The fifth championship, conducted over three days attracted 558 anglers from areas as far away as Stroud, South West Rocks and the Hunter Valley.

Ford won the major title ahead of David Martel of the Ashford Fishing Club.

He accumulated 3155 points after catching 22 fish which measured.

Martel scored 2801 and was the leader until Saturday lunchtime before Ford overhauled him.

671 fish were measured and released, comprising 506 golden perch, 153 catfish, 11 cod and 1 silver perch.

Senior female champion was Kathleen Ellis (Glen Innes) junior male was Zac Lynn (Glen Innes) and junior female Clare Weeks (Moree).

The Ashford number one team took out the $1000 Clubs Challenge.

Biggest fish caught during the championship was a 110 centimetre cod landed by Jake Smith.

Daily winners

Friday: Golden perch – Graham Ford and Shane Stewart 59cm.

Catfish – Steve Kinsella 60cm.

Saturday: Cod – Jake Smith 110cm.

Golden perch – Jeremy Weeks 63cm.

Catfish – Shane Riley 62cm.

Sunday: Cod – Shane Stewart 102.5cm.

Golden perch – Steven Spthorpe 92.5cm.

Catfish – David Martel 60cm.

Silver perch – Paul McKinnon 38cm.