The Collerenebri Watersports and Fishing Club will come alive this weekend for its annual 2023 Colly Cod Classic & Carp Muster, running from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August along the mighty Barwon river.

With over $10 000 In prizemoney, the event which has run for five years (between Co-vid and flooding), is hoping to attract many keen anglers to take part.

President Jasen Ramien is looking forward to a great event for the areas fishing enthusiasts.

“We are really looking forward to our event this weekend,” said Mr. Ramien. “We have anglers travelling out to us from Port Macquarie, Dubbo, Moree, Tamworth and our local area so from all over the state really”.

“People can register from Friday 12 noon at the Tattersalls Hotel Collerenebri, and then commence fishing.”

The fishing guidelines are between the Moonie River, where the Moonie flows into the Barwon towards Mungindi down to Calmundi Weir, nearly halfway between Walgett and Collerenebri. Any fish caught must be in the confines of these areas.

Damien Chown was winner of the sought-after Grantyman Memorial Longest Cod in 2019. IMAGE: Collarenebri Water Sports & Fishing Club

“All the carp is to be brought to the Tattersalls Hotel for weigh in, as it all goes on mystery weights, and we promote catch and release. Hopefully people will release their fish harm free back into the water.”

“We ask that people take a clear picture of the fish on a brag mat with their registration card and either bring it in or send it to us via text,” said Mr. Ramien.

According to Mr. Ramien registrations will cease at 12 noon on Saturday with last weigh in recorded by Sunday 12 noon followed by presentations of prizes taking place around 1pm at the Tattersalls Hotel.

“We are happy to have named the “Longest Cod” competition after our good mate Grantyman from Wee Waa who tragically passed away following an accident several years ago. The prize for this event is $1000 and a $600 rod, and is a special event for us,” said Mr. Ramien.

“We will have a continuous raffle with the major prize a 12-foot tinny and motor and plenty of merchandise for people to buy as memorabilia. We have many great sponsors and we thank them one and all for their support.”

“It’s good weather now and the river looks great so hopefully we will have a good weekend. It’s a great opportunity for families to get together. It’s a cheap weekend, you can come out and free camp on the Barwon with your family and have the time of your life.”

“It is really good for our community and a chance to sit and enjoy where we live.”

Part of the catch back in in 2019. IMAGE: Collarenebri Water Sports & Fishing Club

 Price categories include:

 Grant “Grantyman” Hall Memorial Longest Cod

 1st Runner Up Longest Cod (Senior)

 2nd Runner Up Longest Cod (Senior)

 1st Runner Up Longest Cod (Junior)

 2nd Runner Up Longest Cod (Junior)

Longest Yellowbelly

 1st Runner Up Longest Yellowbelly (Senior)

 2nd Runner Up Longest Yellowbelly (Senior)

 1st Runner Up Longest Yellowbelly (Junior)

 2nd Runner Up Longest Yellowbelly (Junior)

 Heaviest Carp

 4 x Mystery Carp Weights

 2 x Junior (under 16) Mystery Carp Weights

 1 x Lucky Registration Number