The week-long competition, ending on Saturday March 11, is the biggest event on Eden’s fishing calendar, with more than $45,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Now in its 39th consecutive year, the competition has grown to more than three times the size it was when it first started as a men’s only fishing competition in 1978 and has brought in millions of dollars into the Eden economy. 

Acting president of the Eden Amatuer Fishing Club Eddy Evans said the club estimates that the competition generates in excess of $1million into the town each year. 

“It’s not just the fishers that benefit, participants book accommodation, buy bait and supplies locally and eat out at our local restaurants,” he said. 

The first competition in 1978 only attracted 200 people compared to 865 entrants last year. Now Mr Evans is hoping that for the first time in its history more than 900 will sign up and throw in a line.

“Each year we are usually represented by not just Eden locals but people from almost every state in Australia and have even had a few international competitors,” Mr Evans said.

The Eden Amateur Fishing Competition now boasts ladies and children’s categories on top of the lucrative open category and targets more than 20 species of fish, including bream, jewfish, leatherjacket, marlin, shark, and three species of flathead - including the iconic dusky flathead.

“We want to foster a love of fishing in the next generation so we are really trying to encourage younger kids to get involved with our ‘Little Tuckers’ category,” he said. 

Mr Evans said watching the under six year old kids in the Little Tuckers category is one of his favourite parts of the competition.

“It’s amazing to see the look on the kids’ face when they weigh their first or find out the fish they caught was bigger than the adults.”

Each child entered in the competition, which has no entry fee, will receive a hat and a shirt with the six winners to take away a rod and reel which Mr Evans said was only possible thanks to the support of the sponsors. 

“We are very lucky to have a huge number of local businesses that sponsor us year in and year out, without them this competition wouldn’t be the same,” he said. 

The $45,000 worth of prizes includes the major prize a Quintex 420 Renegade boat worth more than $23,000. 

Anyone keen to be involved is invited to the Quarantine Bay clubhouse on Friday March 3, at 5.30pm where the event will kick off with a sausage sizzle and information night.