GATHER up the family for some St Patrick\u2019s Day fun, when the Rotary Club of Alfredton hosts their annual Fishing Competition around Lake Wendouree.<\/p>\n
Kicking off at 6.30am on 17 March, early birds can cast their line as the sun comes up or people can get involved later in the day until 2.30pm.<\/p>\n
The aim of the game is to capture, measure, photograph and release trout, or catch, photograph and keep Redfin. Kayak, boat and shore fishing are all welcome.<\/p>\n
One photo per entrant for each species will be judged and those who have caught the first, second and third longest fish will win prizes in both junior and adult categories. A kayak, and fly-fishing guiding with Craig Coltman are up for grabs.<\/p>\n
The competition\u2019s base, including registration, is at Durham Point. A barbecue will run all day for brekky and lunches, a Ballarat Blue Water Fishing Club boat display and a fisheries education van will be on site, and experienced fisherman will be around to help any competitors.<\/p>\n
Alfredton Rotary\u2019s Kathy Rivett is a passionate fisherwoman. She hopes Ballarat and the region will get behind the community event, so an impressive spread of people is seen fishing around the whole lake.<\/p>\n
The club is looking forward to a progressive, inclusive, family and disability friendly atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such an accessible lake now,\u201d Ms Rivett said, noting the decks and pontoons around the lake are easily accessed by people in wheelchairs or with mobility scooters.<\/p>\n
This is the competition\u2019s second year and the club hopes more than 200 people will come and fish, having experienced diabolical weather at the 2018 event.<\/p>\n
Alfredton Rotary\u2019s Glenice Lofts had the idea for the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have our meetings over at the Lake View Hotel and every night I just kept looking at the lake thinking, we just don\u2019t do enough,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s here all the time\u2026there must be something we can do to encourage the young families to come and see the lake and try it out. I didn\u2019t even know there were fish in here.<\/p>\n
\u201cI imagined it would be a full day event with everyone around the lake, having picnics on the foreshore.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the years go on, the competition will grow, and Ms Lofts hopes to direct proceeds a certain way.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy vision was to raise money for young people in aged care facilities\u2026 people they care for can bring them out for the day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n