Sport
28 November, 2023
Female anglers celebrate 40 years of Ribbons in Cairns
MORE than 100 of the best female anglers in the Far North and Australia will gather in Cairns from December 1-3 to celebrate 40 years of the Ribbons Ladies Game Fishing Tournament – the oldest and biggest ladies-only fishing tournament and club in the country.
First held in December 1984, Ribbons was initially considered a social event for the wives of competitive fishermen in Cairns who wanted to dip their toes into the then male-dominated sport and throughout the decades evolved into one of the most important dates in the Cairns competitive fishing calendar.
This year, about 35-40 boats and more than 100 junior and senior anglers from Cairns, Weipa, Gold Coast and interstate are gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary and take the gold in the 10kg, 15kg and 24kg categories.
The event spanning three days will begin on Friday, December 1 at the Shangri-La with a welcome, followed by the official start of the fishing competition on Saturday December 2 from 8.30am to 5pm, and an award ceremony and 40th anniversary celebration at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday from 5.30pm.
“This is an amazing milestone and it’s been wonderful to organise a quality event for the enjoyment of other women,” life member and former Ribbons Ladies Game Fishing Club president Dianne Hance said.
“Fun, friendship, and fishing is our slogan and I think it’s as relevant today as it was 40 years ago, while the tournament is competitive, the friendships and memories we’ve made through the years stay with you.
“Over 40 years we’ve seen more and more lady tournaments, but I believe what we’ve done is create a more family environment, because although it’s only a one-day tournament we introduce the girls into fishing and the enjoyment of it.”
From Opal Reef down to Raaf Shoals, the anglers will target edible fish like mackerel, tuna and mahi mahi while all black marlin and sailfish are for tag and release only, the heaviest catch takes the win.
“From 6.45am on Saturday the girls will be decorating their boats and there’s a prize for the best decorated boat,” Ms Hance said.
“The community is welcome to come and see the boats and wave goodbye at the girls from the Sailfish Quay at the northern end of the Cairns Marina.
“On Sunday, we’ll hold a gala to award our tournament winners and celebrate the 40th anniversary, we’ll go through the history and memories of the club and have some live music and entertainment.”
Registrations for the Ribbons Ladies Fishing Tournament are open until November 26. For more information, visit https://ribbons.org.au/
