Eildon

Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge

EILDON Peter Burtchell

Under the most arduous conditions, 244 keen anglers descended upon Lake Eildon to experience one of trout, trout and more trout be the first fish to hit the score board, as large schools were already gathering in the main arms of the lake, eagerly awaiting their spawning runs. Jamye-Hawthorn Smith, the 2019 winner for the longest trout, was soon on the leader board again with a quality 59cm brown trout that ultimately secured her Adult Longest Trout category win.

Archie Clark, the competition’s junior ambassador (who is also a junior ambassador for Alvey, Got 8 Lures and Obsession Spinnerbaits) took out the junior category for both trout and redfin. At only 8 years old, Archie also assisted with the competition’s safety briefs and gave some insights into where the fish would be schooling after his successful first day’s fishing. Archie was using an Alvey baitcaster combo.

The number of junior anglers competing in the Challenge has been steadily increasing, and this year a record of 17 juniors battled it out and were rewarded with some great catches and prizes.

One Murray Cod did hit the scoreboard on Day One, and it was only a matter of time before a metre plus fish was tabled from the overnight bait fishing sessions from both the Goulburn River headwaters and, as usual, from the rear deck of the Boatels, where the first day’s post-fishing parties were in full swing.

The native golden perch had truly shut down due to the cold weather, with just Young Boof with a nice healthy competition catch.

Victoria’s premier charity fishing competitions, the Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge.

Hosted by the Jerusalem Creek Marina and Holiday Park and supported by regular anglers from far and wide, the competition raises funds for charities, with this year’s beneficiary again being Variety Australia. The competition began at 2pm on Friday 14 May, with fishing allowed up until 11am Sunday 16 May. The forecasted plummeting temperatures along with a rain front did not deter the regulars from entering the competition, as the organisers always have purpose-built firepits and ample wood on hand.

It was no surprise to see John Cahill was amongst the action leading up to the finish time.

two caught and released.

In total there were 144 fish recorded for the event: 93 trout, 25 Murray cod, two golden perch, 22 redfin and the remainder being carp.

The competition results were: Murray cod – 1st Bailey Sobol (104cm), 2nd Zac Forster (93cm), 3rd Troy Maker (91cm). Golden perch – 1st Mikayla Callahan (41cm); Trout – 1st Jayme-Hawthorne Smith (59cm), 2nd Rod Groaters – (49cm), 3rd Jayme-Hawthorne Smith – (46cm), redfin – 1st Shaun Eva - 43cm, 2nd Bianca Sinsheimer – (41cm).

Juniors: Murray cod –Teagan Kimmel (48cm), trout – Archie Clark (43cm), carp – Luke Stanes (54cm). Archie Clark, winner of the Junior Trout Category.

The organisers thank every competitor who braved the elements, as well as Archie for his safety brief followed by Central Vic Lure Casters President Shane Melrose’s charity auctioneering skill, and finally Australian Fishing Network’s Bill Classon’s and Mick Caufield’s competition winners presentations that made the event a truly memorable one. The organisers will spend the remainder of the year thanking and promoting the many sponsors that make the annual event possible. To keep up to date with all of the Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge Sponsor posts and details of the 2022 event, simply visit lakeeildonfishingchallenge. com or look up ‘Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge’ on Facebook. • Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park is a friendly, family-orientated caravan park, and makes the perfect home away from home. While there you can opt to hire one of their Boatel floating apartments, hire a boat or book a fishing guide at competitive prices. For more information on all of these services and other attractions in the area, visit jerusalemcreek. com.au, or give them a call on (03) 5774 2585 or email info@jerusalemcreek. com.au.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

Open for breakfast from 6am 7 days a week

(Closed Mother’s Day) Coffee Light meals Pastries Cakes Bread 10 Main St, Eildon Victoria 3713 03 5774 2362 0438 881 629