Starting off from the short side of the dam, the two teams comprising of over 100 fisherman, women and juniors, headed to their favourite, and sometimes secret spots, to bring home a win for their teams.  

The weather was challenging on the Saturday with the big winds making it difficult for the people fishing from their boats, however Sunday saw better conditions for the final day of competition. The competition is judged over two days on a collective score.  

Measurements for each catch was recorded then tallied up upon arrival back at camp and added to the team’s results. This was the fifth anniversary of the annual event, held by two of the most successful clubs in Inverell.  

The winning club with a total of 52.265 metres was Inverell RSM Fishing Club, with the Royal Hotel team totalling 31.470 metres. There was a number of outstanding catches for the weekend from both teams.  

From the Royal Hotel, Luke Gibson (Junior) 61cm Catfish, Pat Krug 64 cm Yellow belly, and Chris Hall with a whopping 66.5cm Catfish.  

The RSM was well represented by Lisa Short with a 59cm Catfish, Louise Cleal 59cm Catfish, and Daniel Mepham (Junior) with a 58cm Yellow Belly.  

However, Tim Mutimer of the RSM Fishing Club, caught a 1.17 metre Cod, and Royal Hotel Junior, and Ash Handebo with a 69 cm Cod.  

The overall fisherman of the weekend was Dave Glenn from the Royal with a total of 6.165 metres, which was the best individual effort, for the weekend.

A raffle was held at the presentation, with all proceeds of $226 donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.  

All members thoroughly enjoyed the friendly competition, and took the opportunity to get out and wet a line, in beautiful Copeton Dam.