Anglers look to reel in a Classic catch

CLOSE to 200 anglers will hook their best baits over the next fortnight as part of the third annual Geelong and Bellarine Snapper Classic.

The largest event of the year for the Leopold Angling and Aquatic Club (LAAC), the Classic began at 12.01am last night (Saturday, November 4) with fishers starting their quests for the largest catch of the elusive snapper species.

LAAC president Murray McLaren said the club was ecstatic to host another Classic and showcase what the fishing group could offer to anglers throughout the region.

“We’ve had two very successful years hosting the Geelong and Bellarine Snapper Classic, and we’re stoked to see what the third running of this event can bring.

“It originally started as a small event that we could offer our members, but as the interest grew, we started offering it to the public as well and from there the sponsorships grew too.

“It’s continued to grow, and we expect that to continue moving forward.”

The area for participants to catch snapper extends to anywhere in Port Phillip Bay, providing easier access for anglers around the state to compete once registered.

The deadline on registrations strictly closed at 11.59pm last night (Friday, November 3). All catches will be recorded on the Track My Fish app during the competition.

The waiting period will run from today and conclude on November 19 at 2pm to enhance the chance of ideal fishing conditions.

Over $20,000 in prizes will be up for grabs over the next 15 days, with this year’s winner also taking home a Mercury 20HP 4-stroke tiller motor valued at about $4,500.

The winner’s name will also be etched into history on the Classic’s perpetual shield.

Darcy Scott’s 77cm catch secured him the inaugural win in 2021, followed by Steve Parker’s record 80cm catch in 2022.

“It’s a wonderful bonding atmosphere for those who fish together, and the club just comes to life over the two weeks,” Mr McLaren said.

“We currently sit at about 180 registered entrants, so we fully expect this year’s Classic to be our biggest one to date, which is really exciting.

“In future years, we’ll hope to have bigger prizes.”

For more information on this year’s event, head to leopoldaac.com/2023-snapper-classic