Wilson Elite Flathead Series Round 1: An Exciting Start to the Season
The Wilson Elite Flathead Series kicked off this past Saturday, July 20, with a spectacular first round that set the bar high for the rest of the tournament. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Wilson, a total of $20,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded over the three-tournament series, making it one of the most exciting events of the year.
The first round saw anglers from across the region converge for a day of competitive fishing, with many teams delivering outstanding performances. The new 10-fish combined length format was a hit among participants, requiring both size and quality numbers to excel.
Highlights and Participant Feedback
Matt Fraser: "Thanks Gold Coast Sportfishing Club for a great event! Well done to Wilson for supporting the event and series. Congrats to the top teams! Great results well down the list. Loved the 10-fish format, had to have size plus quality numbers. Looking forward to the next one."
Team Wack'Em: "What a great start to our flathead season finishing 2nd in the 1st round of The Wilson Elite Series 2024. In our first hour, we started to question our decision when we couldn't get a bite, but then Tyler kicked us off with a beauty at 74cm. After that, they just came on the chew, and we managed to land a number of good fish over the next couple of hours to make our bag. With only one upgrade for the afternoon, we managed to hold onto second place. Thanks to our sponsors Atomic, Lowrance, Mako Eyewear & APIA Tackle Australia, and the new Lowrance HDS PRO linked to the GHOST electric motor. A big thanks to Gold Coast Sportfishing Club & Wilson Fishing for such a great event. I can't wait for Round 2."
Robert Payne: "What a great way to start the flatty comp season in S/E QLD with the Wilson Elite Flathead Series held by the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club. The new format of 10 fish combined length was a great addition for round one. Fishing as Team Wilson with Scott Fleming and Danny Sands, we had an absolute ball with well over 40 fish hitting the deck, landing us in 10th position overall with 5.58m. Most of our fish came on 4” McCarthy paddle tail plastics and the 3 1/2” Zerek flatshads. Thanks to Wilson Fishing for their continued support."
Dickofish: "Had a fun day fishing with Kord and Cade yesterday in the Wilson Elite Flathead Series run by the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club. We caught over 50 fish for the day, and 80% of them were caught on the 3 1/2” Zerek Australia flat shad rigged on a jig head. We also caught a few fish on the new Zerek 160 affinity, which is always a fun bite."
With the first round complete, anticipation is already building for the next event in the series. Congratulations to all the top teams, and best of luck to everyone in the upcoming rounds. We look forward to seeing more impressive catches and exciting moments in the Wilson Elite Flathead Series!
Top Teams from Round 1
Team On Strike
Atomic Team Wack'Em
Just Scratchn
Capn's Charters
Job Custom Rods
Tournament Details - Round 2
Entry Fees: $95 per angler per round
Dates:
Round 2: Saturday, August 24 2024
Final Round: Saturday, October 5 2024
Times for Round 2:
Commence Fishing at 6:30 am
Cease Fishing at 4:00 pm
All photos to be submitted by 4:15 pm sharp
Session Times for the Final Round:
All teams start at the Gold Coast Sportfishing Clubhouse at 6:15 am in the allocated position
Commence Fishing at 6:30 am
Cease Fishing at 2:00 pm
All photos must be submitted by 2:15 pm sharp
Results of rounds 1 and 2 will be announced at 6:00 pm via the club's Community Facebook page
Prizes will be presented to the winners at the next available club night
The Grand Final Round presentation will be at the GCSFC Clubhouse, Marine Parade Southport, commencing at 3:30 pm
Teams and Regulations
Teams: 2 or 3 anglers per team (Substitutes allowed during rounds 1 & 2; all anglers must have competed in at least one of the first two rounds to be eligible for the final)
Livewell Inspections: May occur at any time during and 30 minutes prior to the start of all rounds
Boundaries: Same as the Flathead Classic
Measuring Fish: Tip length of the tail, rounded down
Grand Final Qualification: Top 30 teams with the best 15 fish cumulative total from the first two rounds
Prize Categories
Round 2: Top 5 teams share in $5,000 worth of prizes
Largest Flathead Overall
Largest Flathead Female
Largest Flathead Junior
Grand Final: Payouts dependent on the number of teams, prizes for best 8 flathead, largest flathead overall, female, and junior
Overall Champion Team: Most centimetres of flathead for rounds 1, 2, and the grand final will receive a cash payment
