GoFish Nagambie catch-measure-andrelease competition will be capped at 5000 anglers and start on Anzac Day 2019 and again in 2020. It is forecast the two years of GoFish Nagambie will provide a massive $30 million injection of tourism dollars into the local economy as thousands descend on the region for four days of competition. Nagambie Angling Club secretary Wally Cubbin said he was thrilled the town secured the event after 18 months of conversations and planning with the likes of GTR events director Daryl Herbert. Mr Cubbin said Nagambie hadnt hosted a major fishing competition since 1983 and that a lot of work had been done revitalising fish numbers in the area. We had no fish here for quite a long time for 25 years the number of fish fell year by year, he said. I went to Fisheries to see about getting fish put in at Nagambie, but we werent allowed. This went on for quite a long time and after a lot of discussion with different groups we found what happened and why. Eventually the department changed its position and opened new fisheries and now weve put in as many as two million fish, only 30 mm long. Since then the place has just come alive, he said. GoFish Nagambie ambassador Rhys Creed said the Goulburn River and Nagambie Lakes area make for a stunning fishing destination and the legendary Murray cod will be the competitions most soughtafter catch. Murray cod are difficult to catch, but thats also the challenge of it and at the end of the day anyone can catch one, he said. The event will be financed through the $20 million Regional Events Fund, designed to help communities such as Nagambie attract major events to drive visitation. Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren visited Nagambies Mitchelton Winery last week to announce the competition and said it would help drive economic development and job growth in the area. Continued Page 3 encompass an outdoor lifestyle festival including exhibitions, education and entertainment for fishing enthusiasts and their families and friends. Strathbogie Shire mayor From Page 1 GoFish Nagambie will keep local restaurants, cafes and motels busy, and thats great news for local jobs, businesses and tourism operators, Mr Eren said. All fish caught are measured and lodged via a purpose-built GoFish Nagambie mobile phone App and are then safely returned to their environment. The competition is spread across three categories; boats, kayaks and bank fishing. GoFish Nagambie will also Amanda McClaren said the event was great news for the region and encouraged anglers to come to Nagambie for a fantastic competition and festival. One of the biggest drawcards for the Strathbogie Shire is its natural beauty and one of the best things about fishing is getting outdoors and enjoying nature, Cr McClaren said. GoFish Nagambie is a fantastic opportunity for Nagambie, our shire and the region with people from all over Australia and the world coming to enjoy our lakes and river district in this beautiful part of Victoria. Caption Text: Good news: Nagambie Angling Clubs Eddie Dunn (left) with Wally Cubbin. A regional positive: Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren, Jayco Australia owner and founder Gerry Ryan, GoFish Nagambie ambassador Rhys Creed, Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren, TV personality Jo Silvagni and GTR Events director Daryl Herbert.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.