The catch was netted by angler Brett Lee at the Port Macquarie Flathead Competition on September 26.

The river fishing tournament received more than 100 registrations and 96 anglers attended despite windy weather conditions.

The flathead competition featured separate boat and kayak divisions for catch and release fishing. Fish caught during the tournament were photographed, measured and recorded with the free FishDonkey phone app before being set free.

Tournament director Chris Banks said fishers young and old turned out for the event which has broken attendance records.

"We had a few kayakers off today but the turnout was brilliant, that's the biggest competition that I've ever run," he said.

"My previous best was 74 people in the Nambucca River so for our first comp down here, that's brilliant. There is a pretty big call for fishing competitions down here and the plan is to continue doing them down here.

"The biggest flathead was 780mm caught by Brett Lee. We had nearly 30 knots blowing from the west, which made it hard work out on the river.

"We ended up with nine juniors in the under 16s category. They ranged from seven years old and up, entry was free for them.

"We had over 170 fish weighed in during the boating division and many of those boats have also registered in the Kempsey competition. We have 50 registrations for Kempsey at the moment.

"I'm thinking of holding another competition in the end of November and I've received interest for a flathead tournament at South West Rocks towards the end of the year.

"Thank you for to all the sponsors, they keep the event running and make sure everyone gets a prize."

Sean Ferguson, who won the five-longest flathead award with a combined total of 2705mm from five fish, said a friendly brother-versus-brother rivalry had kept him focused out on the water.

"My brother, dad and I mapped out our plan last night over some beers," Mr Ferguson said.

"We've been fishing this river for years so we just went straight to our spots.

"Tournaments like this are something that needs to happen more often. It brings the community together and even if there wasn't prizes I'm sure people will show up.

"I'm going to Kempsey tomorrow with my brother, we have marked out some spots for that as well. Hopefully go two-for-two."

Many anglers will now swap over rigs to try their luck at the Kempsey Bass Comp on Sunday, September 27. Competitors have to register at the Kempsey Riverside Park Boat Ramp before 5.15am on the day and attend a shotgun start at 5:30am, before all fishers return back before 12.30pm.

Both events are hosted by Nambucca River Sport Fishing, who have held five successful events in Nambucca during recent months averaging between 45 and 75 fishers each.

For more information and to register visit Nambucca River Sport Fishing or click HERE.

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