18 Apr 2018 Euroa Gazette, Euroa VIC (General News) by Will Murray Mitchelton Winery hosts launch of four-day freshwater fishing extravaganza NAGAMBIE is set to host the countrys biggest and richest freshwater fishing festival from 2019, with the launch of GoFish Nagambie last week. Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren made the announcement at the launch of the event, hosted by Mitchelton Winery, saying the fourday fishing extravaganza would bring thousands of people and millions of dollars to the region. The two-year deal will see up to 5000 competitors participate in the fishing competition, with over $500,000 worth of prizes on offer, Minister Eren said. Its expected that GoFish Nagambie will inject up to $30 million into the local economy over two years. The event will take place from April 25-28 next year and in 2020, utilising the some 30km of waterways encompassing the Nagambie Lakes and Goulburn River. The event is billed not only as a drawcard for anglers right across the state, but as an outdoor lifestyle festival, that will bring people to the area not only to cast a line, but to take in the family friendly entertainment, educational programs, and to enjoy the best of what this area has to offer. The event will be split into three separate competitions: boat, kayak and land- based fishing. The competition will be capped at 5,000 entrants, with restrictions also placed on the number of boats and kayaks in allowed to enter the waterways. Anyone can enter, and measurements to determine the winner of each category will be determined using photos uploaded from competitors phones to the GoFish Nagambie App, with a strict, environmentally responsible catch-andrelease rule in force. The app will store time, date, location, and size data for each fish caught by each individual angler. To cater for the influx of anglers expected over the two years, the local waterways have been stocked full of Murray Cod, according to hosts GTR Events chief executive officer Daryl Herbert. Mr Herbert said that recreational fishing in Nagambie was some of the best in the country. There are currently around 800,000 adults participating in recreational fishing in Victoria, which we are hoping will reach 1 million soon. And with ease of access, and so many fishing locations and a thriving native fish population theres no better place to cast a line than Nagambie. Along with Murray cod, there will also be plenty of golden perch, European carp and red fin on offer. Continued page 5 GoFish extravaganza on way to Nagambie From page 1 The event was made possible with the support and vision of Mitchelton Winery owner Gerry Ryan, who was pivotal in attracting the interest of the State Government, and sponsoring the events first year through his caravan business Jayco Australia. The State Labor Government, through the $20 million Regional Events Fund, also provided funding to help Nagambie secure the event. Minster Eren also announced a $25,000 grant to help develop a Goulburn River Valley Tourism Destination Management Plan. GoFish Nagambie will keep local restaurants, cafes and motels busy, and thats great news for local jobs, businesses and tourism operators, Minister Eren continued. Were proud to be bringing GoFish to Nagambie, in what will be a major tourism drawcard for the region, fellow Labor Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said at the launch. With just 5000 places on offer, anglers can register interest online at www.gofishnagambie. com.au Caption Text: GREAT CATCH FOR NAGAMBIE: Minister for Tourism John Eren, fishing identity Rhys Creed and Jayco Australia founder and owner Gerry Ryan at the announcement of GoFish Nagambie, Australias largest and richest fishing and outdoor lifestyle festival. PHOTO: Will MurrayLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.