Date set for Kalbarri Classic after demersal fish ban stirred up concerns for event’s future

The organisers of Kalbarri’s most prestigious fishing tournament are diving back in after controversial demersal fishing bans forced them to cancel last year’s event. The Kalbarri Classic is usually held on the March long weekend, but this year it has been rejigged to suit the new demersal fishing season. Organisers say the change in date dealt a blow to the tourism sector during the recent long weekend. The 37th Kalbarri Sports Fishing Classic is set to go ahead next month from Friday, April 19, to Sunday, April 21. The region’s biggest competition for game, bottom and estuary fishing was cancelled last year due to uncertainty around changes to demersal fishing announced in late 2022. New bans meant the demersal fishing season is closed on the March long weekend — the date the Kalbarri Classic ran for many years. Organiser Cheryl Eley said changing the date of the competition had meant the town was unusually quiet on the March long weekend when it usually saw a significant boost to the economy. “The town definitely felt the effects; it was quiet compared to what it would normally be,” she said. “Which is why we had it on this long weekend, because it brought people to town.” The West Coast bioregion has a boat limit of four demersal fish, which can be made up of all dhufish, baldchin groper or break sea cod. To allow anglers to catch more fish, Ms Eley said mackerel, tuna, cobia and other pelagic could be weighed in in the bottom fishing category this year. “We’ve had to alter things with the reduction of bag limits and the implementation of the demersal fish ban. We’ve just changed the rules a bit so people can catch fish,” she said. “We’ve allowed pelagics to be weighed in as well as game fish, so if there is more than two people on the boat they can catch more than four fish.” Ms Eley said shark predation was also an issue as “being able to get fish past the sharks is making line classed fishing a bit harder”. Nonetheless, organisers were pumped to be bringing the event back, hoped the weather would be in their favour and that people continued to support the event and town. “We’re looking forward to catching up with our regulars and getting out there for a bit of fun and camaraderie and banter,” Ms Eley said. “Hopefully it all works out and we can look forward to our 38th (classic), because if it doesn’t we will can it, which is a shame.” Teams of two to five anglers are welcome, while individuals can compete in some river categories. There are 28 categories to compete in to win a share of the total prize pool of $15,000. Ms Eley urged competitors to register their teams and get to know the new rules as the competition kicks into gear next month. To pre-register, download the event rulebook from the Western Angler website or email kalbarrioac@gmail.com.