OzFish to team up with Pirtek Fishing Challenge to benefit waterways across Australia 

OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s fastest-growing fishing conservation movement, is backing the Pirtek Fishing Challenge to highlight waterway pollution and the impact from invasive pest species. 

The Pirtek Fishing Challenge has raised more than $1.2million for medical research and this year OzFish hopes to expand this impact by encouraging competitors to lend a hand with habitat rehabilitation while participating.  

On top of the $280,000 of prizes up for grabs, competitors are encouraged to conduct rubbish removal in a photo competition to win 10 OzFish prize packs which includes an OzFish Cap, $10 BCF Gift Card, an OzFish Brag Rag, Stickers and a neck buff.  

 “As fishos, we spend so much time out in our local waterways, so I think it’s only fair we look to give something back to these places across the weekend. Competitors are encouraged to take rubbish from their local waterway and upload a photo of their efforts to with the Hashtag #PFCCleanUp2022,” said Michael. 

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re fishing socially or in a competition like the Pirtek Challenge, all fishers have a responsibility to ensure that their line and rubbish is coming home with them at the end of the day.  

With over 22 target species nationally, OzFish is also encouraging those competitors who are looking to catch the European Carp and Redfin Perch to not return them to the waterway. Since their introduction into Australia, both these species have posed a major threat to native fish and instead should be dispatched according to the respective states fishing regulations. 

Cassie Price, Director of Habitat Programs at OzFish is thrilled to see fishing competitions like the Pirtek Fishing Challenge taking an active role in educating anglers on issues that threatened our native fish.  

“It’s great to see the PFC include the Carp and Redfin in the target species list. Found in swamps, rivers and freshwater creeks, both these guys are known to outcompete our native fish, through sucking up mud and destroying water quality, overcrowding systems and consuming available food.  

“Every carp removed by a PFC competitor will be a win for the entire fishing community,” said Cassie.  

To find out more about the competition, head over to: https://pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au