Nyngan RSL Fishing Club hosted a fantastic day of fishing over the weekend in its annual 2024 Carp Muster at Rotary Park in Nyngan.  

The banks were busting with feverish fisherman vying for the top prize with over 240 people taking part.  

With Categories for all ages the committee went above and beyond to cater for everyone netting an amazing array of sponsors from Nyngan and surrounding districts and all over NSW. 

With that in mind it wasn’t hard to lure so many enthusiastic anglers to the comp to see who could take home the big prizes and it appears as though age was no limit as young Van Peters of Cobar took out the biggest carp of the day with an 81cm fish, much to his absolute delight.  

“A great day was had in the sun,” According to Van’s mum Seigrid Peters. “The Peters boys were happy to catch little fellas not fussed about catching anything big. Once they started catching the big ones, there was excitement on the banks,” laughed Mrs. Peters. 

“Van, being only 3 was a tad frightened of it to begin with but soon was pretty happy with his catch (so was dad). He doesn’t really understand the value of the prizemoney but loves the giant cheque. Our Basil came in 2nd for biggest catch in his age category too, so it was a great day all round.”  

PHOTO: Van Peters winner of the biggest carp prize  

With over 2510 Carp caught for the day organisers were thrilled with how it all went.  

“The day went really well and had a great flow, and the weather was perfect,” according to Club President Jake McClelland. 

“We ran the day from 6am – 3.30pm and then gathered at Nyngan RSL for our presentation at 5pm.” 

“We are over the moon with the amount of donations we received and the support from the community,” he said. “We had a mega raffle which had 27 prizes which included our major prize which was a boat and motor. It was a fantastic day.” 

Most carp of the day for under 12’s went to Angus Johnson with 140 carp and young Basil Peters took out the biggest carp in the Under 12 section, giving the Peters boys a successful day out.  

PHOTO: Matty Elias first in Open section 

Nyngan’s Brad Fitzalan caught the biggest carp in the 13-17year section, with Hollie Smith taking out runner up with a 65cm catch. Most carp title for the 13-17 section was Alex Cole with 110 carp while Hollie Smith scored runner up with 58 carp. 

In the Open section Matty Elias scored a 77cm carp to come in first with Damian Ray close behind with his 76cm catch.  

Tyler Martin caught the most carp 105 in the Open section with Charlie Cameron runner up and 95 carp. 

Dee Walsh takes her three kids along to Carp Muster each year and the kids can’t wait for it.  

Van Peters with his big cheque. IMAGE: Nyngan RSL Fishing Club 

“Carp Muster 2024 – the day couldn’t have been better. The weather was perfect, and the fish were biting.” 

“The kids had the best time with lots of laughter and helping each other out pulling in fish or when they got a snag. It’s a really good day and everyone is already looking forward to next year.” 

The Edwards family also took to the riverbanks to take part in the day and absolutely loved it.  

“The 2024 Carp Muster was phenomenal,” said Amy Edwards. “The weather was perfect, and the fish were biting. The committee did a wonderful job of organising and tallying fish on the day.”  

“It was a great day out with friends and family and our crew managed to remove over 120 carp, numerous sticks, a tree branch and a plywood board from the river,” laughed Amy. 

“The best bit was our youngest Jason, started the day thinking fishing was boring but within half an hour of being at the river he was bursting with excitement when he snagged his first fish. He ended up catching a total of 16 for the day and is now hooked on the sport for life.”