The last time the Cassowary Coast Regional Council hosted a Tilapia Fishing Tournament for kids, they managed to remove over 800 of the pest fish from their rivers and make a significant dent in the local population.
Known as the cane toad of the waterways, tilapia are voracious predators that have a direct impact on important native and economic species like barramundi, and north Queensland has the greatest number of exotic fish of any region within Australia.
“Tilapia are eating all our natural fish eggs, which impacts the biodiversity of our waterways,” CCRC’s program support natural environment team representative, Kelly Ashwood, said.
The council’s third family fun day fishing event will be held at Warrina Lakes, Innisfail on Saturday, December 9, with lines in from 10am until the siren sounds at 1pm.
As well as a sausage sizzle, there’s a range of prizes on offer across a number of age groups.
The prize categories are divided into age groups of 3-6 years old, 7-9 years old, 10-12 years old and 13-17 years old, there will be first, second and third prizes for:
- Biggest fish
- Smallest fish
- Most fish caught
- Tournament Champion - most fish caught at the event
Registrations close Tuesday, December 5.
Participants are required to supply their own handline or fishing rod. A hat, sensible footwear and sunscreen is highly recommended.
Registration forms can be downloaded from the council events page. Registrations will not be accepted on the day.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
