Back to Pedder for 2013

The annual Back to Pedder comp for 2013 is set to run over the traditional Australia Day period in January. Commencing on Thursday 24th and concluding on Monday 28th with the mid-morning weigh-in and lunchtime presentations wrapping up proceedings. 

In the past 10 years the Back to Pedder events have grown to become the biggest trout fishing competition in Tasmania with entries regularly over 200. The hard working committees of the Lake Pedder Anglers Club have made the event one of the most respected on the season calendar also largely due to the relaxed atmosphere and the incredible fundraising efforts that are part of the event.  
For many years now the LPAC has formed a very close relationship with Camp Quality in Tasmania and for some years hosted families from the organisation. Campers and their families attended the events and had a chance to forget about the troubles past or ahead just for a few days. It was this link that saw the club gain a huge list of extremely generous sponsors always happy to help out when the kids were involved. I’ve been lucky enough to meet so very special and brave young people at this event over the years and it’s always rewarding to be involved.
Just a couple of years ago the future of the competition appeared uncertain with the Strathgordon Chalet, the venue the event was based out of, was in danger of being closed down by Hydro TAS. If the comp was to continue some major changes would need to be made. At that potential last event the generosity of spirit from all the entrants was amazing. The famous Saturday night auction along with some head and beard shaves here and there raised around $15,000.  
Certainly not to be forgotten is the amazing scenery of Lake Pedder itself. Grandeur on the largest scale, endless photo opportunities around every corner, much like the fishing itself. Gone are the halcyon days of trout averaging close to 5kg but now a huge head of wild browns open to just about every angling method going around. Trolling, drift spinning, soft plastics and fly fishing; Pedder can offer it all. Can’t forget the old art of fish caking, throwing large surface lures around after dark will often bring the better than average fish to the net.
Once again the LPAC through the generous support of some of its major sponsors will have a boat, motor and trailer package to give away to one lucky entrant at the final presentation on Monday 28th. Tristar Marine, Channel Marine, Ullrich Aluminium, One Steel  and King Towbars and Trailers have combined to supply a custom built tournament style 4.5m runabout, 40hp 4stroke Mercury outboard and Dunbier Trailer to put together the best prize in the events history. This rig would set you back over $20,000 to replace and is awarded by random draw to conclude proceedings. The last two years junior members have been drawn out of the hat. That said the young ones have been very lucky in recent years with the major prizes.
Accommodation is very limited with the chalet all but booked out but camping is available and facilities are at people’s disposal. Excellent meals are available from the Chalet and are hearty and reasonably priced. A full bar is also open and very popular at the end of each day. The Saturday night auction is not to be missed and a great way to support the club and its charities.
Further details and entry forms can be found at the club website – www.lakepedderanglersclub.com