mmg.com.au

For the last 14 years Lindsay Jefferies has helped with the running of the Deniliquin RSL Fishing Classic, which prevented him from ever entering the competition himself.

This year, however, the keen angler took a rest from the official duties and took to the Edward River with his fishing rod.

It’s the first time he has competed in the classic, and it paid off.

Mr Jefferies was named the champion angler of the competition after reeling in a 740mm Murray cod.

It is not the biggest Mr Jefferies has ever caught, but he said luckily it was enough to get him the coveted title of champion angler.

‘‘It was terrific,’’ he said.

‘‘I had only had two carp up until then.

‘‘He (the fish) was just big enough, and I did put him back.’’

The monster fish was caught right in the centre of town, under the willows at the end of Edwardes St.

‘‘I was at the old swimming pool opposite the caravan park, under the willows,’’ Mr Jefferies said.

‘‘I’ve fished there a few times before.

‘‘Every morning you can seen the fish playing around in the water there.’’

The Deniliquin RSL Fishing Club life member was in a boat with his son Nathan and six year-old grandson Jackson when he caught the winning fish on Saturday.

Also nearby was a Fishing Classic marshall who captured the award winning catch on his camera.

Little did anyone know at the time the cod would win Mr Jefferies about $500 worth of fishing equipment which he said would be put to good use.

As the winner of the champion angler award, Mr Jefferies is also the first person to win the new perpetual trophy.

‘Harry the Cod’ was found dead in the Waring Gardens lagoons during the restoration project earlier this year, and was taxidermied and turned into an impressive trophy. The 1m long trophy will be mounted in the Peppin Heritage Centre.