DATES: 28TH AND 29TH OCTOBER 2017
Get ready for an exhilarating event where the nation’s top Yellowbelly anglers will compete head-to-head for a grand prize of $5,000 at Copeton. This one-of-a-kind competition promises plenty of excitement and intense action.
The team that accumulates the highest total weight from 15 Yellowbelly caught over the weekend will claim victory. All catches will be officially weighed by AYC staff at a designated location.
Fishing kicks off early Saturday morning at 7 am, continuing through to 5 pm. On Sunday, the action resumes at 7 am and wraps up at 11:30 am. At 1 pm, the awards ceremony will take place, followed by the MEGA Lucky draw, where one fortunate angler will walk away with $5,000 worth of fishing gear and accessories.
Entry Fee: $160 per competitor, with up to 3 members per team.
Your Registration Includes:
- BBQ on Friday night
- Saturday night baked dinner and Monster raffle draw
- Entry into the $5,000 fishing tackle lucky draw
- A shot at winning the 2017 Copeton Challenge, with trophies and a $5,000 cash prize
Event Schedule:
- Briefing: Friday, 7 pm at the Copeton State Park Function Room
- Fishing Sessions: Saturday, 7 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, 7 am – 11:30 am
- Weigh-In: The team with the heaviest 15 Yellowbelly over the weekend wins. All fish must be weighed by AYC officials.
Fish Limits:
Only weight counts, not length. Anglers can bring up to 4 Yellowbelly at a time to the Weigh Master throughout the session. The 4-fish limit helps ensure the well-being of the fish during the event.
Pre-Fish Ban:
A pre-fish ban is in effect from midnight Friday, October 20th, until dawn on Friday, October 27th. During this time, participants are prohibited from fishing or using electronic devices on the water. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification.
Practice Day:
Official practice is on Friday, October 27th.
Sunday Schedule:
- Fishing Ends: 11:30 am
- Awards Ceremony: 1 pm
- $5,000 Raffle Draw: After the awards ceremony
Pre-Fish Ban Reminder:
All competitors are reminded that no fishing or use of electronics is allowed during the pre-fish ban to maintain fairness.
Note: The Yella Challenge is not just about determining the best angler—it’s also about preserving the Yellowbelly population. The event organizers have implemented a limit of four fish per weigh-in to minimize stress on the fish and maintain ecological balance in the reservoir. This approach underscores the importance of responsible fishing practices during such a large-scale event.