Andrew Simpson lived any fisherman’s dream at the annual Leeton Bidgee Classic in the NSW Riverina.
He caught a massive 1220mm long Murray Cod, propelling him to top the comp in the Senior Males Longest Cod section.
“I was very very overwhelmed, it was so unexpected!” Mr Simpson said.
The monster Cod took about 15-20 minutes to reel in.
Mr Simpson attributes his success to using a wood grub as bait.
“In the Riverina Classic, we didn’t have any grubs, but this time we did and I reckon it made all the difference,” Mr Simpson said.
Based in Griffith, NSW,Mr Simpson loves fishing, and did a lot of fishing in Lake Wyangan while he could, and now heads over to the Gogeldrie Weir and Darlington Point, with a few secret spots he keeps close to his chest.
“I fish as a full-time job if I could, the feeling you get when you reel in a fish, when it initially takes the bait and bites the hook, and you start thinking you know, what is it? How big is it? It’s addictive.”
This was Mr Simpson’s first time taking part in the ‘Bidgee Classic, but has taken part in the Riverina Classic the last three years.
“I’ve caught a few big ones before, but no winning fish, so this catch was certainly a fishing highlight for me.”
Mr Simpson was lucky enough to win a boat at the Riverina Classic last month, with his entry number being pulled from a hat in the raffle.
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“While it was absolutely amazing to win the boat, it feels more worthwhile to win prizes knowing I got it from a fish I caught.”
Mr Simpson went home with a Fluger rod and reel with other assorted fishing gear, along with an esky and trophy as part of winning with the Cod.
