The competition, held annually on the October long weekend, raises money to continue a very successful stocking program keeping the dam healthy and productive for years to come. 

Aberdeen Fishing Club President Garry Wilton said they average $6000 worth of Fingerlings released annually, equating to around 8000 Australian Bass.

“This year we ended up with just over $3000 from the event, which will allow us to buy $3000 worth of Fingerlings to go back into the dam,” he said. 

The competition this year was also unique, being judged on the length of the fish rather than its weight. 

“Previously it was always done on weight, but rather than see fish be susceptible to death by not being handled properly we did it on length in photographs so the fish could be quickly released back into the water to enhance their survival rate,” Wilton said. 

The increased support was due to new sponsorship, expanded advertising and a few new members coming on board to drive a fresh direction for the club. 

“We had Keldan Labour Support Specialists come on board as a major sponsor and quite a few others as well,” Wilton said.

“A local guy David Clendinning also came on board.

“After last year’s we actually weren’t sure if we were going to run one this year.

“David’s fished here for a lot of years and he said he would come on board and help organise something – change the way it’s all run and get some sponsors on board.”

The result was massive, with numbers of competitors increasing from just 28 last year to 112 this year.

“There were people from Yass, Tweed Heads, Inverell, Emmaville, Newcastle and all over the Hunter Valley that travelled to enjoy a weekend at Lake Glenbawn,” Wilton said. 

“It was one of the most well supported events in recent years and the best one that’s been held in the time I’ve been involved in the club – four to five years.

“The team at Reflections Holiday Parks Lake Glenbawn were right behind us and very helpful towards us.”

On top of prizes for major award winners, all juniors received a prize making it a really friendly family event. 

Locally, the Banister family of Aberdeen picked up the most wins with Anthony Banister taking home a prize for the longest Silverperch and his daughter Tiffany snagging the longest Carp and Bass, walking away overall female champion. 

Keeping a love for fishing in the family, a third generation, Lilly Banister, 8, picked up overall junior female angler. 

Overall Male Champ: Jason Taylor, Inverell

Overall Female Champ: Tiffany Banister, Aberdeen

Longest Bass: Male Kyle Robertson, Muswellbrook. Female: Tiffany Banister

Longest Yellowbelly: Kyle Robertson

Longest Silverperch: Anthony Banister, Aberdeen

Longest Catfish: Male Curtis Black, Aberdeen. Female Bree Gorrell, unknown address

Longest Carp: Male Jason Taylor. Female Tiffany Banister

Overall Junior Champion: Male Tom Dowton  & Tom Hay – Equal

Overall Junior Female: Lilly Banister, Aberdeen