A record 1,305 fishers entered the 2017 Easter Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic over the weekend, with an estimated 3,000 people gathering in the holiday park.
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One-hundred-and-eight businesses threw contributions at the event, with over $50,000 in prizes drawing in fishers from as far as New Zealand.
Near-perfect weather greeted attendees. The crowd started to build from the Monday before the event, seeing folk enjoy glassed out boating and fishing conditions.
Nicholas Cowen, aged 11 couldn’t believe his luck when he was handed the keys to a brand new car at Sunday’s presentation, whilst Jackie Wake from Dubbo and Steven Penrose from Orange both went home with a brand new boat.
With the impoundment sitting at 89%, there seemed to be quite a bit of water in between the fish.
38 proved the bag to beat when it came to the Carp section, with Michael McBue being crowned champion Mud Marlin eradicator, whilst Tim Weaver and Tony Zorz both caught a Carp of 70cm to tie for biggest Carp overall.
When it came to the natives, some nice Murray Cod were caught and released in the adult section, with a specimen of 69.2cm giving Julie Ratcliffe first place.
Norman Price boated a 63cm green fish for 2nd, with Paul Maxwell taking out 3rd with a Cod of 61.8cm.
As per usual, some beautiful Goldens were caught over the weekend, with fish of 61cm, 59cm, and 58.7cm all placing, caught by Michael Ratcliffe, Leanne Roach and Nathan Cox respectively.
Only one Silver Perch was registered in the adults; Terry Moffat finding a fish of 38cm.
In the juniors, Cameron Constable caught the only Murray Cod at 64.9cm, whilst brothers Seth and Jayden Shelton took out first and second in the Yellowbelly with fish of 57cm and 50.7cm with Jack Taylor placing third with a specimen of 50.2cm.
Overall Results:
Seniors: Yellowbelly 1st 61cm Michael Ratcliffe, 2nd 59cm Leanne Roach, 3rd 58.7cm Nathan Cox. Murray Cod: 1st 69.2cm Julie Ratcliffe, 2nd 63cm Norman Price, 3rd 61.8cm Paul Maxwell. Catfish: 1st 55.8cm Adrian Mill, 2nd 52.9cm Michael Ratcliffe, 3rd 52.2cm Andrew McClure. Silver Perch: 1st Terry Moffat 38cm.
Juniors: Yellow belly: 1st 57cm Seth Shelton, 2nd 50.7cm Jack Shelton, 3rd 50.2cm Jack Taylor. Murray Cod: 1st 64.9cm Cameron Constable. Catfish: 1st 51.8cm Cameron Constable, 2nd 50.2cm Connor Edwards, 3rd 50cm Mikayla Bowd. Silver Perch: 1st 42.5cm Locky Nelson.
Pest Species: Biggest Redfin 36cm Keith Lawson, Biggest Bag of Redfin 222 Shay Johnston, Biggest Carp 70cm Tim Weaver and Tony Zorz and Biggest Bag of Carp 38 Michael McBue.