Sunshine Coast Champion Angler - Ben Golden (2020)
1- How did you first hear about SCF?
I first stumbled across SCF many years ago just on social media and just always kept my eyes on the cool things that were happening both locally and right across the country, espically in recent times.
2- What made you attend your first SCF event?
I love the challenge of fishing competitions and being able to test yourself against other fishermen around the area is always enjoyable. But any keen fishermen only needs to take one look at the cash and prizes on offer to decide that SCF is where it is at when it comes to modern fishing competitions.
3- How many different SCF events have you attended in total?
I have fished all 3 Sunshine Coast events that have been held so far as well as the king of kings. The first year I wasn’t to sure what to expect and probably didn’t really use my time aswell as I could have, but every year since I have been able to improve my plans and manage my time better to help me catch more fish. King of kings I used a little bit of local knowledge from a couple of friends and had a fantastic weekend even though personally I fell short in a few categories, being able to watch family and friends succeed was still well worth it.
4- What was your goal for this years Competition?
This year my goal was to compete for the inshore champion angler trophy which has been my goal from the start I just haven’t stayed committed to plans or have not been able to get the jacks to eat when I needed to.
5- How did you prepare yourself to achieve this goal?
I basically write the full list of inshore species down and pick the ones that I feel like I can target best. I then note down all off my known and proven spots that I catch these fish and workout the tides , time of day , wind direction and any other weather patterns that make each spot fire. This does take a while to plan but is very helpful when you get to the weekend and need to spend the crucial times in the right places.
6- What is your favourite part of the event as a whole?
The build up definitely gets me so pumped but probably the ability to see what is going on with the score boards and being able to adapt and change to plans throughout the event. This was a tough question as I love the everything about the event.
7- What does it mean to you to hold the Sunshine Coast Champion Angler title?
To me it is the personal satisfaction, the hours of dedication I have put in, this result is just proof to myself that I do know that I can still catch fish and make it happen no mater what the conditions throw at me.
8- What tips can you give to people entering an SCF event for the first time?
Personally I think you need to fish one of 3 ways:
- Target minimum species but quality fish to take the cash some times you need to grind it out at the old faithful spots to entice the big fish.
- Watch the score boards and be able to go and chase the fish others are struggling to catch, this year there were multiple chances to do this due to the conditions.
- Option three is what I chose this year which meant going from spot to spot quickly with specific plans just to catch one certain species and then move locations again.
9- What are the keys reasons you continue to return each year?
Great people, great prizes , and a full weekend to push yourself to catch fish.
10- The Shimano ‘ King of Kings ‘ is up next, please give us your thoughts?
I can’t wait for the king of kings, it was fantastic last year and the changes this year will make it very interesting, the big $$$ prizes will bring in a lot of good fishermen and a number of different strategies. I personally haven’t fished a great deal in the area but have a couple of mates who have spent more time up there so hopefully we can put a plan together and some fish on the board.
