Launched on the banks of the Goulburn River today, in magnificent conditions, the line has been cast for the 2020 GoFish Nagambie tournament, which is promised to be better and bigger than ever.
GoFish Nagambie Chief Executive Rod Lockwood said, “Our plan in 2019 was to lay a platform, learn from the experience and develop a sustainable long-term event. We have built relationships and connections building an event that is driven by community support. It has been one of the most successful ‘Fishing Events’ that we have ever seen, and it’s set to GROW in 2020. Everyone had expectations for GoFish Nagambie, and for us we have exceeded them all.”
Nagambie is home to Australia’s richest and largest freshwater fishing competition and has seen a notable increase in recreational fishing since the inaugural tournament in 2019.
Executive Chef of Mitchelton Wines, Dan Hawkins said, “Every day I notice more boats, and more fishers on the banks of the Goulburn, testing the waters in search of pockets of luck. We’re only 90 minutes from Melbourne, this area is very accessible”
Australians across the country are prepping their fishing gear in anticipation of the highly successful landmark annual event, GoFish Nagambie tournament.
Women in Recreational Fishing Leader, Karen Rees said, “This is the first fishing event targeting women, it’s ground-breaking. It’s a rare thing to see women in the lime light and it’s pretty exciting. I encourage all women to come and have a go, bring your family and enjoy some time together.”
The GoFish Nagambie fishing competition has a focus on environmental sustainability as it uses a catch, measure and release model to honour the environment and our native fish stocks.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO, Travis Dowling has been casting a close eye on the waterways of Lake Nagambie and is extremely proud of the success of the native fish restocking program that has been taking place over the last ten years.
“We came together ten years ago with a plan to restock the waterways. We’re seeing a reduction in carp and an increase in native species being caught. The restocking continues and today the children of Nagambie have assisted with the placement of 10000 Murray cod into the river. It’s about educating for generations to come.” Travis said.
Whether you’re a keen angler, never fished before or are just looking for a weekend away, the 2020 GoFish Nagambie tournament is the perfect event to fill your last weekend of daylight savings.
GoFish Nagambie 2020 is expected to attract thousands of visitors which will see up to 5,000 anglers compete in the fishing competition with over $500,000 worth of prices to be won. Beyond the fishing competition, GoFish Nagambie is a lifestyle and outdoor festival where there is something for the whole family.
The outdoor event will feature family friendly entertainment, educational programs and a unique opportunity to promote the region’s local epicurean offerings and small businesses.
“Fishing is good for you physically, it’s good for you mentally and socially. It will take to new places to meet new people and develop lifelong friendships. There’s not much, not to like about it,” concluded Rod Lockwood.