Tathra Beach Real Estate

2026 Annual Australia Day Competition

Competition Times

1.       Fishing commences at 6:00am on Saturday, 24th January 2025 and concludes at 3:00pm Sunday 25th January.

2.       All competitors must enter prior to commencing fishing.

a.       For entrants fishing offshore all crew onboard must be entered in the competition.

b.       Online entry available via the QR code

c.        In-person entry available at Kianinny Bay from 5:00am Saturday

3.       Entry Fees: Adults: $25.00 Juniors (15 and Under): $10.00

Species & Weigh-In Rules

4.       Ocean Flathead and Snapper must be weighed at the Tathra Amateur Fishing Club clubhouse, Kianinny Bay. All fish presented for weigh-in must be gilled and gutted.

5.       Bream, Australian salmon, Whiting and Tailor are photo-only entries:

a.       Photos must clearly show the official competition ‘token’

          i.      The token for this year will be a codeword that will be released on Facebook and Instagram at 4.30 am on the 24/1/26. (tip: write the codeword with a marker on your approved brag mat).

          ii.      The codeword will also be given out on entry at Kianinny.

         iii.      Time stamps on photos must also be accessible to the committee.

b.       Total length must be visible on an approved brag mat

    i.      Total length measurements are taken from the nose to the tip of the tail.

c.       NO fish other than Ocean Flathead and Snapper will be measured or weighed at the clubhouse

d.       Approved brag mats are available for purchase at the clubhouse upon entry.

Fishing Areas

6.       Offshore fishing is restricted to launches from Kianinny Bay only.

7.        Estuary fishing is restricted to the following systems

a.       Wapengo Lagoon

b.       Nelsons Lagoon

c.       Bega River

d.       Wallagoot Lake

e.       Merimbula Lake

f.        Pambula River

8.       There is no geographical restriction on where Australian Salmon can be targeted.

Mystery Weight / Length Competitions

9.       All registered anglers may enter one (1) legal fish per species in the Mystery competitions. Fish may be entered via weigh-in or photo submission

a.       Mystery Weight/Length species are

    i.      Ocean Flathead

    ii.      Bream

    iii.      Australian Salmon

10.   Officials will record the weight/length, time and date of the fish presented for weighing and or photo submitted.

11.   The angler whose fish is closest to the nominated mystery weight or length will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the first fish weighed or photo presented will win.

General Rules

12.   All fishing must be conducted in accordance with NSW fishing regulations.

13.   Entry includes a sausage sandwich for all paid competitors.

a.       Juniors 15 years and under paying $10.00 are only eligible for Junior prizes

b.       Juniors may pay additional $25.00 to compete in Adult sections

14.   All decisions by the TAFC Committee are final and binding. No fish will be accepted after 3:00pm on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

15.   In the event of a tie, the first fish captured and presented/weighed will be deemed the winner.

Presentation

16.   The Presentation will be held at the Tathra Fishing Club from 3pm, with a BBQ and refreshments available.

17.   Anglers must attend the presentation to claim their prizes.