THE Murrumbidgee River played host to the esteemed Bidgee Classic Fishing Competition over the weekend, with fishing fanatics from across the state making their way to the MIA to snag some great catches.
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President of the Leeton Bidgee Classic and MIA OzFish ambassador, Jodie Ryan, said it was like winning the lottery.
"We had lots of Murray cod being caught, plus we're incredibly excited to see such healthy and beautiful flows here in the Murrumbidgee," she said.
"We had over $40,000 in prizes, loads of activities such as lure casting competitions, live entertainment and a special presentation by one of Australia's most respected fishing authors, Steve Starling."
Television personality and sports fishing writer, Steve 'Starlo' Starling, has published thousands of articles and over 20 books on the subject of angling, and was a guest star at this year's Bidgee Classic.
"The Leeton Bidgee Classic is highly regarded among recreational anglers," Starlo explained.
"We have a stunning stretch of the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, all the way down from the Sturt Canal down to Euroley Bridge.
"My wife Jo and I really enjoyed throwing spinnerbaits and hard-bodied lures into the Bidgee alongside our fellow competitors, after what's been a bloody tough start to the year for our native fish."
Starlo applauded the Classic's organising committee for its decision to fund fish habitat restoration projects using funds raised from the event.
"We've all been left heartbroken and feeling helpless after what's been reported as a 'triple whammy' with drought, fire and flood taking their toll on our native fish," Starlo said.
The 21st Leeton Bidgee Classic played their part in helping the environment, releasing thousands of yellowbelly fingerlings into the Murrumbidgee for repopulation.
Their team also helped out a few lucky anglers, with Kyle Hando taking home the entry boat prize and Chris George scoring himself the major raffle.
The winners on the day were Team McWatt's from Whitton, and 16-year-old Harley Henschke who picked up the individual crown with his stunning 78 centimetre Murray cod.
Senior male angler went to Garry Cheeseman from Goolgowi, while the title of senior female angler went to Sheree Doidge.
Junior angler prizes went to 6-year-old Hunter Harman from Leeton for his 64 centimetre Murray cod, along with 6-year-old Tennessee Williams from West Wyalong for her 64 centimetre carp catch.
