Competition organiser David Dulhunty said there will be first and second place prizes for ten different species of estuary fish. The feature prize will be a whopping $1,000 cash for the longest Bream, followed by $500 cash for the longest Dusky Flathead.

“While these prizes will attract the ‘pros’, we really want to keep the comp low pressure and family friendly,” Dulhunty said.

There is a total of $5,000 worth of cash and prizes including $700 for a juniors only category. Juniors are free entry but they may pay the adult entry to be eligible for both adult and junior categories.

Adult entry is just $25 ‘Early Bird’ up to Sunday, November 12, then $30. 

As well as the first and second place prizes, there are also mystery length prizes for all species in both categories.

“So even if you only catch one little fish, as long as it is legal length, you are still in the running for a prize.

All told there are a huge sixty prizes offered; and that’s before we start on the monster raffle and free sausage sizzle,” Dulhunty said.

Fish will be judged on length, not weight. All fish must be presented via a photo on a ‘brag mat’. 

For anyone knew to the format, a brag mat is a simple rubber mat that includes ruler measurements on it, so all you need do to prove your catch is take a photo of your fish on the mat. 

The Club encourages catch and release, particularly of big Dusky Flathead, Bream and Jewfish.

Brag mats may be purchased from the club for $10, only one is needed per boat.

This year the organisers are also trying to attract ‘out of town’ folk. They have compiled a list of local accommodation and boat hire all generously offering a 20 per cent discount. 

“So if you know of a friend or relative who might like to enter the comp, please let them know about it,” Dulhunty said.

Full details of the competition and entry forms can be obtained from TackleWorld Merimbula, TackleWorld Fyshwick or online at www.mbglac.com.au under ‘tournaments’.