Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic gains international interest

A new international standard for light tackle deep sea sport fishing was created at last year’s Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic when 5,000 kilograms of Southern Bluefin Tuna were caught and released at the annual event.

Following on from this success Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder is once again sponsoring the game fishing event.

The brain-child of philanthropist and passionate Riviera owner Peter Teakle, the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic has become a much-anticipated event in Australia’s tuna capital.

Mr Teakle said last year’s results were sensational.

“In 2011, 459 fish (5,000 kilograms of Southern Bluefin Tuna) qualified and were released among the 14 boats over the two day tournament,” he said.

“This created a new international standard for light tackle (10 kg line class) deep sea sport fishing.

“Rob Swincer and his team on Saltiga won last year’s tournament by catching and releasing 88 Tuna over 10 kilograms and this year we encourage more trailer boats, female and junior anglers.

“With schools of Southern Bluefin Tuna sighted close to the competition area and very strong sponsor partners such as Riviera, Club Marine, Shimano and Musto supporting this event, we are looking forward to another great classic fishing tournament.

“The popularity of this event has grown significantly and we already have teams from South Australia, interstate and overseas submitting their interest so we encourage people to get in early as there is a limit of 20 boats.”

Riviera’s Director of Brand and Communications Stephen Milne said the Port Lincoln Tuna Classic was a unique event as it was open to boats of all sizes, including trailer boats.

“It’s great to see a sport fishing event that encourages junior anglers and offers a good competition for boats of varying sizes,” Mr Milne said.

“At Riviera we feel very strongly about involving families in boating; educating children and ladies in the skills of boating and fishing so that boating becomes a holistic family experience.

“The success of last year’s event is testament to the spectacular fishing grounds around Australia’s Tuna capital, Port Lincoln and Riviera looks forward to once again being a part this great event and we thank Peter for all of his efforts with the tournament.”

The 2012 Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic will be held just after Easter on April 14 and 15.  Entries must be received by Tuesday March 13.

For more information call Peter Teakle on 0428 922 224