Fishers paradise Burrinjuck Waters will host the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series for the first time on March 21-23, offering recreational fishers the chance to hook into a $25,000 prize pool, brush up on their sustainable fishing practices and haul in a new personal best catch.
Tickets are now on sale for the Burrinjuck Wasters competition, the second event in the Series staged by partners Reflections, the largest adventure holiday group in Australia, and OzFish, the nation's only fishing conservation charity.
The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series was launched in November, 2024, with the first event at Copeton Dam and, following the second competition at Burrinjuck Waters, will conclude with a third event at Lake Keepit in May 2025.
Less than an hour from Canberra and 3 hours from Sydney, Burrinjuck Waters is famous for offering fishers the chance to catch Murray Cod, golden and silver perch, brown and rainbow trout, and crayfish.
Entrants in the series will notice a few changes to the regular fishing competition format: fish health will be at the forefront, with a catch and release photo system for entries, and entrants will also receive advice on the correct way to handle fish. The series also aims to minimise plastic and waste, with each Reflections Holidays location having an OzFish TackleLoop bin for safely depositing old fishing tackle and broken gear.
OzFish CEO Cass Price said, "We are proud of creating a fishing event that celebrates fish and nature. With the OzFish x Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series we have broken the usual fast and furious fishing comp format for something a little different – and people really get it."
"The first event at Copeton Dam went off with a real bang, with 130 keen fishers catching and releasing more than 330 fish."
"Competitors hooked tons of prizes across the weekend including kayaks, rods, trolling motors and fish finders. We also had diverse prize categories for adults, juniors and littlies – including mystery size of the day, bonus hour prizes, and prizes for litter collection and recycling old fishing gear – and this will all be repeated at Burrinjuck. So, whether you want to fish from bank or boat, chase your kids' first fish catch or a new personal best, there are ways to win for everyone."
"The legacy of the weekend was not just the prizes or fish caught, but the engagement and sustainability emphasis, slowing down, appreciating the natural surroundings and enjoying time with family and friends in nature."
