Despite previous concerns it would be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the popular event will go ahead on Sunday, March 7.

Organisers announced changes to the competition's rules this year to make the event COVID safe.

Horsham Fishing Competition President Ray Howard said 2021's fishing competition will be capped, with registrations only being sold online.

"We have been restricted to 1000 people. Earlier on, when we had to have the competition capped at 500 it just wasn't viable to run," Mr Howard said.

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"With the length of the river between the weir and the riverside bridge, there's plenty of room so there's no problem with social distancing."

Other changes include moving from fish weight to length as a measurement for winning the competition.

Anglers will be given a rod tag number, and will have to take a picture of their fish next to a ruler, from which the catch will be judged.

"All of the prizes will be designated to the longest catch of that species," Mr Howard said.

"So that's your redfin, yellow belly, silver perch and catfish. Cod are out, and carp will basically be the same as last year."

Alterations have also been made to this year's prizes, which features a pool of $60,000 worth of goods and cash.

Under the new rules, every senior entrant will be in the draw to win a major prize, with additional prize draws on offer for every caught fish.

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Fishing will start half an hour earlier than previous years, to allow for pre-dawn catches.

Mr Howard said the Horsham Fishing Competition team feels accomplished for being able to run the competition this year.

"I think it's a good thing because it's trying to get people back to normality," Mr Howard said.

"It's also a tourist event that involves a lot of traders, which we rely on for sponsorship. It gives back to them.

"The competition probably provides $400,000 to the local economy. All of our prizes are sourced locally, so we don't go out of town getting our prizes. Everything is kept within the Horsham region."

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