mmg.com.au

The Cobram Cod Classic fishing competition is fast approaching with regist-rations opening at Thompsons Beach boat ramp from 5pm on Friday.

Cobram Cod Classic organiser Dylan Hyde said he was confident the catch and release event would attract keen fishing folk from across Victoria.

‘‘(Cobram-Barooga Apex Club) were approached by the Cobram Barooga Angling Club (the previous organisers) and asked if we would organise the event,’’ Hyde said.

The fishing competition attracted about 130 participants last year and Hyde is hoping to attract closer to 200 this time around.

Top prize is a boat, motor and trailer package worth about $9000.

The organisers will nominate a size and the person whose catch comes closest to this mystery size will win the boat.

‘‘We have more than $20000 worth in prizes to give away including kayaks, fishing rods, reels, lures as well as camping and fishing gear,’’ Hyde said.

Last year catches were limited to an area spanning about 8km of the Murray River.

This year, participants are free to fish anywhere on the Murray, from upstream of the Tocumwal Bridge to the Yarrawonga Weir.

There are 16 categories including biggest cod, biggest golden perch and biggest carp.

Those getting involved are also free to camp out along the Murray so long as they observe the ‘‘normal camping rules’’ and stick to designated legal areas.

The competition gets underway at 6am on Saturday with participants required to cease fishing at 7.30pm.

It’s then another early 6am start on Sunday with catches ceasing at 11am sharp.

There will then be a barbecue lunch and award presentation at Thompsons Beach at noon.

Tickets are $35 a person — you must bring your own brag mat and a phone cap-able of capturing and texting clear images of the catch to the judges.

All proceeds go to the Cobram-Barooga Apex Club with a portion donated to the Department of Primary Industries’ fish restocking program.