Mossman Boat & Fishing Club marks 50 years with inaugural ‘River to Reef Rumble’
MILESTONE CELEBRATION
Five decades after local fishers first banded together on Newell Beach, the Mossman Boat & Fishing Club will mark its 50th anniversary with a major event over the October long weekend (2-4 October).
The inaugural Mossman River to Reef Rumble will bring anglers and families together for three days of competition and community celebrations, highlighting the diversity of Mossman’s local waters across both estuary and offshore reef angling.
Competitors will target species including barramundi, fingermark, mangrove jack, coral trout, red species, and mud crabs. With junior categories included, $9,500 in cash prizes is up for grabs, along with over $4,000 in lucky door prizes.
Back on land, the clubhouse will host weigh-ins, meals, and family activities throughout the weekend.
Celebrations culminate on Sunday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm with a community Family Fun Day featuring food trucks, a BBQ, face painting, a jumping castle, cultural activities, and official anniversary formalities.
Local legacy
Since 1976, the club has grown from a humble gathering of mates into a vital hub for the local boating community.
“The club started with a small group of local families who shared a love of fishing and boating,” said club Secretary Hayley Bender.
“It was about bringing people together, getting out on the water, and enjoying a bit of friendly competition. That same spirit has continued through the years.”
Today, the club serves a much broader base of members across all ages and skill levels.
“These days it's not just about fishing competitions,” Ms Bender explained.
“We have regular weigh-ins, social events, fundraisers, and activities that encourage people to get involved, with a big focus on encouraging young people and promoting responsible, sustainable fishing.
“You don’t have to be an experienced fisher or own a boat, it’s just as much about catching up, having a BBQ, and sharing stories.”
Credit for reaching the half-century mark goes directly to the club’s dedicated volunteers.
“You don’t keep a club going for 50 years without people willing to put their hand up,” Ms Bender noted. “It’s the people who give up their weekends, run events, cook the BBQ, do the paperwork, and clean up quietly behind the scenes.”
Looking ahead, the club remains focused on preserving its welcoming culture for generations to come.
“Our vision for the next 50 years is to continue being a place where people can come together through their shared love of fishing,” Ms Bender said.
“Hopefully, 50 years from now, another generation will still be sitting around the clubhouse after a day on the water, sharing stories and having a laugh.”
More info and tickets here.
