Co-organiser Stoph Pilmore said hundreds of competitors enjoyed spending Saturday by the river.

“We were about 150 competitors up this year; the weather obviously has a big say in it and the weather was fantastic on Saturday,” he said.

“We have had really great feedback to the event not only from people locally, but from people down south from places like Geelong and Warrnambool too.

“They really enjoy the event and come back each year, bringing more friends with them.

“The whole vibe in Dimboola over the last few weeks has been great with the bare-foot skiing, the rowing and now the fishing classic.

“It’s become the place to be, and has allowed us to show off our section of the river and it has put on a show.”

The longest fish winner was Mick Nitschke who caught a 485mm yellowbelly.

“Mick has been a great supporter of the event since we first started,” Pilmore said.

“What was notable this year was the number of good quality catfish; it was fantastic to see that they were doing well in the river.”

Junior winner was Hayley Taylor, of Gordon, who caught a 470mm catfish. 

“Wimmera Outdoors has been fantastic in providing the prizes for the junior winner – they get a whole set up,” he said.

Funds raised through the event support Allambi nursing home.

“I’m on the board there and the fundraising for the event really helps things tick along. This year we expect to have raised more than $6000,” he said. 

“The event will well and truly be on again next year.