Reel good time at Riverview Fishing Classic

THE SIXTH annual Riverview Fishing Classic was the biggest yet aRivwccording to president Jim Pound with over 50 fishers, 16 boats and 150 hungry participants devouring 225 fish in total.

The December 29 event raised $8,560 for the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club with boats departing at 8am from the St Leonard’s boat ramp and returning by midday to have their hauls counted.

Mr Pound said they caught 208 flathead, 23 whiting, 18 gurnards, 5 squid and one snapper, prepared and cooked in the Riverview Family Caravan Park’s kitchen in Ocean Grove.

“People that weren’t in the competition had the opportunity to pay $10 for a plate of fish. A chef named Adam comes down from Melbourne to prepare and cook the fish for everyone, he does a fantastic job,” he said.

“There were various prizes awarded on the day including most fish, winning boat and longest fish. The conditions were absolutely perfect, the wind only picked up once the boats had returned.”

Mr Pound said they have attracted sponsors who put forward around $500 to help run the event, drawing on businesses outside the region.

“We know that a lot of the local business are already supporting other community clubs. We draw on the holidaymakers from Riverview Caravan Park, or those who have holiday homes down here and own a business.

“We’ve gone from donating $800, to over $8,000. It was important for us to donate to the surf life saving club because we use the beach and our kids do too, and we rely on them.”

Mr Pound said they couldn’t be happier with the turn out, the weather and the haul of fish.

“It’s getting bigger every year. Six years ago, it was three boats and this year there were 16. Our donation means the club might be able to buy furnishings for the new building, or another portable defibrillator.

“It’s our way of giving back to them for keeping us and our families safe at the beach.”