Local fishers strike a pose for 2011 fishing calendar

Anglers fishing for their fifteen minutes of fame, need look no further than their favourite fishing spot, to feature in the 2011 Freshwater fishing calendar.

The calendar is a joint effort between the NSW Freshwater Recreational Fishing Trust and Industry & Investment (I&I) NSW.

I&I NSW Fisheries Manager, Sarah Martin, said the calendars are a great example of our everyday fishers who make the State’s most popular leisure activity what it is today.

“Fishing remains a popular past time, with more than one million recreational fishers dropping a line in every year,” Ms Martin said.

“The theme of the 2011 calendar is ‘Reel them in’, and I encourage all fishers to take the camera out next time they hit the water – and take a photo of their favourite fishing experience. 

“Judges will be looking for photos that can’t be easily recreated, that ‘special shot’ capturing the moment.

“The competition is open to anyone who uses a camera and takes a picture that illustrates their interest in freshwater recreational fishing.”

Photographers can enter online, or through the post, but entries must be sent in by May 30, 2010.

Meantime, the NSW Freshwater Recreational Fishing Trust 2010 calendar has hit the shelves, after over 800 entries flooded in.

The twelve lucky winners whose photos feature in the calendar are:

• Robert Alexander,  Wangaratta
• Glen Towler,  Cronulla
• Michael Keefe,  Booroowa
• Karen Brroks,  Prahran East
• Darrin Stollznow,  Mona Vale
• Kirsty Maurier,  Cooma
• Samantha Harris,  Darlington Point
• Lachlan Shaw,  Bathurst
• Ian Stewart,  Lithgow
• Rowan O’Brien,  Inverell
• Richard Battiston,  Port Macquarie
• Ian McKimmie,  Corryong

Email sarah.mcgregor@industry.nsw.gov.au for copies of the winning entries.

They’ve each won a prize pack featuring $800 worth of fishing gear.

10,000 copies of the calendar have been printed, to be distributed free to interested fishers.

“These poster men, women and children for the recreational fishing industry show just what a great time can be had, hitting the water for a bit of fishing,” Ms Martin said.

 “Some great snap shots were entered in the competition, and this calendar is a great way for people to offer their best photographs for others to enjoy.

 “This is another great example of fishers licence fees working for them. Money raised from the recreational licence is placed in Trusts, overseen by angler representatives, and can only be used to create better recreational fishing opportunities.”

The sponsors of the 2010 calendar were Gillies, Plano, Shimano, NSW Fishing and Boating Monthly, Fishcare Volunteers, Modern Fishing magazine, Freshwater fishing Australia, Rapala, BJ’s Spinner Baits, Fishing Tackle Australia and Oar Gee Lures.

Visit the 2010 Freshwater Recreational fishing calendar page to order your copy.