A TROPHY for the biggest flathead and a $250 prize are among Kimberley Busteed’s favourite HookUp memories.

Kimberley, a former Miss Universe entrant now turned TV presenter, will return to the region on Friday, June 6 to host a segment on The Observer Boyne Tannum HookUp for Channel 7’s outdoor adventure program Creek to Coast.

“I love doing TV work and presenting,” Kimberley said. “And I’m really excited to be doing a show on my area, my locality.

“The HookUp is such a great event.

“I actually entered one of the first years it was run and I won the trophy for the biggest flathead,” she said. “I was stoked.

“I can’t wait to get up there and go fishing.

“I want to get out there with family and friends and catch some big ones.”

The Observer Boyne Tannum HookUp will be the focus of a segment by the Creek to Coast team along with a second feature on the Boyne Tannum region.

“We’ll be up to co-host the event and to talk to the locals on their secret bait and where they go to fish.

“I’ve got a lot of good memories of the event,” she said. “It should be great.”

As fishers gear up for the fishing bonanza, HookUp organisers are busy behind the scenes.

Committee president Jeff Amos said tickets for seniors and juniors were still available but anglers shouldn’t waste time.

“We have unlimited junior entries available and we’ll sell them till Monday,” he said. “But seniors still thinking about getting into the competition should be quick.”

Mr Amos said the long awaited pontoon would be officially opened on Saturday at 2.30pm, with or without the top structure in place.

“Liz Cunningham (Member for Gladstone) is coming down on Saturday with the mayor (George Creed) for the opening,” he said. “We can’t promise the pontoon will be there for the opening.

“We had a setback when they were a week late with the pylons but the guys from the Gold Coast are trying their hardest to have the pontoon ready for the HookUp.

“I’ve told them that come the June long weekend we’ll have 30,000 people tramping the park,” Mr Amos said. “They understand the urgency we need that pontoon.”

This year’s 13th annual HookUp won’t hold any hoodoos for organisers.

“Luck is what you make,” Mr Amos said. “We looked at how we could make 13 into a positive and came up with 13 years, 13 boats to give away.

“This year we’re giving away over $200,000 is prizes, so we’re going to have a good time.

“The only setback for people could be if it rains,” he said.

“But then it always rains at the HookUp and everyone still has a good time.”

Source: Gladstone Observer