For close to two years the Inland Water Rejuvination Association (IRWA), Wellington Fishing Club and Lake Burrendong Park have been planning the non-for-profit catch and release event, which is said will attract up to 2000 competitors and their families.

The competition will be sponsored by Canoblas Marine, who have put forward thousands of dollars worth of prizes, including a boat and motor, electric motors, fish finders, fishing and camping gear and more.

Organisers have called the competition ‘Canobolas Marine Lake Burrendong Classic’ and hope it will become an annual event.

Burrendong administrator Barry Brebner said he is excited about the competition and believes the event will be a great thing for the future of the park.

“The competition is sure to generate great funds for the park which will go right back into improving facilities there,” Mr Brebner said.

“The event will also be great for the economies of surrounding towns such as Wellington, Dubbo, Orange and Parkes.

“It’s like a fishing mardi gras.”

IWRA president Matt Hanson has worked tirelessly with the event committee to organise the competition and believes it will be not only great for the region, but for the environment at Burrendong Dam.

“The event itself is compeletly not-for-profit, all money made from the event goes straight back into fish restocking in the local area, and projects aimed at bettering the health of our local waterways,” Mr Hanson said.

“We are very grateful to the park for their approval, Wellington Fishing Club and of course Canobolas Marine who have kindly agreed to donate some amazing prizes for the competition.”

The categories for the competition include longest golden perch, silver perch, murray cod and catfish in both senior and junior divisions.

Prizes for the biggest carp will also be awarded.

The IRWA, which was founded in Dubbo, currently has 60 members locally and welcomes anyone who may interested in joining.

anna.yeo

@ruralpress.com