An estimated 500 people attended the Gone Fishing Day at Lake Wallace on Sunday, October 14.
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Despite a wet and windy forecast predicted, the group struck some luck and the day turned out relatively perfect with a mild breeze and a couple of minor spots of drizzle.
With heavy rain falling around most of the surrounding area and falling at the end of school holidays, numbers were a little lower than last year, according to secretary of the Wallerawang Branch of the Central Acclimatisation Society, Ray Tang.
“It was still enough to equal the amount of people we had in our first ever attempt to run this community event back in 2016, with an estimated 500 people attending and 273 registered participants,” he said.
Many trout were caught and released with the new largest fish trophy being awarded to Lithgow resident Ben Spittles for a massive 64cm rainbow trout.
First place for largest trout Junior went to Wallerawang boys Oscar Gordan and Byron Lambourn who tied for first place by both catching 55cm rainbows.
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“Only a handful of Redfin were caught on the day, these numbers would be attributed with the cooler weather as Redfin feed more in the warmer temperatures where Trout are accustomed to the cooler climates,” Mr Tang said.
According to Mr Tang there were a dozen rainbow trout caught and released on the day all averaging 55cm.
“The aim of this event is to introduce everyone to the wonderful world of fishing, while educating everyone about the risk of translocating and moving redfin from one waterway to another,” he said.
NSW and Australian fly fishing champion, Emilio Caggiano, was programmed to compete in the Snowy Mountians fly fishing competition on Sunday, October 14 for points to allow him to compete in the World Championships, but made the decision to wave this competition to participate in the Gone Fishing Day event.
He will be attempting to make up points at the next round in Ballarat and Tasmania later this year. Wallerawang Branch of the central acclimatisation society, will be sponsoring him for his trip to Tasmania to attend the points round.
“It was a fantastic day for all and with the the help from sponsors we hope to be able to run the event again next year,” Mr Tang said.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors and participants because without them this event would not be worth doing , as well as Daryl Goodwin who was able to help with the presentations at the end of the day.”
They also held a monster raffle prize draw. Winners were:
- 1st Prize – Weaco Dometic 45ltr CFF45 portable camping fridge/ freezer Compleat Angler Bathurst: Alison Jackson
- 2nd Prize - 3mtr Kayak with 5 rod holders +2 compartments +padded seat +paddle + Lowrance Hook2 4x fish finder from WCAS: Tim Kelly
- 3rd Prize - 2.7 mtr Kayak with 5 rod holders +2 compartments +padded seat +paddle from WCAS: Nigel Sharp
- 4th Prize – Harvey Norman Hisense Bar Fridge From Harvey Norman: Harrison Bennet
- 5th Prize – Roman Rapid 360 touring tent form R&K Gas: Sheridan Hurst
- 6th Prize – 3x3 Deluxe Oz Trail deluxe Gazebo from R&K Gas: Alison Jackson
- 7th Prize – Lowrance Hook2 4x with GPS from BCF Bathurst: Lauren Seton
- 8th Prize – Plano Angled Storage system From Sports Power Lithgow: Harrison Bennet
- 9th Prize– Plano Angled Storage system from Sports Power Lithgow: Nick Cosier
- 10th Prize- 120W 21.5” LED light bar from BCF Bathurst: John Spitteri
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