WEATHER conditions had an impact on numbers, but the organising committee was pleased with the turnout for the Great Inland Fishing Festival at Copeton Dam on the weekend.
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Committee president Brett McInnes said 296 competitors signed on and 659 fish were caught and released. Local fishermen took out the major prizes.
“Tim Mutimer earned the honour of Overall Champion with 3946 points, followed by runner-up Robbie Lynn on 3080 points” McInnes said.
“Tim’s effort to land a huge Golden Perch on the final morning really sealed the win for him.”
The competition was also strong among the female anglers. Lorraine Miller from Glen Innes won with 1977 points.
“Lorraine was followed by Karen Pellow from Dubbo who had a total of 1229 points. As a result of her efforts, Lorraine was the winner of the Jeanette Kachel Memorial Shield for champion senior female,” McInnes said
With 2950 points, Bryson Hill from Upper Orana won the junior boy’s division and the Bevan Ihle perpetual trophy for overall junior champion. Todd Fenton was runner-up on 2227.5 points.
Alice McInnes won the junior girls division with a total of 2487.5 points, and . Hannah Crisp came second with 1057.5 points.
Cod numbers were down, but Robert Bullen of Tamworth landed an 87 centimetre specimen, which won him the $300 cash prize and the Ian Johnstone Memorial Shield for the biggest Cod, and the $300 prize for the largest Golden Perch went to Tim Mutimer for his 60.5 centimetre fish. Mutimer’s big point score also added to his team tally in the club challenge.
Inverell RSM Number 1 team of Tim Mutimer, Dylan Mutimer, Brock Stewart and Blake Alexander won the challenge and collected the $1500 voucher with 10,666 points. Runner-up was Ashford Number 1 Team of Deon Beckhouse, Dave Martel, Robbie Lynn and Greg Barnes.
“The committee values the contribution made by everyone in staging the festival. Many local businesses offer fantastic support,” McInnes said.
