Draft:Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic

Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic is an annual fishing competition organised out of Rainbow Beach, Qld, which takes in the beaches and waters from K'gari through to Teewah Beach for one week of the year.

History
Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic began as the brainchild of local Ruth Modin and was held on the 28 August 1987 as a way to attract visitors to the isolated seaside township of Rainbow Beach between the busy school holiday tourist seasons. Initially held in a couple of small gazebos, things soon progressed, as popularity brought in more fisherfolk, to a large marque at Lawrie Hanson Park overlooking the beach. The event has since moved location several times within the township due to needed more room, the weather and in search of a more permanent home.

Initially called Rainbow Beach Fishing-Classic, the name has gone through several iterations in its 38 year history, such as the inclusion of a sponsor in its title - The Range Rover Rainbow Beach Fishing Classic - the second year it ran. The word Family has since been added in the title to highlight the focus on inclusion.

The event was held over 10 days for many years however it's currently a 6 day event from one weekend to the next.

While maintaining a focus on attracting business to the township, from the beginning the Fishing Classic was about encouraging family unity, mate-ship and positive mental outcomes through the sport of fishing. As such, currently 5 of the event's 6 competition days are individually themed to highlight juniors, teens, seniors, ladies, and teams, with additional prizes and activities for each on those days.

In 38 years there have been 37 annual events, with 2020's event being cancelled due to Covid lockdowns.

Competition Details
Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic is both a beach and reef event. Fish species targeted are, for reef, red emperor, snapper, tusk/parrot, pearl perch, and sweetlip, and for beach, tailor, bream, whiting, dart, flathead and mulloway.

Dates for the annual 6 day event vary each year depending on moon cycles & tides, and dates for Qld & NSW school holidays, but have traditionally been mid-year.