THE Dave Irvine Memorial Snapper Classic (DIMSC) is a catch and release angling event that draws anglers from around Australia. The event was original created by several of Dave Irvine’s close friends, to pay tribute to his larger than life character and is in recognition of his life’s passion of catch and release angling. The event has been held annually since Dave passed away suddenly in 2007.
Dave in his own right was a pioneer in the “Catch and Release” fishing movement. He was an advocate for catch and release angling and helped develop many of the current practices that are used today. His most prominent contribution to catch and release angling was the development of the Enviro-net, which is now a necessity for participants in many catch and release angling event around Australia and other parts of the world.
Following Dave’s legacy and passion for developing catch and release angling methods, the DIMSC committee has been no different. Constantly pushing the boundaries in the catch-and-release angling events arena. With the DIMSC being established as one the first offshore lure only catch-and-release angling events in Australia that targets snapper with a unique point scoring system. The competition requires the anglers to take a photograph of their catch on a brag mat, before safely releasing the fish into the water. More recently the DIMSC committee has developed the kayak catch-and-release angling section of the event, that involves teams fishing from kayaks.
This year will be no different with DIMSC committee’s inclusion of a family fishing day on the Saturday. The family fishing day has been developed to get more anglers involved in catch-and-release angling. That are either new to fishing or simply just don’t have access to a vessel for fishing offshore. The family day has also been established to encourage families to become involved and to help educate the younger generation on the safe handling practices, that will ensure their catch swims away. Both Dave and the DIMSC committee believed it is imperative to educate younger anglers in catch-and-release angling as they will be the future of recreational angling community throughout Australia and the world.
Just like every other year the DIMSC is an event that is great to get involved with, and committee encourages anyone to attend no matter the experience level. The committee intends to build on previous years and improve the event as it grows.
The event will be held on the Friday 4th until Sunday 6th of August 2017 at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club. For further information, click HERE.
You can also download an entry form here: DIMSC Entry form.
