FISH were on the bite and weather was perfect last weekend at the 2021 Riverland West Fisherama and Boat Raffle, which organisers said drew the “biggest crowd yet”.
The coveted $14,000 boat, trailer and motor package was won by Joel Semmler, with the $500 cash prize going to Sam Baum.
Fisherama spokesperson Kym Thiel said it was the “biggest event yet”, with almost 300 people registered to fish on the day.
“Ticket and attendance sales were up at least 20 per cent on previous years – it was our biggest year ever,” he said.
“We had a greater number of people from outside the Riverland West attending than we have had before as well, which is probably testament to the advertising team and the up-river businesses who helped sell tickets and showed off the boat up for grabs.
“We also had a wide range of fantastic prizes this year, which helped draw in interested people from all over the region.”
Mr Thiel described fishing as “steady” throughout the day, with at least three people reaching the callop bag limit.
“I’m pleased to say that after five or six straight years, Errol van der Kaap has finally been toppled from his position of the overall biggest bag of callop,” he said.
“It became a bit of a running competition over the last few years to beat Errol, and Cooper Mackereth was the man who finally managed it, so they’ll have a friendly rivalry next year, I’m sure.”
Presentations were held at the Ramco Football Club rooms from 4pm, with winners announced from 6pm.
Mr Thiel said the crowd at the presentations was also bigger than it had been in previous years.
“We had fresh cod and chips being sold by Red Earth Farms, and they actually sold out during the afternoon,” he said.
“They did a great job, the food was spectacular, and apologies to anyone who missed out on freshly cooked cod.
“A big thank you to our major sponsors, HMF Boats operator Nathan Hart and his team, and Ian Rogers and his team at Waikerie Honda/Mercury Marine, and all other Riverland businesses who sponsored and supported our event.”

FISHERAMA WINNERS: