Golden Tag competition postponed. It has been a bumpy ride for fishing competitions in Victoria in 2020. Bush fires and COVID-19 restrictions continue to decimate plans for recreational and tournament anglers around the state.
It was only the 1st of March 2020 when the Victorian Fishing Authorities went live with this wonderful initiative. To reignite fishing in both East Gippsland and North East Victoria which had been devastated from bush fires. The competition was suspended weeks into the program and then reopened. Once once again it has been postponed thanks to level 3 coronavirus stay at home restrictions.
The Golden tag promotion has been suspended until further notice by the VFA. Any tagged fish caught during the closure will not receive the $2,000 prize. The Golden Tag initiative was originally created to support bushfire affected communities and business. Encouraging tourism back into bushfire affected areas. Recreational fishing in Gippsland contributes over $600 million annually, supports almost 4,000 jobs and is a major contributor to regional tourism. The devastating bushfires meant these communities have been doing it tough with visitor numbers down substantially.
The Golden Tag competition had tagged black bream, dusky flathead and King George whiting in East Gippsland, and in the northeast, Murray cod, brown trout and rainbow trout. It’s sad to see such good initiatives placed on hold and difficult to see local business and communities once again hit by things out of their control. We hope to see these marvellous areas flourishing again soon.
The program was again suspended as soon as the state government reintroduced level 3 COVID-19 restriction in July meaning there are only four reasons to leave home: (1) shopping for food and or essential items; (2) Caring for family or medical treatment; (3) for exercise outdoors only, with only one other person fishing and boating are permitted (4) work or study, if you cannot do it at home. Click here to read more about the latest advice.
Golden Tag prizes
The first 10 tagged fish caught will be rewarded with $10,000, with tagged fish caught after the first 10 to be awarded a $2,000 cash prize. The competition aims to boost tourism at Mallacoota, Cann River, Bemm River, Orbost, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Omeo, Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta, Corryong, Tallangatta and Bright. Areas are known for their amazing inland estuary fishing.
Thank you for reading this article Golden Tag competition postponed. Stay tuned were confident this great program will resume in time.
You can read more about the Golden Tag fishing competition terms and conditions here