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ccccccccccccccSouth along Swimcart Beach ccccccccccccccccccccJeanerette end of beach
April is the month where the weather in Tasmania gets a little colder as we move through autumn. Though this does not deter fourth and fifth generation fisher persons that make their annual pilgrimage to the the famous Swimcart Fishing Competition held in the Bay of Fires on the East Coast of Tasmania. This year signals the 49th year of the competition and already there are camps, tents caravans and motorhome's setting up along the beach front at the Swimcart camp grounds some two weeks out from the competition.
Though there are many camps set up most are unattended leaving the beach area free of people, though this will change when the competition gets underway on April 9th. As in previous years there will probably be standing room only on the beach. Due to the number attending the organiser's open up the Cosy Corner camp grounds as well this reduces the congestion on the Swimcart beach area.
One of the better set out camps is the "Swimcart Hilton" which has been a regular each year for the the past 15 years. It has the works; from full kitchens, washing up facilities, cooling systems for their refreshments, hot showers etc etc. Needless to say they have power by generator and huge heating drums. The people that are in this camp belong to the Army Reserves and as previously stated they make this their destination each year.
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fffffffffffffffffThe famous "Swimcart Hilton" fffffffffffffffffffff The full kitchen facilities
There are many fire pots and other modified gas bottles and more complex systems like the one pictured on the right (elaborate camp fire). This fire system is most elaborate with grilling, cooking, oven, hot water system also supplying personal warmth and the owner indicates that it is a works in progress modifying more to meet their requirements as time goes by.
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fffffffffTaylors Beach in the "Bay of Fires"ffffffffffffffffffJim with his 2.5 kilo Black Back Salmon
With a couple of days before the competition starts we decided to go to Taylor's Beach to do a bit of fishing. Such a nice day with little wind and plenty of sun. I was to catch one only Black Back Salmon and Liz was to catch three Yellow Eyed Mullet and one Cocky Salmon.
Friday was to arrive and it was fine, sunny and with very little wind. The campsites were to fill with people for the fishing competition and there were many and varied types of structures erected, given the competition was only for two days they certainly put a lot of work into being comfortable. Interstate visitors looking for a camp site were to be disappointed there just was not room to accommodate any more happy campers.
In the evening the whole beach area of Swimcart and Cosy South were lit up like a small township with many camp fires ablaze. Needless to say there was plenty of refreshments of varying types and quantities being enjoyed.
Saturday arrived with good weather once again though it was obvious that there was many sore heads from partying so strongly last night. The beach was deserted early though by the advertised starting time the beach's were packed with rods awaiting the start. In all there were 250 registrations which included under 16 year olds.
The rocket was fired which indicated the start of the competition and there was a rush to get lines into the water to catch the first fish and the appropriate prize. Would you believe that the first fish was caught within minutes of the start our friend was a close second. There were a few lines tangle given the rods being so close, Liz was to catch two silver trevally at once which bought some comment from blokes around us. Liz was to catch no more over the competition though she was on the winners board for some time until others caught larger and heavier fish. I couldn't believe it I did not have a bite at all whilst fish were being caught around us. It was pleasant on the beach until the wind rose dramatically and made it difficult to cast a line or indeed keep your line in front of you. This lead to many tangles. Many sit up all night to fish for this is when small sharks and sting rays come closer into the beach. We retired to our fire which was well stoked for warmth and then a few hours later the rain bucketed down sending us and friends to run for cover. We were to watch the football and then off to bed listening to the soothing rain on the roof. We left those hardy souls on the beach to fish in the rain.
Sunday dawned overcast though the sea was smooth so out went the lines again though there was not may fish caught. Spot on 10:30am the rocket was launched signaling the end of the competition.
There were many prizes presented, including for the children's sand competition, in all there were over 90 all told and they were really great with most being donated. Unfortunately Liz did not win a prize though our friend was to win four nice prizes for his efforts. Then it was to bid farewell to everyone The organising committee issued the invitation for the 20th and 21st of April next year to attend the 50th anniversary of the Swimcart Fishing Competition. Many were to stay longer with many such as the Swimcart Hilton and other excellent structures being dismantled as people headed off home and to work tomorrow.
What a wonderful feeling being part of such a successful event and getting to meet so many people and forging friendship's which will no doubt stand for sometime. Many were to say "See you next year"

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