Although last year he talked about not running the competition again due to dwindling numbers of participants, Waterhole Wal was back again with the 2019 Bellingen Eel Fishing Championships.
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Now in its 33rd year, the event held during the first week of the school holidays once again provided a successful and fun time for all.
Best Eel per day by a Junior
Day 1 - Finn Frederiksen 6.85kg
Day 2 - Riley Smith 1.15kg
Day 3 - Finn Frederiksen 7.25kg
Day 4 - No Eels
Day 5 - Eli Williams 6.40kg
Day 6 - Eli Williams 7.35kg
Eels were released alive back into the river and a prize was given for the Liveliest Eel each day.
Liveliest Eel
Day 1 - Finn Frederiksen
Day 2 - Riley Smith
Day 3 - Lenni Frederiksen
Day 4 - No Eels
Day 5 - Bryce Young
Day 6 - Katlyn Young
Most Weight of Eels for the Entire Week went to Eli Williams with a fine haul of 19.15kg. Thank you to Michael "Pud" Lee for his kind sponsorship of this prize.
Best Eel by a Boy - Eli Williams 7.35kg
Best Eel by a Girl - Lenni Frederiksen 6.85kg
Best Eel by a Man - Tie Hamish Williams & Jai Steer 7.90kg
Best Eel by a Woman - Paula Tennant 5.30kg
2019 Eel Fishing Champion and Winner of the "Waterhole Wal" Perpetual Trophy is Eli Williams, with a fine eel of 7.35kg.
The Eel Fishing Committee would like to thank our sponsors Bellingen Lions Club, Urunga Anglers Club, North Bellingen Providore, MO Tackle Coffs Harbour, Michael "Pud" Lee, DPI Fisheries, Business Houses and individuals in Bellingen, our barbecue crew and ladies for food preparation and very special thank you to our weighmasters. All who assisted in running this popular event - everyone thoroughly enjoyed the fun competition. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year - bring your friends and let's have fun.
Waterhole Wal
