Fourth Annual Hobie Fishing World Championship

The fourth annual Hobie Fishing World Championship (HFW4) presented by Rhino-Rack and hosted by Hobie Kayak Europe, will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 5-11, 2014.

Anglers from over twenty countries are expected to compete in Europe’s first-ever HFW4 for the chance to be crowned this year’s Hobie Fishing World Champion.  And with the event being spawned in Australian and having been won by Aussie anglers 2 times now, Australia is expected to be well represented at the Amsterdam event.

All competitors will fish for pike, zander and yellow perch from identically rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12’s provided by Hobie Kayak Europe and outfitted with Lowrance Electronics, Ram Mounting Systems and Power-Pole MICRO™ Anchors. A series of three qualifying events to be held in Australia will give anglers the opportunity to qualify for six coveted spots on the Australian team. Locations, dates and sign-up links for the qualifying events are as follows:

• March 15 – 16 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Presented by Daiwa Round 3. Marlo VIC. http://hobiefishing.com.au/
• June 14 – 15 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Presented by Daiwa Round 9. Georges River NSW. http://hobiefishing.com.au/
• September 13 – 14 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Presented by Daiwa Round 13. St Georges Basin NSW. http://hobiefishing.com.au/

The tournament will be a traditional CPR (Catch, Photograph and Release) format in which each competitor will enter his or her three best lengths in aggregate each day. The angler with the highest cumulative length over the three day period will be crowned Champion. Prizes will also be awarded to the top team representatives. Each participating country will be represented by at least one two-person team and combined measurements will be added to determine the Team Champion.

Interested anglers can find out more info at http://hobiefishing.com.au/

Fish responsibly to avoid fines this Easter
In other news, as fishers across the State prepare for one of the busiest periods on the water this year, they are being reminded to ensure they have a licence, are aware of the current bag and size limits and fish safely.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said fisheries officers will be patrolling popular fishing areas such as the Hawkesbury, Central Coast, north coast, south coast and inland waterways.

“Easter is one of the most popular times of the year to drop a line but I would like to remind everyone who is fishing, just because you’re on holidays – it doesn’t mean our fisheries officers are,” Mr Andrews said.

“Additional fisheries officers from across the State will be patrolling NSW waterways up and down the coast and inland fishing spots to ensure everyone abides by recreational fishing rules, whilst taking good care of our precious beaches and waterways.

“Fishers must hold a current NSW recreational fishing licence, unless exempt, for any fishing activity including angling, prawning, shellfish gathering and spear fishing, and the licence must be carried on the person at all times when fishing.

“Anyone found without a licence faces a $200 on the spot fine. Additionally, a penalty of $75 can apply if you do not have the licence in your immediate possession.

“Fishers must follow the rules for bag and size limits and should only catch sufficient fish for their immediate needs and release all others using best practice catch and release techniques.”

NSW recreational fishing licences are available at more than 1000 outlets including bait and tackle shops, some Kmart stores and online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365.

Licence fees are:   3 days - $7, 1 month - $14,  1 year - $35,   3 years - $85

Details of bag and size limits can be seen in the 2013 NSW Recreational Fishing Guides, which are available at tackle stores and on the DPI website www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos