Anglers hope to reel in a winner at SW competition

Organisers are expecting bumper crowds this weekend for the fifth annual Beach Fishing Competition, with registration closing at 5pm on Friday.

A $5000 prize pool is up for grabs as part of the Harvey Districts Water Sport Association’s annual event, with between 200 and 300 people expected to participate.

The main prizes include $1000 for the biggest shark and $400 for the biggest herring.

The association’s Ken Upton said the club had received many registrations already, but some people might be waiting for the weather forecast before they commit.

“We’re hoping for good weather and that everyone has a good time,” Mr Upton said.

The club has been operating for 30 years and holds 11 member-only competitions throughout the year.

“This is our way of running a competition that is open to anyone and everyone,” he said.

The all-ages event is open to children as well, who can enter either individually or with their family.

The competition runs from 6pm on Friday through to 12.30pm on Saturday and Mr Upton said he knew many people had fished through the night in previous years.

“They can fish the whole night if they like, as long as they get back to the weigh-in station by 2pm,” he said.

Mr Upton said entrants had plenty of room to fish.

“It’s anywhere from the Cut in Bunbury right up to Preston Beach, so people have a fair distance to choose from.

People can register for the competition at the association’s clubrooms in Binningup or at the Binningup General Store, RG Upton and Co in Harvey, Outdoor Sports and Leisure in Bunbury, Whitey’s Tackle in Australind and the Myalup 23-Five General Store.

The weigh in station opens at 11am at the Harvey Districts Watersports Association carpark at Binningup Beach.