Excitement is brewing as preparations get underway for the 17th Annual Great Western Fishing Competition, hosted by The Stunned Mullet Sport Fish Club.
The popular event will take place at Zipolo Habu Resort on Lola Island, Vona Lagoon in Western Province from Friday, October 31st to Sunday, November 2nd, 2025.
The competition is one of Western Province’s most anticipated events, attracting fishing enthusiasts, families, and friends from across the country for a weekend of fishing, fun, and festivity.
This year, organisers have announced that only 250 entrants will be accepted, encouraging interested anglers to register early to secure their spot.
Registrations close on Friday, October 18th, 2025. Forms can be collected and submitted at Helena Goldie Hospital, Wingo Sun Ltd, Gizo Marine, Gizo NFD & TTCU in Noro, or through Jenno and Alec Hughes in Munda.
According to the organisers registration fees have also been introduced this year, with adults paying $20 and children $10.
All proceeds from registration will be donated to Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda.
Fishing will be for a good cause, with cash prizes of up to $2,000 across several categories, plus sponsor trophies and prizes.
The top awards include $5,000 for the heaviest billfish and $20,000 for the heaviest marlin over 150kg.
Categories include Champion Boat, Champion Game Fish, Champion Bottom Fish, Champion Male and Lady Angler, and Junior Angler awards.
There will also be special prizes for the largest popper fish, outer reef fish, and most bottom fish caught.
The three-day event will open on Friday evening with a BBQ and buffet sponsored by Solomon Telekom, followed by a tournament briefing, live music, and raffle.
Fishing officially starts at 5am on Saturday, with the final weigh-in and presentation ceremony scheduled for Sunday evening.
Organisers have reminded participants that the competition is strictly “Rod & Reel or Hand Line Only.” No sharks, stingrays, dugongs, spear guns, scuba gear, nets, or night fishing will be allowed.
Free ice and bait will be provided to all entrants, while transport, accommodation, and meals (other than sponsored ones) will be at participants’ own expense.
The event will wrap up on Tuesday, November 4th, with the popular Melbourne Cup “Ladies in Fashion” hats day, featuring live TV coverage — a stylish finish to a weekend of great fishing for a great cause.
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
