Winner of biggest Murray Cod, Nathan Ryan with his 117cm catch.
Educating the young people of Darlington Point received a huge boost, thanks to a successful local fishing competition at the weekend.
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Darlington Point Early Learning Centre and Darlington Point Public School, this year’s chosen beneficiaries of the Riverina Fishing Classic’s fundraising efforts, will receive $20,000 and $5000 respectively.
The Early Learning Centre’s cash boost will keep development on track to deliver a vital community facility which aims to provide an enriching and nurturing environment for up 120 young children and their families.
The annual fishing classic celebrated its 13th year, with more than 900 entrants.
While the competition has many benefits, including a much-needed economic boost for the town, the real winner is the Murrumbidgee River, with a joint program by the Riverina Fishing Classic and Murray Cod Australia delivering 2000 Murray Cod into the river’s complex ecosystem before this year’s competition.
There is also a citizen science component of the event where competitors record all details of undersize Murray Cod and Golden Perch, and all non-target species, accompanied by the entrant’s total fishing hours each day.
This information provides NSW Fisheries and ecological researchers with a vital window into the health of the Murrumbidgee River system, allowing scientists to monitor the effectiveness of restocking efforts, areas in need of habitat improvement, environmental flow data and overall fish population health.
This year’s merchandise and program design was focused on honouring the spirit of the Murrumbidgee River – a name that translates to ‘Big Waters’ in Wiradjuri language, with artwork created by Karissa Undy.
Total fish caught during the event was 1260 (158 less than last year): Carp – 161; Murray Cod – 1007; Trout Cod – 9; Golden Perch – 22; Silver Perch – 61.
Major prize winners were:
Biggest Murray Cod: Senior Male Nathan Ryan – 117cm; Senior Female Amanda Taylor – 83cm; Junior Male Patrick Smith – 90cm; Junior Female: Talissa Power – 82cm.
Golden Perch (Yellowbelly): Senior Male Simon Miljkorvic – 52cm; Senior Female – None; Junior Male Tyler Pardy – 62cm; Junior Female Jorja Ryan – 49cm.
Respective Senior and Junior Champion Angler went to Corey Roche with 27 fish caught and 18.35 accumulative metres and Tylen Roche with 17 fish caught and 11.02 accumulative metres.
Biggest Carp: Fraser Harrison at 76cm.
Winner of the 2026 Riverina Classic Senior Boat Category: Abbey O’Grady; Junior Boat Category: Declan Ragen.
Major raffle winners: Vicki Maher, Judy Saxvik, Thomas Gill.
Sue Mitchell with Shaun Roche and Chris Sutton.
Winner of biggest yellowbelly, Junior Female Jorja Ryan with her 49cm fish.
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Winner of biggest Murray cod, Junior Male Patrick Smith with his 90cm cod.
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