And organisers are predicting last year’s record entry will be seriously challenged.

More than 700 anglers from the coast, New England, North-West and Hunter Valley chased the cash last year on Copeton Dam, and this year more sections have been added for juniors.

The Great Inland Fishing Championships are a catch-and-release competition.

The championships start on Friday, November 30 and finish on Sunday, December 2.

On the opening two days fish will be measured between 7am and 7pm, and on the final day between 7am and 11am.

While there are cash prizes every day for longest species, points are also accumulated for the various championships, including the Great Inland Fishing Champion who will take home $1,000 and a rod and reel, and the runner-up receives $500.

Two-time winner Jim Buxton from the Graman Fishing Club will be back to defend his title.

But there will be some hot competition on his back this year.

Prize money of $1000 is on offer for the best four-person team from a registered fishing club, and the money has to be allocated to the restocking of fingerlings.

Again this year, the first 100 juniors (under 16) to register will receive a free rod and reel.

Registrations are now being taken at Tourism Inverell, Roy Parsons Marine Centre and Inverell Motor Wreckers, or from Thursday, November 29 at the Northcott Centre at Copeton Dam.

Registrations will also be taken at Copeton Northern Foreshores and on the bank flag station at Sepoy Knob.