02 March 2015

Registrations open for the 2015 PIRTEK Fishing Challenge

Anglers of all ages and skill levels across Australia are preparing their rods and tackle boxes for the 2015 PIRTEK Fishing Challenge, Australia's largest fishing competition, which helps raise money for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit.

Registrations are now open for the one-day fishing challenge which will take place on Sunday 22 March, between 6:00am and 6:00pm. Australians will be able to join the challenge from any location in Australia by registering and following the 22 target species list that PIRTEK will release on the 1 March.

According to PIRTEK Brand Ambassador, Michael Guest, the national fishing challenge has grown significantly over the past few years.

"The growth of the competition has been amazing. It's incredible to think we started the Challenge in 2009 with 1,800 participants and last year over 8,500 fishos wet a line. According to our research, we are now the world’s biggest fishing competition so I guess you can say it’s grown from a guppy into a whale. We have no doubt that this year more anglers will get involved," said Mr Guest.

"It's a catch and release competition. You photograph your fish and release it back into the water, so it’s also a very responsible way to fish for fun."

"We are already inundated with entries for this year’s Challenge. People need to remember that it is not all about fishing; it’s about getting together and continuing to support the amazing work that PCFA does. We are also glad to support the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit for the first time this year."

The Challenge's prize pool is bigger than ever with $169,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Participants only need to pay $20 (plus postage) to enter the Challenge to be in the running to win prizes such as a Stacer/Evinrude boat plus trailer, BCF spending sprees, tackle packs from Berkley and ABU Garcia, marine electronics from Lowrance and polarized sunglasses from Spotters.

Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive of PCFA, says it's great to see many Australians taking part in the PIRTEK Fishing Challenge to support its cause.

"Australians are becoming more creative and thinking of different ways to support charities like PCFA. The PIRTEK Fishing Challenge is a perfect example of Australians enjoying the outdoors and also taking the time to fundraise so we can sustain our research and community work. We thank PIRTEK for their ongoing support and hope to see more Australians out on the water on the 22 March," said Associate Professor Lowe.

Over 20,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, which accounts for over 30% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in men. More than 3,300 men die from the disease every year, making it the fourth leading cause of death for men.

For more information and to register visit www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au