Tamworth Fishing Tackle Native Classic Competitions

1. Competition fishing locations and boundaries will be advised prior to the event.

2. Competition fishing times will commence following the official briefing on the Friday evening of the event weekend. Catch sheets must be submitted to competition officials by the nominated finish time on Sunday.

3. Bank fishing is not permitted. Lure fishing with rods is permitted, including trolling with lures. No bait fishing is allowed.

4. NSW Boating and Fishing Regulations apply at all times. All competitors must hold a current NSW Fishing Licence. A maximum of two rods per person may be used at any one time. Entrants must comply with all NSW Waterways regulations and any other relevant legislation.

It is the responsibility of each entrant to be aware of minimum fish sizes, bag limits, boat licence requirements, and safety equipment regulations applicable to NSW waters.

5. Any discrepancies must be reported to officials. Any boat found carrying illegal equipment or bait will result in disqualification. The committee reserves the right to inspect any equipment or bait used by competitors.

Competitors found to be in breach of NSW Fisheries regulations, NSW Waterways regulations, or any of the above competition rules will be disqualified without refund.

Competition officials reserve the right to warn or disqualify any competitor or team deemed to be causing a nuisance or negatively affecting other competitors.

6. Competition scoring will be based on the nominated species and minimum size limits advised prior to the event. Fish measurements will be rounded down to the nearest millimetre. All fish must be verified by approved photographs or officials, and all decisions made by officials are final. No protests will be accepted.

A catch sheet will be issued to each team at the briefing. Only nominated species and recorded lengths will count towards points. Fish under the minimum legal length will not be measured. All entered native fish are strictly catch and release unless otherwise stated.

For Murray Cod competitions, a points system of 10 points per centimetre will apply for Murray Cod measuring 55cm or larger only.

7. Sign-in and registration will take place at the official briefing prior to the commencement of the competition. All entrants must register with officials before the nominated cut-off time.

8. An information briefing will be held prior to the event. Any questions or clarification regarding rules may be addressed at this time.

9. Competitors found fishing outside the designated competition area during competition hours will be disqualified.

Photo Rules

10. When a legal competition fish is caught, it must be photographed according to the photo rules and released as quickly as possible. All native fish entered in the competition are strictly catch and release. Any entrant found keeping entered fish will be immediately disqualified.

10a. Photos must show a live fish. Any photos showing signs of mutilation, excessive blood, damage, or improper fish handling will be deemed invalid. Photos must be sent via text message as soon as possible after the fish is caught.

10b. Each team will be supplied with an official brag mat for measuring fish.

10c. Fish must be photographed on the supplied brag mat, with all measurement markings clearly visible and readable.

10d. Photos must be taken directly above the fish and square to the brag mat.

10e. The fish’s nose must be positioned to the left-hand side of the photographer and aligned with the zero mark or stopper on the brag mat. The dorsal fin must face the top of the mat, with the belly facing the photographer. Correct fish orientation is important.

10f. The brag mat must be placed on a flat surface with no creases or folds.

10g. The entire fish and measuring edge of the brag mat must be visible in the image, with the fish’s length clearly identifiable.

10h. Entries are judged on length only. Measurements will be rounded down to the nearest millimetre.

10i. Any digital manipulation or editing of photos will be considered cheating and will result in immediate disqualification.

10j. Appointed judges may review any suspect photos to determine legitimacy. Their decision is final.

10k. All photos must be sent via text message to the official competition mobile number supplied during the information session. No other numbers will be accepted.

10l. If competitors are unable to send a photo, they must contact the official mobile number provided and an official may be dispatched where possible.

10m. No photo means no measurement will be recorded. No protests will be accepted and all judges’ decisions are final.

Fish under the legal size limit will not be measured and must be returned immediately to the water.

Competition Scoring

Points are allocated per millimetre for legal-size fish of the nominated competition species.

For Murray Cod competitions, legal fish measuring 55cm or larger will receive 10 points per centimetre.

Example:

• 65cm Murray Cod = 650 points
  

Scoring systems, eligible species, and minimum legal lengths may vary depending on the event and will be advised prior to the competition.

Each boat or team will receive a total points score at the completion of the event.

Competition Prizes

Prize categories and prize structures may vary depending on the event and will be advised prior to the competition.

Prizes may include:

• Overall placing prizes
  
• Longest fish prizes
  
• Combined length prizes
  
• Lucky door prizes
  
• Sponsor giveaways
  

11. Competition entry fees will vary depending on the event and must be paid in full prior to the competition.

12. An angler’s position in the competition is secured only once payment has been received. Unless otherwise stated, entry fees are strictly non-refundable.