In its 30th year, this event has proven popular in the past and is terrific family fun. Young and not so young competitors are welcome to enter. Eel fishing is heaps of fun and challenging as eels can be lively – in fact there is a special prize given away each day for liveliest eel. There is also a trophy for the biggest eel each day.  

Instructions on how to care for the eels when caught, special types of hooks, aerators and pliers will be discussed on day one in this catch and release competition.

Weigh-in is 5pm sharp each day at George Edmund Park on the northern end of the Bellingen Bridge.

For those U16 – the Waterhole Wal Perpetual Trophy is for the biggest eel caught during the competition. The Australian eecord is held by Bellingen boy Jai Tennant who caught a beauty in 2009 weighing in at a massive 11.65kg – see if you can beat that? The previous record was 10.40kg.

Come along and join the fun – registration is $2 for U16s and $5 for seniors and this covers barbecue dinner and award presentation. Registration is payable when you weigh in your first eel. 

If you have any queries, call organiser Wal Tyson on 6655-1072.