Give back to Habitat at the Leeton Bidgee Classic
OzFish Unlimited Australia’s national fishing conservation charity is encouraging recreational fishers across New South Wales to get behind the annual Leeton Bidgee Classic fishing competition from 6 to 8th March in a show of support to regional Australia.
The Leeton Classic fishing competition attracts hundreds of anglers and encourages the catch and release of native species such as Murray Cod and Golden Perch over 20 kilometres of competition waters on the Murrumbidgee River at Gogeldrie Weir Park.
OzFish for the first time is backing the event this year. CEO and Founder Craig Copeland is rallying fishers near and far to get registered early and fill up their esky’s, powerup their boats and visit regional Australia to show support to local communities affected by drought and bushfires along the way.
“We’ve been hearing from recreational fishers across Australia wanting to help our native fish,” he said. “In some areas, it hasn’t been a great start to the year with fish kills happening up and down the eastern seaboard.
“Leeton‘s waterways are in good condition and we’re encouraging people far and wide to take part in this competition and give the community a lift.
“Supporting regional fishing events like the Leeton Bidgee Classic is going to do a lot to help fish habitat and the local community.
“All money raised go to fish habitat restoration projects so you’re not only going to have a great time fishing, you’re helping support fishing in Leeton for future generations.”
The Leeton Bidgee Classic has reached a remarkable milestone of 21 years and this year the area surrounding Leeton has been affected by fire and drought.
Jodie Ryan, President of Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area OzFish Chapter said they also have the backing of Steve Starling, an OzFish Ambassador, attending for the first time.
‘To have an expert in all things fishing with the caliber of Steve ‘Starlo’ Starling is a real coup for our competition and we are extremely excited that he has chosen to attend our 21st Anniversary event,” she said.
“Starlo will be actively engaging with the competitors and also passing out some tricks of the trade to our budding young fisho’s during the competition.
There are thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes donated by local businesses in many different categories as well as live entertainment, activities for the kids, fun for all the family, raffles and much more.
All proceeds from the event are used to develop fish habitat restoration projects on the Murrumbidgee River. Tickets can be purchased online now by going to: Leeton Bidgee Classic or you can register on the day.
About OzFish
OzFish Unlimited is a national fishing conservation charity established to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and estuaries. It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make our fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive. Their active work includes; habitat restoration such as resnagging, riverbank planting, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.