Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic

Too windy to be out on the water?
I had to take the opportunity to visit Anaconda Stores Ashmore and get a head start on securing some fantastic prizes for this year's competition.
Anaconda Ashmore has been a valued supporter of the Classic for many years, and we are grateful to once again have them as a major partner for this year's event. Their ongoing commitment helps make the competition possible and contributes greatly to its continued success.
Drop in to see Grant & the team & explore their extensive range of fishing and outdoor gear and support a business that consistently supports our fishing community.
This shopping trip made possible by Marrison Hydraulics & Anaconda Stores🎣🎣

It might be winter, but you can still find a few pest fish around the coast. The weather was a bit warmer last weekend & I decided to try my luck at Russel Hinze Park in Oxenford. Famous on the coast for its large population of geese & ducks, you will also see white herons & even the occasional pelican.
It is so important when fishing here that you take all of your rubbish with you, there is a bin at the car park to dispose of any fishing tackle or pest fish.
I have caught fish on worms here, but I have to say that the majority of my fish have been caught on bread, the cheapest supermarket white loaf is perfect.... just don't feed it to the birds.
I was fishing from the council boat ramp & you don't need to cast out very far, a few fish being hooked just a few metres from the bank. I had rod holders set up & just kept a close eye on the rod tips for any runs, the carp today tended to swim off fairly quickly & hooked themselves in the process. The tilapia were taking a much softer approach, just sitting on the bait & not giving much of a sign they were actually on the line.
I have uploaded a couple of videos to YouTube from the day, the links are below & along with catching a few fish, there is a quick run-down on the rigs I was using.
I was using 2lb, 4lb & 8lb rigs.
Video 1 https://youtu.be/cuRxTDvaxhw?si=gscXnK6qiThuBoTm
Video 2 https://youtu.be/p6LfOFb0SgA?si=SqcC0P4NmlBqANX0

The link below is to a location feature posted just before last years Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGPDFuyce/

It is hard to overstate the support we get each & every year from Paul at The Bait Shop Gold Coast. From helping us source prizes leading up to competition day, providing worm sales on site & then also helping wherever he can when the fish start coming in.
Follow The Bait Shop Gold Coast on Facebook & you will see that not only does Paul have an awesome bait & tackle shop, but he also runs great how-to workshops through the year. Don't forget to check in on Tye while you're there.
Thanks again mate, we really appreciate it.

Time for a big shoutout to a couple of sponsors who are on board again with us this year just to support a great cause, helping everyone enjoy a great day out while improving our waterways.
Heaydon Diesel Service & Marrison Hydraulics. We truly appreciate your support in helping us provide great prizes for our competition entrants this year.
Also, check out Mitch Heaydon mitch_flickz on insta
https://www.instagram.com/mitch_flickz?igsh=cWJkeWp3bGRqdTVr
🎣🎣
https://marrisonhydraulics.com.au/
https://heaydondiesel.com.au/

Some more good advice for all of us aquarium hobbyists out there.

⚠️ AQUARIUM EDUCATION SERIES — RESPONSIBLE FISH KEEPING ⚠️

At Hook’D on Fish Aquarium, we believe one of the most important parts of the aquarium hobby isn’t just keeping fish…

It’s understanding the responsibility that comes with them. 🐟🌱

Over time, we’ll be starting a regular educational series covering:
• Invasive fish species
• Restricted aquatic plants
• “Grey list” species
• State-by-state regulations
• Import vs ownership laws
• Safe fish keeping practices
• Responsible rehoming options
• Environmental impacts
• Ethical aquarium keeping

One of the biggest misconceptions within the hobby is that if a species already exists in Australia, it must automatically be legal.

Unfortunately, it’s often far more complicated than that.

Each Australian state operates under its own legislation, species lists, restrictions, and environmental protections designed to help keep our native waterways and ecosystems safe.

That means a fish or plant may be:
✅ Legal in one state
⚠️ Restricted in another
❌ Completely prohibited elsewhere

Some species may also fall into confusing “grey areas” involving:
• Historical imports
• Existing private collections
• Breeding restrictions
• Transport laws
• Biosecurity regulations

Our goal is not to shame hobbyists.

Our goal is to:
✔ Help educate the community
✔ Promote safe aquarium practices
✔ Encourage responsible ownership
✔ Protect Australia’s native ecosystems
✔ Create a safer, more informed hobby for everyone

Most importantly:

If you are ever unsure about a species, PLEASE don’t be afraid to ask questions.

We understand many people may feel nervous, embarrassed, or uncertain when trying to understand regulations or identify fish and plants correctly.

This series is about education, not judgement.

Questions can help prevent:
🚫 Illegal releases
🚫 Environmental damage
🚫 Accidental possession issues
🚫 Unsafe fish keeping practices

Confidence, anonymity, and reassurance matter when building a healthy aquarium community.

If you’re uncertain about:
🐟 A fish species
🌱 A plant
🦞 An invert
📦 Import legality
⚖️ State regulations
🏠 Rehoming options

Please feel free to reach out.

We’d much rather help educate and guide people safely than see confusion turn into mistakes that impact both hobbyists and our waterways.

Together we can build a smarter, safer, and more responsible aquarium community for the future. 🇦🇺

Atomic, Frogley's Offshore have been long time supporters of the Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic & it is fantastic to welcome them back again this year.
With a huge range of quality tackle & accessories there is something to suit every angler & budget.
The Atomic Arrowz rods are amazing.
https://www.frogleysoffshore.com.au/

We have Wilson Fishing back on board this year for the Gold Coast Pest fishing Classic. With a huge range of quality products including rods, line, storage solutions & terminal tackle, it is hard not to find something you need.
Be sure to drop by & check it out for yourself.
https://www.wilsonfishing.com/

Day's Lures are on board for the Pest Fishing Classic again this year.
High quality, hand crafted & beautifully detailed lures. Designed to catch fish & will definitely catch your eye.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579747190843

Headskinz have jumped on board again for this year's Gold Coast Pest fishing Classic.
Headskinz have a great range protective face & headwear to keep you safe & comfortable out in our harsh Australian sun or to ward off the winter chill.
Choose from their extensive range or even design your own.
Check them out before your next fishing trip.
https://www.headskinz.com.au/

The Ikipik is on board again this year as a sponsor of the Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic. This is a fantastic Aussie product & an essential part of my pest fishing toolkit. The best way to humanely & quickly dispatch both pest fish & table fish.
You can check out the entire product range here.
https://theikipik.com/?v=6502139931c4