The team behind the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge has made history again.
Challenge organisers and sponsors released 21 adult Murray cod into the Edward River at Deniliquin on Sunday, as part of the Adopt-a-Cod program.
The mature fish were purchased from proceeds of special sponsors’ tickets purchased for the 2023 challenge.
The release complements multiple fingerling releases which have taken place since last year’s event, and the release of eel-tailed catfish - the first time the species has been released in local waterways in many decades.
Coming just two weeks before the second annual challenge, event coordinator Andrew Jefferies said the cod should be settled and “on the chew” by the time registered anglers drop in a line on February 17.
“We had about 20 sponsors in attendance for the release of the tagged cod, which were so strong and healthy they swam away immediately,” Mr Jefferies said.
“They will take about a week to ease into it after the transition, but should be looking for food about the same time as the fishing competition.
“All the fish were released at Willoughby’s Beach.
“Previous tagged fish projects have demonstrated that fish of this size can travel up to 40km and back to the same log in one day.
“These are big fish that should be able to start breeding straight away, and we hope they take up residence locally.”
The 21 cod released range in size from 65cm to 76cm, to a total of 14m.
Their release was carefully planned and monitored, with the conditions having to be just right before they could be placed in the water.
Each of the fish has been fitted with a yellow tag noting their individual fish ID and a phone number.
Mr Jefferies said anyone who catches one of the cod is asked to log the location, day, time and length, and report it to the number on the tag.
“This allows the authorities to track the movement and growth of the fish, which is also reported to the sponsor,” Mr Jefferies said.
“It’s a great way to get involved and have a little ownership over what we’re doing to improve the health of the river.
“Anyone can be involved in the program - sponsorship is not just for businesses.
“We would welcome families and groups to purchase the sponsor tickets this year and help us do this again year-after-year.”
The Adopt-a-cod Sponsor package is $600, and includes two adult entries into the challenge, two stubbie coolers and two major raffle tickets.
General entry tickets are $110 for juniors and $155 for adults, with the ticket including three days of fishing and social events, and most of your meals for the weekend. Other sponsorship packages are also available.
A capped event, only 300 anglers plus sponsors will get the opportunity to participate in the 2024 challenge from February 16-18.
Activities are centred on Deniliquin Memorial Park, adjacent the Edward River.
The more than $50,000 prize pool includes two boat and motor packages, sponsored by Deniliquin Yamaha - one as a random entry draw, and one as a raffle prize.
You don’t have to be an angler to support the overall aim of the fishing challenge.
Every $5 ticket sold in the raffle represents another two fingerlings released into local waterways.
In addition to the boat prize, you could pick up a $3,950 Yamaha YFZ50 49cc kids’ automatic quad bike or a a $1,300 STIHL garden care package.
Challenge entry, raffle tickets and event merchandise can be purchased online at www.edwardfishingchallenge.com.au.
Raffle tickets can also be purchased at Deniliquin Party Hire, Premix King Deniliquin, Deniliquin Outdoors and Camping/Deniliquin Betta Home Living, and Deniliquin Yamaha, and in person registrations are being taken at Betta.