2 year old Josie Visser from Canberra with her 62cm carp. Josie came 2nd in the Junior/Infant Female category. This was the first year her family has entered the comp.
The Jugiong Fishing Club’s Annual ‘Carpathon’ was held over the weekend, attracting 150 entrants including participants from far and wide including Port Stephens, Mittagong, Marulan, Goulburn, Canberra, Yass, Harden, Gundagai, Binalong and other neighbouring towns.
Heidi Grange from the Jugiong Fishing Club said the committee is happy with how the weekend went for this year.
“We are happy with how the weekend went, although numbers were down on last year, which could be attributed to a lot of other events on over the weekend in the area.”
“We received lots of positive comments from the entrants, including many saying they’ll be back next year. We also received numerous photos of cod and other native fish caught over the weekend, which is always encouraging,” said Heidi.
“A lot of families were out fishing and enjoying an affordable family weekend as part of the event, which is great. Of course, we couldn’t hold the event without the financial support from local businesses, some have been sponsoring the event for many years, and we are very grateful for their ongoing patronage,” said Heidi.
Not only does the event aim to provide a fun, family day out for the community, but its main purpose is to improve the waterways by removing carp and restocking with native fish.
Every two years through the Department of Primary Industries’ ‘Native Fish Stocking Program’, the Club uses whatever money they have including grants, to then release native fingerlings back into the waterways.
“The main focus of the event is to provide a great family weekend fishing, but to also remove carp and to then put native fingerlings back into the waterways.”
“We like to see people taking photos if they catch a native fish too during the event, as it is good to see that people are catching native fish and not just carp,” said Heidi.
“For us it is encouraging to see people catch native fish during the event as it shows us that what we are doing to improve the waterways seems to be working by catching carp and restocking with native fish,” said Heidi.
“We think it is a really worthwhile cause. The Jugiong Fishing Club solely exists to put on this event. We think it is a great family weekend, but through the event we are also trying to improve the waterways, and we are seeing results through people catching native fish which is a big plus to removing carp,” says Heidi.
The Jugiong Fishing Club plans to do another native fish release after next year’s Carpathon.
Steph Cooke was in attendance and said it was a fantastic weekend.
“A huge congratulations President Pat, Heidi and to the Jugiong Fishing Club committee and volunteers who work so hard to make this event happen each year. It’s been an important community event since 2013, and as with all things, it doesn’t run itself. The dedication of our volunteers is what keeps great traditions like this one alive,” said Steph.
“It was also wonderful to see so many kids and families involved, learning the joys of fishing, the virtue of patience, and spending time outdoors. Events like this help foster a lifelong love of our rivers and the natural environment.”
“The event was strongly supported by local businesses, with more than $5,000 in sponsored prizes, which speaks volumes about the generosity and community spirit of our region. Thank you to every sponsor who helped make the weekend possible.”
“I was also heartened to hear reports from locals about increasing numbers of native fish returning to this part of the river, which is encouraging news for the health of the waterway,” said Steph.
– Emily Flint
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