The popular competition runs in the Bega River, Merimbula and Pambula Lakes to run over November 21-22. 

Organiser David Dulhunty said everyone is welcome to enter. 

There are cash prizes for eight different species of estuary fish totalling over $1500 as well as around $1000 in other prizes, all sponsored and donated by local businesses.

Dulhunty said there is one key aspect that will differ this year’s contest from previous ones. 

Instead of the traditional method of judging fish by weight, this year they will be judged by length and by photo only.

:These days there is a big push for catch and release,” Dulhunty said. 

“All of the professional bream tournaments are now done this way.

“Our club encourages catch and release, but within reason.”

Dulhunty said a majority of anglers still want to take home a feed of fresh fish. 

In that regard the competition will cater to both, fish can be entered with a simple photo taken against a measuring board known as a “brag mat”. 

It is then up to each individual angler whether they want to keep their catch or release it. 

“The main fish we want released are the big dusky flathead,” Dulhunty said.  

“Male duskies just don’t grow over about 70cm, so all of your really big ones are females, usually with thousands of eggs.”

Dulhunty also said the larger flatheads were “horrible eating” so questioned the point of killing them when you could win the event using just a photo.  

He said it was a similar scenario for bream, which can often taste muddy if they are large breeders. 

The club has brag mats available for the competition for $8 each and you only require on per boat. 

“As there is no need to bring the actual fish to the clubhouse we have to be sure the photo was taken during the comp so the photo will have to include a competition tag,” Dulhunty said. 

“These will be issued along with record sheets during the Friday night briefing at the clubhouse.”

Dulhunty said the new format was aimed at creating a more fun, low pressure, competition and hoped more families would come on board. 

Kids under 16 will be given free entry if accompanied by a competing adult. 

There is also an early bird special of $20 until November 15, with entries $30 after that date. 

“Dad could sign himself up and his six kids under 16, all for just $20 if he wanted,” Dulhunty said. 

There will be mystery length prizes for each species so you could still be in the running, even if you don’t have a great catch over the weekend.. 

Entries can be made at TackleWorld Merimbula or online at www.mbglac.com.au under tournaments.

For more information contact David Dulhunty on 64 943210 or 0427 311130 or Robert Wood on 0413 333598.