New South Wales hosts a vibrant array of fishing competitions each year. Here's your definitive guide to the region’s standout events, complete with dates and links for more details.
North Coast & Mid North Coast Fishing Comps
Evans Head Fishing Classic
Dates: July 2026
The Evans Head Fishing Classic is a week-long catch-and-photograph tournament during the winter school holidays, packed with daily draws and community fun.
Let's Fish Lake Mac
Date: Annually in November
Let's Fish Lake Mac is a catch-and-release style competition in Lake Macquarie.
Trophy Hunter Snapper Bash
Date: July 2026
With a prize pool value over $100K, the annual Trophy Hunter Snapper Bash in Coffs Harbour is sure to pull the most competitive fishos
Pirtek Fishing Challenge
Dates: April 2026
Pirtek Fishing Challenge is Australia’s biggest national fishing, catch and release, competition
South Coast & Offshore Game Fishing
Blue Water Big Game Fishing Classic (Bermagui)
Dates: 8–26 January 2026 (extended window)
Premier offshore tournament for marlin, kingfish, tuna, etc., with both tag-and-release and capture categories.
Inland & Freshwater Events
Grabine Lakeside Freshwater Fishing Competition (Lake Wyangala)
Dates: August 2026 (last full weekend of August)
The Grabine Lakeside Freshwater Fishing Competition is a freshwater competition at Reflections Holiday Park featuring native species (photo-entry) and carp bag prizes.
Teams Fishing Australia
Dates:
- Round 1 – Boats & More Native Classic: May 2026
- Round 2 – Spin Wright Cod Open: August 2026
- Round 3 – Lowrance Burrinjuck Classic: October 2026
Team Fishing Australia is a team-based bass tournament with catch-and-release and healthy prize pools.
Statewide & Community Comps
Fish Reflections (Statewide)
Dates: September 2026
Fish Reflections is a flexible, catch-and-release photo competition. Fish anywhere in NSW and submit your best shot.
Gone Fishing Day – DPI
Dates: annual event usually in October
Gone Fishing is a free, family-oriented learn-to-fish clinic, giveaways, and local event support through NSW DPI.
New! NSW Tournament Series: Bream Fishing Teams
NSW Tournament Series is a fresh team-based bream competition series across 2025, covering locations like Hawkesbury River, Botany Bay, St Georges Basin, Lake Macquarie, Forster, and Sydney Harbour. Grand Final at Botany Bay.
Hook, line and sinker
So whether you're a seasoned angler or casting your first line, NSW's fishing events offer the perfect excuse to get outdoors, join a great community, and reel in memories that last long after the tide goes out.
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