All Ship Shape for the Classic!

Not long now until the Gold Coast Flathead Classic and whilst many of you are trying new spots and buying up on tackle please do not forget to make sure your vessel as in A1 condition and that if you are a skipper you have all the necessary safety gear on board.
Safety is the responsibility of the captain and with a few changes in QLD of late in regards to PFD’s and the little lifejacket stickers that must be visible there might be a bit to do. Remember if you are using the PFD’s with the self inflating canisters that they must be in date and checked. If it is more than 12 months since their last check you may be in danger of not having the correct gear.
Further it is the captain’s responsibility to make sure the vessel is seaworthy. So it is a good time to make sure your battery is tip top! Be sure to check that your motor has received a recent service, there is nothing worse than experiencing troubles when you would rather be fishing. It is also a good time to check your bilge pumps and lights are all in working order.
It is also every anglers responsibility to be aware of the Green conservation zones and fish within appropriate fishing areas. You can view these zones by visiting http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/
Where you will find links to maps and all the latest information on zones.
With a field of over 450 anglers we certainly attract and welcome the attention of the local authorities. On our registration evening representatives from MSQ, Fisheries, Marine Parks and QLD Police will be on site to respond to your questions and provide some information in our briefing.
Please remember whilst you are on the water during this Gold Coast Flathead Classic you represent us all. Last year a number of average punters complained to the committee about being pushed off spots or abused by competing anglers because they were anchored in the competitors spot. The public’s perception of our anglers and our tournament is very important to the sustainability of our event. Please not that any poor on water behavior reported will result in action.

There will be a lot of us on the water and it is up to all of us to ensure our vessels are in seaworthy condition, that safety gear is up to date and that our behavior is worthy of representation of this iconic event. Be assured people you will be watched, but having said that if everyone does the right thing there will be no problems. Have a great Flathead Classic!