It’s the weekend European carp hate and hopefully there will be many fewer of them after it’s over.
Narrabri Amateur Fishing Cub will host the eighth Annual Carp Muster on March 7 and 8 and fishers are invited to bait a line and try their luck at catching a carp, racing a yabby or trying their hand at the ever popular casting competition.
The main aim of the Narrabri Carp Muster is to help rid our waterways of the destructive European carp. Carp are a Class 3 noxious fish in NSW and have had a significant impact on the health of our waterways and native fish populations.
And they are multiplying in our waterways.
“The Carp Muster is a great chance to let people know what else they can do to help bring back native fish, while also going into the running to win a fantastic range of prizes” says Fishing Club publicity officer Mandy Simpson.
Major prizes up for grabs include a 10 foot tinny and motor, kayaks, fishing and camping gear, which have once again been provided by our major sponsor Idemitsu Boggabri Coal.
“Lots of other prizes have been donated by local businesses.
“Every carp caught and weighed will give anglers more chances of going in the draw to take home a prize, with category winners including the biggest carp caught, and mystery prizes for both junior and senior categories,” said Mandy.
“Even if you don’t manage to catch a carp you will still be in the draw to win a prize and receive plenty of giveaways.
“There will be a barbecue again this year, with all competitors receiving a voucher for a sausage sandwich and a drink when they register and plenty of fun to be had so bring along family and friends and make a day or a weekend of it.”
The Carp Musters have helped make big inroads into the European carp population, as well as raising awareness of the feral fish.
“Previous carp musters have brought hundreds of competitors flocking to the banks of the Namoi River and tonnes of carp being removed from the waterway.
“We had 747 people register in 2014, our most successful event so far,” Mrs.Simpson said.
Registration for the Carp Muster will be held at the Crossing Theatre, Narrabri in the band room on Saturday, March 7 from 8am to 5pm, and Sunday, March 8 from 8am to 12 noon.
The cost is $3 for children and aged pensioners, and $6 for adults.
All entrants are required to abide by the current NSW Fishing Rules and Regulations.
The Narrabri Amateur Fishing Club has pledged all donations raised will go to Shared Table, Narrabri.
For more information about the competition call Mandy Simpson on 0437 925 358.