Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Snapper championships attract tourists and locals alike

As the Snapper capital of Australia and with a reputation for the best fishing for the elusive big red snapper, Whyalla hosts the Australian Amateur Snapper Fishing Championships each Easter. The championships attract visitors from all over the world in search of the largest fish in the water.

Whyalla CEO, Phil Cameron, said that the event maintains a 60 per cent visitor participation rate.

"770 competitors took part in this year's championship, which was the 15th annual event," he said. "People travell to Whyalla from all over Australia, and this year we even had three competitors from England and one from New Zealand. This year a Victorian took out the title, with a 14.22 kilogram snapper."

The event attracted some 250 boats with more than 140 prizes valued in excess of $30,000. Thousands of residents also flocked to the Whyalla Marina over the three days to support the championship and enjoy the atmosphere.

Phil Cameron said that the event is a key initiative that not only provides a great weekend in Whyalla, but also injects crucial funds to the local economy.

"The 2006 Championship contributed $596,000 into the Whyalla, South Australian and other economies, with at least $423,500 directly into Whyalla," he said. "Our Economic Impact Study has shown that while in Whyalla for the championship, some 70 per cent of competitors used shopping facilities, 55 per cent took a drive through Whyalla and 81 per cent considered returning for the 2007 event.

"The Championship continues to draw competitors and other anglers back to Whyalla at other times of the year for a subsequent fishing visit or holiday, and to visit other areas of Eyre Peninsula to fish."

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