mmg.com.au

Close to 1000 anglers are expected to cast their reels in this year’s Deniliquin RSL Fishing Classic.

Now in its 15th year, the classic is being held on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 on the Edward River.

Organisers have moved the Fishing Classic’s headquarters this year in anticipation of such a big crowd.

‘‘We’ve had to move to the Edward River Oval as the event has out grown its previous location,’’ Deniliquin RSL Fishing Club member Andrew Jefferies said.

‘‘It will allow for further expansion.

‘‘There’ll be a 400 person marquee with tables and chairs to allow for seated and standing shade areas.

‘‘The XXXX Gold Bar will be open from noon on Friday and there’ll be promotions and give-aways throughout the weekend.’’

Mr Jefferies said the annual event is getting even bigger.

‘‘We are up 30 per cent on entries from this time last year and the best part is that a lot of them are first time entrants.

‘‘The classic is starting to attract people to Deni that have never been here before.

There are more than $40,000 worth of prizes up for grabs as part of the Fishing Classic.

A highlight of the weekend will be the popular ‘Prize Arama’ at the Deniliquin RSL Club on the Friday night.

About $8000 worth of prizes will be raffled from 7.30pm with tickets on sale from 5pm.

Deniliquin RSL Fishing Club member Andrew Jefferies said the best part about the ‘Prize Arama’ is that ‘‘there’s something for everyone’’.

‘‘There’s a great mix of prizes,’’ Jefferies said.

‘‘We have fishing gear, camping gear and even household goods like TVs and white goods.

‘‘There really is something for everyone.’’

Early bird entry prizes will also be drawn on the night. They are a 40 Litre Engel Fridge for adult entrants and $200 in prizes for junior entrants.

Early bird entries close at 6pm on Monday, February 13.

Another feature of the weekend will be the inaugural Charlie Carp Fish Race which will be happening on the Saturday evening.

The race will see 500 plastic fish sent down the Edward River with $1500 to be given to the winning owners.

Tickets for the Charlie Carp Fish Race are $10 each and are available for purchase at the RSL Club, Expert Air, Betta Electrical and Riverina Cellars.

The event includes adult and junior competition categories, and is open to both males and females.

The main Fishing Classic prize is a $14,000 Quintrex Explorer Trophy boat and Yamaha 30 horsepower motor package.

All adult entrants will have their name entered for the draw, and additional entries can be obtained by catching legal native fish during the competition.

All junior entrants go in the draw to win a 3.6m punt and five horsepower 4-stroke motor valued at $4000.

Last year high river levels forced the Fishing Classic to be postponed from its original date, but Jefferies said the river is ‘‘ideal right now’’.

‘‘It’s perfect summer conditions and there’s plenty of fish getting around.’’

■ To register for the 2012 Deniliquin RSL Fishing Classic go to Betta Electrical in George St, Deni Sports Store in Cressy St, or Riverside Caravan Park on Davidson St. People can also register on the night of the Prize-A-Rama.