⭐ Evans Head Fishing Classic 2025
🎣 Day 1 Fishing: Return of the Rod Masters
“In a quiet coastal outpost, far from the hustle of Coruscant, hundreds gathered—rods in hand, nerves steeled. For it was time to cast… and conquer.”
The 29th Evans Head Fishing Classic has officially kicked off with over 800 entrants answering the call of the angling rebellion. With rods raised like lightsabers and baits deployed like thermal detonators, competitors from across the system launched into the first full day of fishing following the Friday night briefing. The food alley kept troops well-fed, free giveaways flew faster than X-Wings, and the Day 1 yellow sticker signified the beginning of another legendary campaign.
🔶 Adult Division – Jedi Masters of the Waterways
The Adult Division featured a fierce clash of seasoned anglers who fought valiantly across an impressive array of species. In the AJ-Sambo category, Tony Bodley took top honours with 1025 mms, edging out Alex Campbell and Peter Moore, both of whom also landed formidable catches. Over in the blackfish arena, Callum Carmont reeled in the highest score with 707 mms, followed by Brendon Palmer and Bernard Richter, each navigating tricky conditions with skill.
Bream and tarwhine were hot targets, with Adam Little, Codey Hodges, George Little, and Matthew Hardy showing remarkable consistency, all landing fish over 370 mms. Dart also saw tight competition with Kim Richter, Bernard Richter, Ryan Kennaghan, and Rick Bennett all within a few mms of each other—clearly a battle of centimetres. When it came to flathead, the Force was strong with Carl North, who dominated with 855 mms, chased by Kelly McAndrew, Pania Hayman, and Darcy Banks in a high-stakes showdown for the top of the leaderboard.
The king-cobia category saw two massive catches, with David Brown and Frank Skaines both breaking the 1900-mm mark. However, it was Tony Bodley again who earned Judges’ Choice for a monster 1270-mm Spanish mackerel. Michael Walker earned praise for a 985-mm longtail, while Peter Moore brought in a stunning 520-mm tuskfish. Other notable entries in this elite category included Wesley Jeffery and Summer Hillier, who both crossed the 1200-mm threshold.
Mulloway contenders made their presence known with Stephen Ryan hauling in a massive 1240-mm fish, narrowly ahead of Mitch Caldwell. In the pearl perch category, Cameron Bennett and Bob Miller weighed in solid scores, keeping pressure on the offshore front. The snapper division was one of the most crowded at the top, with Scott Carriage, Mitchell Brown, and Randy Harris all within striking distance of each other in the mid-800s.
Tailor proved another hotly contested species, with Geoffrey Hoss McGrath leading the pack, while Mark Bonono and Peter Waits weren’t far behind. Trag also provided plenty of leaderboard action, with Brad Mayes, Peter Moore, and Greg Wimble all contributing excellent catches. And finally, whiting saw a flurry of entries from Craig Priddy, Bernard Richter, and Alexander Klassen, all landing fish in the 385–405 mm range.
🔷 Cadet Division – The Rebel Rising
Among the Cadets, the next generation of rod-wielding warriors are showing incredible skill and spirit. Archie Kitchell currently leads the bream-tarwhine battle with a 419-mm catch, just ahead of Preston Kai and Gemma Heath who also found their rhythm early. In the flathead arena, Kayde Donnelly staked a strong claim with a 590-mm fish, narrowly ahead of Pania Hayman and Nate Taylor, all proving their readiness for higher honours.
Judges’ Choice was hotly contested with impressive catches across multiple species. Randy Harris landed a 464-mm mulloway, Archie Swanson produced a beautiful 420- cod. Lachlan McCormack brought in strong whiting results, the biggest at 391. The whiting category also featured consistent efforts from Sophie Symonds and Alyssa Symonds, both hovering around the 360+-mm mark—testament to a solid start for the cadet fleet.
🟡 Junior Division – Younglings Strike Back
The Junior Division saw young guns firing from the get-go. Ilaria Morgan leads the bream-tarwhine field with a 385-mm fish, followed closely by Hudson Scully and Oliver Hotschilt, both proving they’re well on their way to mastering the angling arts. But it’s in the flathead category where the true battle is being fought: Pania Hayman landed a whopping 640-mm fish, outdoing Mac Heath and Liam Cable, who each scored 540.
Judges’ Choice featured two standout efforts: Oliver Hotschilt with a 716mm mac tuna and Pania Hayman again appearing on the scoreboard.
⚠️ Remember
A new sticker is available from 2:00 PM Sunday at the site, Hooked on, Ballina Bait and Tackle, Brunswick Bait and Tackle and Iluka Bait and Tackle. Remember, the Force rewards those who persist—some of the biggest fish and best stories often come from late efforts and quiet persistence. The weather window looks promising, the crowd is growing, and the giveaways are flying off the stage like Millennium Falcons at light speed.
Whether you’re battling tailor on the surface or dropping deep for trag, your moment could be next. Keep casting, stay sharp, and may the rod be with you—always.
