FUN, friendship and fishing are the hallmarks of the Bulahdelah Bass Bash, now in its 29th iteration.

This annual event brings keen anglers from near and far to pit their skills against each other; offering fishers a chance to compete for major prizes and catch up with old friends.

Sign-on commenced on Friday afternoon and by the close of registration at Saturday lunchtime, 194 participants had entered the contest.

The first of the official events commenced on Friday night at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club with Bass Bash Ball attendees rocking the night away to local band Brewhaha.

A few sore heads began fishing in the local area on Saturday morning, with lines being wetted at 5.30am in rainy conditions.

Morning catches were slow, with the first fish being presented for weigh-in at 10am.

Weigh-in concluded at 9.30pm on Saturday evening, with better weather conditions and catches in the afternoon.

The results of the leaders in each division were:

Men’s division:

Biggest bass – Tim Bidgood (1.245).

Biggest other species – Darren Carrall (Mullet 0.995)

Men’s Bream – John Startin (0.97)

Women’s division:

Biggest Bass – Ellie Morris (0.985)

Biggest other species – Kelly Richardson (Mullet 0.8)

Ladies Bream – Destiny Carey (0.46).

Junior’s (16 years and under) division:

Biggest Bass – Blaze Malone (0.315)

Mightiest Mullet – Shae Syron (0.915)

Biggest Eel – Deekin McIlroy (3.525)

Junior Bream – Darcy Ellicott (0.46)

There were many great catches just off the pace in each division.

Besides the fun fishing, the Bass Bash has a serious purpose.

“People came here and asked ‘where’s the fish?’ and we decided that something had to be done,” foundation committee member George Soars said.

“So we decided on a program that would restock the bass in the river systems and have a bit of fun while we were at it.”

Every year the Bulahdelah Fishing Club and the Department of Primary Industries breed stock from local rivers to replenish them with fingerlings.

The Bash Bass helps monitor the progress of the new Bass.

“We would like to thank our hard working committee and sponsors that help to make it the great event that it is,” Bulahdelah Fishing Club President Darren Carrall said.

By John SAHYOUN