Five years ago Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Association president Matt Hanson could never have imagined how big the Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic would become.
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What started out as a small raffle grew when a group of like-minded fishers realised there wasn't any sort of competition like it at the dam, even though Burrendong was one of the top venues in the state.
This year 68 sponsors from throughout the central west rallied behind the event, resulting with a prize pool of $50,000 including a car, boat, holidays and fishing gear.
"We're encouraging a family comp so all major prizes are won through the draw," Mr Hanson said.
Mr Hanson has always been passionate about healthy waterways and believes the competition, which is catch and release for all native fish, is a big thing for the dam each year.
Through money raised, they have been able to release 150,000 fingerlings, two-thirds of which have been released into the Wellington local government area.
The winner of the new boat was Nathan Kacarovski while John Marchant won the new car.
