Murrabit Cod Challenge Hooks Another Successful Weekend

The Murrabit Football & Netball Club hosted its much-anticipated annual Murrabit Cod Challenge fishing event over the weekend of March 20–22, once again drawing a full field of eager competitors. As in previous years, entries were capped at 300 adult tickets, complemented by an enthusiastic group of 50 junior anglers keen to be part of the action. Proudly run entirely by dedicated local volunteers, the event remains one of the club’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year.

Set against a backdrop of warm, sunny weather and clear skies, the weekend delivered near-perfect river conditions. Anglers embraced the pleasant temperatures with a relaxed and cheerful spirit, making the most of the picturesque surroundings. Many took the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing dip, while others settled into shady riverbank spots, rods in hand, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.

This year’s catches showed a pleasing improvement on last year’s results, with a total of 14 Murray Cod measuring over 55cm landed, along with 11 Yellow Belly exceeding 30cm. In keeping with the event’s strong conservation focus, all native fish were carefully released back into the river.

Off the water, excitement continued with the major raffle draw. The impressive first prize — a 399 Stacer Proline Boat, 25HP 4-Stroke Yamaha motor and trailer package valued at $17,000, proudly sponsored by Molins Motorcycle & Marine — was won by Bryan Beani of Traralgon South. Second prize, a 40L portable Engel fridge sponsored by Blue Sky Swan Hill, went to Tammy Wardlaw of Maryborough, while Donald Smith of Kyneton claimed third prize, a Husqvarna 120 Mark II chainsaw generously donated by Murrabit Trading.

Community spirit was on full display, with Team Maryborough taking out the largest group award with 31 competitors. In a generous gesture, the team donated their $500 prize money back to the local Murrabit Fire Brigade.

The fishing competition itself produced some outstanding results across all categories. In the Molins Motorcycle & Marine Murray Cod Challenge, Wayne Hawking, Chris Abley and Simon Deane claimed top honours with an impressive 1600 points, landing Murray Cod measuring 96cm and 64cm. Wayne Hawking also took out the Murrabit Trading Largest Murray Cod award with a standout 96cm catch.

In the Blue Sky–Engel Yellow Belly Challenge, Darren Hosking and Darren Bibby secured victory with 855 points, recording Yellow Belly of 43cm and 42.5cm. Kev Spiteri landed the largest Yellow Belly of the weekend at 50.5cm to win the Hook’em Fishing category, while Bill Hazen claimed the Kj’s Outdoor & Marine Longest Carp award with a 69.5cm catch.

The junior competition also showcased exciting young talent, with Nash Webb reeling in an impressive 84cm Murray Cod to take out top honours.

Event organisers were once again pleased with the smooth running of the weekend, supported by overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The club extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, volunteers and competitors who contributed to another successful event.

With little time to pause, the Murrabit Football & Netball Club now turns its attention to its next major event — the ever-popular Murrabit Rodeo, set for this weekend. Kick things off Friday night (March 27) from 6pm with live music from Lokki Sommerville, great food and a buzzing atmosphere.

Saturday’s main event runs from 3pm into the night, featuring live entertainment from No Plans alongside rodeo action and family fun.