Anglers and visitors alike will have plenty to look forward to when the competition returns on Saturday, August 29 with headquarters again at the Deniliquin Boat Club and fishing between Four Post Reserve and Steven’s Weir.
Before the fishing opens, a Friday night event will include what organiser Andrew Jefferies calls the “major draw card” - a raffle offering a mix of prizes for fishers and families.
“We’ve got some fantastic support from local businesses, it’s a great way to give back to the community while raising funds for restocking,” he said.
Among the prizes are a Z155 Twin Grill barbecue (value $850), a $500 Deni Tyre Service voucher, IGA meat trays, a 55cm St Leon 3D Printing lure feature that holds eight retired lures, and loads of fishing gear.
Other prizes include Eskys from Deniliquin Yamaha, and one day’s equipment hire from KB Engineering.
The raffle will be drawn on the Friday night, alongside the auction of the number one ticket holder.
“Anyone can attend the evening and purchase some raffle tickets, a meal and a cool drink to help support the event and the boat club - even if you aren’t a fisherman,” Mr Jefferies said.
“The Deniliquin Boat Club is a great venue on the river, with all the facilities needed to host a successful event - the river view deck, fire drums on the sprawling lawns, bar facilities, and the best boat ramp in town.
“We will also have our Fishing Club special $10 membership offer, open to anyone in attendance on Friday, and a members’ draw of $400 cash will be drawn just after the raffle.”
On Saturday, fishing starts at 6.30am. The competitions is strictly lures only, which is a type of fishing that requires a lot of skill and casting accuracy.
“Every fish scores points, so each team will vary slightly with their approach,” Mr Jefferies said.
“Last year’s winners targeted the smaller models and it paid off, out scoring the team with the biggest fish.
“At the conclusion of the fishing time, all teams meet back at the Deniliquin Boat Club to compare results and stories, enjoy another meal from Curly’z Catering and await the announcement of winners.
“Saturday night will also see the inaugural 'Couch Casting Competition’, which should see some fierce rivalry.
“There will be some lucky door prizes and an auction for the number one ticket holder for the 2027 comp.”
This year’s comp has generated interest from some of the district’s finest anglers, some of whom will be travelling hundreds of kilometres to make the most of the final weekend before Murray cod season closes on August 31.
There’s still time to be involved, with entries closing at 5pm on Monday, August 24.
Entry is $250 per team of two, payable with cash or at Deniliquin Outdoors & Camping on Davidson St, or via direct deposit.
All proceeds will be allocated to restocking the Edward River system with yellowbelly.
For payment details and more information, visit the Edward River Fishing Club Facebook page.
