The Bidgee Classic will be held on March 8, 9 and 10 next year with several new twists to entice more participants and current competitors to start thinking about registering now. 

An extra 4.2 kilometres of fishing water has been made available for the competition, stretching from Sturt Canal to Euroley Bridge, as well as the usual areas. 

Bidgee Classic Committee secretary Paul Smith said the change had been made following feedback from anglers. 

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“According to our competitor surveys from last year, there were a lot of people saying they would like to have more of a spread of fishing water,” he said. 

“Also, what we are doing is from a safety perspective because our competition is growing, we need a bit more room for everyone. 

“We need the facilities and the area to grow with us. By extending the waters, it will also give us another two boat ramps to use as well.”

This will also allow for a bigger spread of camping areas, with anglers now able to set themselves up for the entire weekend at places like Middle Beach, Old Middle Beach, Euroley Bridge and others. 

The organising committee also believes by extending the waterways for anglers, it will also allow for a bigger economic impact on the shire itself. 

“This way people coming in or out of town are using both directions … so both ends of town are being utilised for groceries, fuel, you’ve got a pub and club in Yanco … that sort of thing,” vice president Jodie Ryan said. 

“The good thing is, you also don’t have to camp or stay out at the river to take part. 

“You can stay in town or come home of a night if you’re a local.”

Plans are in full swing for the event, with the Saturday evening again planned to be a night of live entertainment and family fun. 

Anyone wanting to join the committee or even volunteer their time on the weekend should contact the group through its Leeton Bidgee Classic Fishing Competition Facebook page. 

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