THE crowd gets bigger and bigger each year – and so do the fish.
Anglers will once again bait up and cast their lines at the 2026 Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic along the banks of the Gwydir River from midday, March 13 to midday, March 15, to honour one of Gravesend’s best-remembered young locals, the late Mason Daley.
Mason, a keen fisherman who loved wetting a line every chance he got, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident three years ago today.
Mason died less than three weeks before his 21st birthday, and anglers signed up for the fishing competition named in his honour will start reeling in fish on March 13 – Mason’s birthday.
Mason left behind parents Neil and Leeah, and brothers Clayton and Rhys, and dozens and dozens of good mates and treasured memories.
Mason and his family are well-known and respected locals in the Gravesend community.
Close family friend, Leah Robinson, said Mason was involved in the Gravesend Cricket Club, Gravesend Fishing Club and Bingara Bullets Rugby League Club – and sitting on a riverbank casting a line between hitting sixes and planting four-pointers was a passion.
“Mason’s love for fishing was evident from a very young age, and whenever time and conditions allowed, he could be found on the Gwydir River or at Copeton Dam enjoying one of his favourite pastimes,” Leah said.
“Mason passed away in late February, 2023 and with his birthday just three weeks later, we thought what better way to honour Mase, than to fish,” she said.
Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic fishing competition, organised and managed by Gravesend Fishing Club, has grown enormously in the past three years.
The inaugural competition was held over the Easter long weekend in 2023, when 138 anglers caught 232 fish.
The following year, 380 anglers hooked 780 fish and last year, 390 anglers caught 870 fish.
“Having the competition at this time of year, around Mason’s birthday, is the right time,” Leah said.
“With water released from Copeton Dam slowly receding, this time of year allows for prime fishing conditions.”
The stretch of water covering the Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic extends from below Copeton Dam, east of Gravesend to the Boolooroo Bridge north of Moree.
Sponsors have rallied behind the competition, including Nunya Lures and Popeye Lures.
“Each year, the Gravesend Fishing Club is overwhelmed with the continued support of sponsors and donations for prizes and raffles, as well as so many anglers travelling from around the state to attend,” Leah said.
“The money raised from the competition goes back into restocking the river system with fingerlings and the upgrade of the Gravesend Sport & Recreation Grounds.”
The competition covers multiple categories, including prizes for children, and all fishing conducted over the weekend is strictly catch-and-release.
The competiton will conclude with a presentation and get-together at Gravesend Recreation Ground from midday on Sunday, March 15.
Official competition shirts are also available in adult and children’s sizes at Gravesend Fishing Club.
Tickets in a huge raffle are also available at the same website.
Raffle tickets, at just $10 each, gives ticket-holders the chance to win a custom-branded tinny, 5hp motor and registered trailer, with all proceeds going towards environmental and community initiatives.
There is also an online seafood auction, with all details and how to place bids at the Gravesend Fishing Club’s Facebook page HERE.
2026 Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic
When: Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15, 2026
Where: Gwydir River from below Copeton Dam, east of Gravesend, to the Boolooroo Bridge, north of Moree
Time: From non to noon, March 13-15
How To Enter at Fishdonkey Registration
1: Download Fishdonkey from the App Store
2: Tap ‘fish in a tournament’
3: Join Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic
Cost is $30 per adult and $15 for children aged 12 to 17. Kids under 12 are free to join and can enter through their parents’ Fishdonkey account.
Registration information will be updated at the Gravesend Fishing Club’s Facebook page HERE.
