Peninsula 
With Cod Classic just two weekends away, we spoke with the man who has successfully steered the Cod Classic ship to its 20th event, a man who needs little introduction, Tony Bennett. Check out what we had to say.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN THE AUSSIE FISHING INDUSTRY TO DATE, HIGHLIGHTS ETC.
Never intended or tried getting into the fishing industry but that all changed the day late friend and Mulwala Football Club president Brian McKee suggested we run a fishing competition for the football club. From that day onwards mine & wife Vanessa’s life has been committed to making the Cod Classic work. From there it has snowballed into everything fishing related – fishing media, tackle shops, casting tuition and everything else fishing related. Have seen many come and go but you don’t last in this industry if you upset the wrong people, surprisingly it gets very political! The highlights aren’t the fish but more the many friends we have met though fishing.
MY DEFINING FISHING MOMENT WAS
Nothing “defining” because I don’t stress to much if I don’t catch a fish. Earliest memories were fishing on the banks of Lake Charm, Lake Merran and the Murray River as a kid back in the 70’s
I KNOW I’M ONTO A GOOD FISH WHEN
The bells go off! or apparently when I start swearing!
THREE BITS OF GEAR I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT ARE
Wilson Mulwala Cod Rod & Daiwa Tatula Reel, Tonic Sunnies & Southern Comfort Cans! (most important)
MY COD CLASSIC HIGHLIGHT IS
Seeing the many competitors enjoying an event that you work so hard as a team to put on. The positive feedback is what keeps you going.
MY TIP FOR FISHING COD CLASSIC IS
Enjoy! Anything outside of that could end up leaving you disappointed. Stick at it, if you can’t catch a Cod on a lure try some bait. You only need a legal fish to get you in the prize draws.
MY LURE OF CHOICE FOR COD CLASSIC IS
Lake Mulwala Fish Camp Ski’s own Baby Cod pattern Gantarel. Only available in store at LMFCS!
I’M MOST EXCITED FOR 2019 COD CLASSIC BECAUSE
Seeing our regular competitors plus many new faces setting a potential crowd record in excess of 3100 competitors.
YOU SHOULD BE AT THE 2019 COD CLASSIC BECAUSE
It is an iconic event on the Australian Fishing Events calendar not to be missed.
IF I COULD GO FISHING WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD IT WOULD BE
It would be a pretty full boat with a fair bit of bullsh#t and banter going on! I would have to fit in my old man Gordon, second mate Darren Ryan, deck hand Hoges, esky monitor Dean Turner along with Mackenzie, Bassman & Hodge for the banter. Fishing alongside us would be Paul Hetherington, Col Hyland, Thommo, Cal & Merv Hughes for back up!
