Brisbane’s Tinnie & Tackle Show April 25-27

by Bob Wonders on 30 Mar 2008 The Anzac Day long weekend (April 25-27) will be one to remember, particularly for the younger brigade, with the expo including this year for the first time the 4BC Tinnie and Tackle Kid’s Fishing Clinic.

Previously known simply as the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show and staged at the RNA Showgrounds (the Ekka), the show joined forces in 2005 with the National 4 X 4 Show to form the Camping and Fishing Expo, comprising the Tinnie and Tackle Show and the National 4 X 4 Show.

More than 200 exhibitors have committed to date with every segment of outdoor enjoyment and entertainment covered.

Jason Plant, of Marine Queensland, organisers of the Tinnie and Tackle portion of the expo, said a major attraction will be in the form of a wide variety of guest speakers presenting a range of informative sessions catering for the fishing expert and novice angler alike.

There will also be live weigh-ins and interviews from participants in the Invitational Bream Tournament and demonstrations featuring the latest fishing equipment and angling techniques.

For the first time, emphasis has been directed towards the youngsters, with a complete program specially designed for those six-years-plus.

They’ll be taught how to tie knots, rod casting and learn how to catch bait by throwing a casting net.

Other components of the program will see youngsters catching yabbies, learning how to care for the environment and the ‘tricks’ to achieve safe fishing practice.

The Kid’s Fishing Clinics will be staged three times on Friday, April 25 and four times each on the Saturday and Sunday.

'Overall, we have an excellent array of experienced presenters, including one of Australia’s foremost female anglers, Leanne Payne, together with authorities such as Dave Downie, Jason Ehrlich and Jason Medcalf,' Jason Plant added.

'Such is the spread of expertise, the topics covered over the weekend will include how to locate various species of fish, tips and advice for families seeking to become involved with the sport and demonstrations on knots, baiting and casting,' he explained.

'In effect, the program over the weekend has been designed to help boaters achieve more when involved with their favourite past time.'

Chris Hill, representing the National 4 X 4 Show and Outdoors Expo, said up to 28-hours of entertainment, scheduled to include guest speakers, wildlife presentations and travel and product demonstrations would prove a major highlight for visitors.

'The Outback Arena has been a key feature for the show in recent years and this year we have the added attraction of Beijing Olympic Games beach volleyball hopeful (and 2004 Gold Medallist) Natalie Cook, together with ‘Totally Wild’ host and former Big Brother contestant Wes Dening.

To its credit, for the first time this year the National 4 X 4 Show will support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

The RFDS is also doing its bit to add interest to the show with presentations highlighting its work and guest speakers, including doctors and nurses, offering advice and tips on how the adventurous among us can keep out of trouble.
Nini de Marco, of the RFDS, said presentations would also explain the work of the service and why was essential not only to residents of rural areas, but also to visitors to remote regions of the inland.

For all those who enjoy the great outdoors, whether by boat, bicycle or four-wheel drive, the RNA Showgrounds will be well worth the visit over the Anzac Day weekend.

For additional information log onto either website, www.4x4show.com.au or
www.tinnie-tackle.com.au