The Great Inland Fishing Festival will be held on December 6-8 at Lake Copeton, near Inverell in north west NSW.

This catch and release competition is in its 15th year and regularly attracts in excess of 500 competitors.

While the competition has always attracted the serious angler seeking the generous cash prizes on offer, it is also a magnet for the more recreational fisher seeking a fun-filled long weekend on the dam.

Organising committee president Brett McInnes said, “In trying to keep the appeal as wide as possible we will this year be offering a broad range of mystery length and entry number prizes, which strike a balance between competition and participation.

“We have always had mystery prizes for our large number of juniors who compete each year and this is now giving the mums and dads a chance at a great prize by simply signing on.”

Copeton Dam has been hovering around the 70% mark for over six months and when it is this full it has more than three times the capacity of Sydney Harbour.

What also appeals to a lot of fishos is the ability to camp right down on the water and leave the boat tethered for the three days.

The foreshore area is so huge that with even 500 competitors it is not difficult to find your own small inlet in solitude.

For those that might be looking for some more creature comforts, day sponsor Copeton Waters State Park has a wide range of serviced camping options available.

The competition is timed to coincide with the opening of Murray cod season and Copeton has a reputation for producing large green fish. In the lead-up to the season close several cod over the magical metre mark were boated by local anglers.

The golden perch fishing is also strong over the warmer months and anyone chasing the cash for the largest over the three days will need a specimen in excess of 60cm.

The weekend culminates in the presentation, held on the green area in front wonderful new facilities at the State Park.

As well as the presentation of prizes there is the draw for the ever-popular fisherman’s dream raffle, giving everyone a chance to be a winner.

For additional information visit www.inlandfishingfestival.com.au or phone Brett McInnes on 0429 446 551. – Festival committee

Last year’s junior champion Tane Davis from Brisbane with his 84cm cod.