Brisbane Boat Show is one for the keen angler

by Bob Wonders on 16 Aug 2007 Boats may well be the heart of the 2007 Brisbane International Boat Show, but those dedicated to casting a line will find it an exhibition not to be missed.

The show, staged at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, is scheduled for five action-packed days, Wednesday, August 29 through to Sunday, September.

More than 16o of the state’s finest manufacturers, distributors and marine retailers will be displaying their goods and services.

The displays comprise a vast array of craft, ranging from 12.0-metre offshore cruisers through to canoes, kayaks, car-toppers and the ubiquitous ‘tinnie’ in all shapes and sizes.

Obviously the Brisbane International Boat Show promotes spending of the ‘hard earned’ – show visitors last year accounted for more than $35 million in sales!

Always a show highlight is the Fishing Expo and Workshops organised by Bill Corten.

This year features another packed program, with almost 70 sessions presented by angling experts, including Corten, Dave Downie, Garry Fitzgerald, Dave Moss, John Schofield, Kord Luckus, Rob Smith, Don O’Connell, Wayne Kampe and Leanne Payne.

'We’re fortunate in having some particularly talented anglers and they’re also first class presenters,' Corten said.

'The on stage program will cover a blend of fishing activities and a good deal of how to sessions.

'We’ve also put together a great show for kids, with plenty of prizes; it will be a first class way for families to celebrate Father’s Day together,' he added.

This year, the Bream Classic, long a feature of the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show, makes its first appearance at the Brisbane International Boat Show.

Visitors would do well to attend the sessions presented by bream expert Tim Morgan, who will no doubt be able to pass on some tips to aid entrants.

A highlight is sure to be the live weigh-in at 2.45pm on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the show.

And that’s not all – after helping show visitors to catch fish, Raptis Fish Markets’ Stefan Diacos and Mondo Organics’ chef Dominique Rizzo will show the right way to cook it.

The 2007 Brisbane International Boat Show will open daily at 9am; it will be open until 9pm Wednesday – Friday, closing at 6pm Saturday and Sunday.

Admission charges are $16 (single adult), $24 (single adult, two-day pass), $35 (family ticket), $11 (pensioners, students and BoatClub members) and $5 (children aged 5-12 years).

For further information or to book on line visit www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au