MARLIN RELEASE: There is great emphasis on tag and release during the tournament with competitors here releasing a marlin last year.
IF you’ve ever wanted to walk the walk of actor Lee Marvin or talk the talk of novelist Zane Grey, then head to the annual Bermagui Blue Water Classic game fishing tournament this long weekend.
Entrants in the Classic – now in its 77th year – will be following in the fishing footsteps of the two famous Americans who were frequent visitors to Bermagui.
A NSW Game Fishing Sanctioned Tournament, competitors who sign up for the tournament, which runs from January 26-28, will also be chasing other fish such as shark, kingfish and tuna, in the waters north or south of Bermagui.
Game fish are well known for their fighting abilities and the sport is all part of the difficulty of the pursuit.
With a number of tournament trophies and prizes on offer, there really is something for everyone.
The prize list is extensive with various categories in the tag and release sections as well as the capture.
Prize categories include marlin, other game fish such as yellow fin tuna and shark, junior and lady angler categories, most meritorious, as well as a small fry section and a lucky angler prize.
“There’s more than $40,000 in prizes on offer” said Scott Bradley, who as owner of Bermagui Fish and Tackle is a major sponsor of the event, as well as president of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.
“Everyone is welcome to enter, from adults to juniors (aged 11-16 years) and what we call ‘small fry’, which is kids under the age of 11. As long as you have a saltwater fishing licence and are prepared to obey the rules on bag limit and size restrictions, you can try your luck.”
You can find more information on other activities in the region by visiting the Sapphire Coast website www.sapphirecoast.com.au
The 77th Bermagui Blue Water Classic is proudly sponsored by local and national companies including Shimano, Bermagui Bait & Tackle, Yanmar Marine, Yamaha Australia and the Bermagui Country Club.