26 March 2023

Legendary Australian rally driver and fishing icon Michael Guest and the Pirtek team have partnered with PCFA since 2009 to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. 

Each year the annual PIRTEK Fishing Challenge draws thousands of Australians to Fight A Fish for prostate cancer research, driving our work to support Australian men and families impacted by the disease. 

The Chief Operating Officer of PIRTEK, Mark Devitt, says community activation is key to the campaign.

“It has been fantastic to see the Challenge develop and grow over the last 15 years. This is all made possible by the wonderful support from our keen competitors. Every year we look forward to seeing smiling faces and some great fish photos from the April event.”

Michael Guest is the Event Director, championing the campaign nationwide.

“The Challenge is designed to allow people of all ages and experience to get involved and enjoy a couple of days on the water. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The PIRTEK Fishing Challenge is all about getting together with your friends and family, having fun and supporting our charity partners such as PCFA.”

NQ Fishing Show host, Gary Powis, is one of many supporters nationwide to get involved each year.

"I've been fishing all my life and love nothing more than sharing my tips, tricks and stories with our radio and podcast audience," he says.

"Every Saturday morning we cover barramundi, marlin, salmon, mangrove jacks and a host of other species in 3 hours of madness - and we also get a chance to plug important community health campaigns, such as the PIRTEK Fishing Challenge for prostate cancer.

"I've had my own scare with prostate cancer, after taking nearly five years to get a concern with my prostate health investigated.

"At the end of the day I was one of the lucky ones, and didn't have the disease, but I certainly got a taste of what it's like to worry that the Big C might be on your back."


Pictured: Gary Powis and a Large Mouth Nanny Nannygai

Michael and Gary's efforts for PCFA and the PIRTEK team make a big difference, says our CEO, Anne Savage.

“Michael and the PIRTEK Fishing Challenge make a remarkable contribution to our mission each year, raising significant awareness and funds.

“The Challenge has been casting a line out to support men’s health since 2009, netting a local and national impact that cannot be underestimated.

“Above and beyond fundraising, their efforts go a long way to promoting prostate cancer awareness, getting the conversation started about early detection.

“The Pirtek Fishing Challenge plays a pivotal role in driving forward life-saving research and improving survival outcomes for the 1 in 5 Australian men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

“The Challenge gets bigger and better every year – we’d love to see Australians of all ages registering to fight a fish for prostate cancer research.”

About the 2023 Challenge

This year, the Challenge is offering a record $280,000 in cash and prizes.

PIRTEK together with Berkley, BCF, Stacer, ABU Garcia, Lowrance, Valvoline, Sea-Doo, Club Marine, Minn Kota, BAR Group, Mako Eyewear, BLA and Mercury have delivered a fantastic prize pool for this year’s competition. 

PIRTEK are keeping all competitors in the hunt with twenty-two $2500 cash mystery length prizes along with a second $1500 mystery length totalling $88,000.  The mystery lengths are awarded in each category for the fish measuring closest to a secret measurement determined by the event organizers.  These lengths are generally of an average sized fish giving everyone the opportunity to win.

The event also has a $100,000 ‘On The Water’ prize draw, proving participants don’t have to catch big to win big!

Prizes include:

  • A cracking Stacer 469 Outlaw side console boat motor trailer package with 75hp Mercury outboard, Lowrance sounder and 12 months Club Marine insurance. Valued at $39,649
  • Get ready for some fast fishing with a Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout including trailer and 12 months Club Marine insurance. Valued at $22,883
  • The Club Marine Tinnie which features a Stacer 389 Territory Striker, 25hp tiller steer BMT package. Valued at $16,065
  • Forget the anchor with a Minn Kota/ Lithium electric motor package. Valued at $11,275
  • Find more fish with a Lowrance HDS9 Pro sounder and GPS unit. Valued at $3,899
  • 1 x $2000 and 4 x $1000 Berkley/ABU Garcia tackle packs to make any fishos day.
  • Along with a host of prizes from Valvoline, BAR Pressure washers and Mako eyewear.

Competing anglers can also look the part by purchasing from the extensive range of merchandise available on the website, including fishing shirts, t-shirts, neck buffs and broadbrim hats.

Go to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au to register. Entries cost $30.00, plus postage and handling.

Promotion authorised under NSW TP/01590 and ACT TP 23/00065


Pictured: Michael Guest and Seven News Weather Anchor James Tobin