COMPETITION RULES Lord of the Snapper
The hardest snapper competition in Victoria. July fishing across Port Phillip Bay and Western Port - cash prizes, species prizes, and the title on the line.
WHEN
1-31 July 2026
WHERE
Species
Snapper + KG Whiting
FORMAT
Photo Submission - Free
Winter Reality
Last year, across the entire month of competition, approximately 60 snapper were recorded in total — and around 45 of those fish were quality snapper over 60cm.
That is still a very small number of fish for an event of this scale. Winter snapper fishing simply does not produce the high catch numbers seen during spring. Even if every fish entered was retained, the overall harvest would remain extremely low compared to the fishing pressure experienced during peak snapper season.
Snapper Format
Lord of the Snapper – Rules & Conditions
- Fishing is restricted to within the confines of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port only.
- No fishing outside Port Phillip Heads is permitted.
- Competition runs for the entire month of July. Entrants may fish any day or time during the competition period.
- Snapper (Pagrus auratus) and King George Whiting are eligible species in this year’s competition.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for Snapper, along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for King George Whiting.
- There will also be random giveaway prizes awarded throughout the month.
- Please check the prizes page for full prize details and updates.
- Fish must be legally caught in accordance with Victorian fishing regulations.
- All entries must be submitted via text message to the official competition phone number provided at the start of the competition.
- Multiple entries are allowed — only your longest snapper and longest whiting will count toward final placings.
- Every fish entered must be photographed clearly on the official competition brag mat.
- Fish photos must be taken directly from above, looking straight down, with the entire fish and measurement visible and clear.
- We reserve the right to disqualify any entry where the fish, measurement, or brag mat cannot be clearly seen.
- Entrants must keep a short verification video clip showing their sounder/chart zoomed out enough to confirm they are fishing within Port Phillip Bay or Western Port.
- Verification video clips are private and will not be made public.
- GPS marks or exact fishing locations are not required.
- Organisers may request verification footage at any time during or after the competition. Failure to provide requested footage may result in disqualification.
- If entrants are having trouble measuring a fish correctly, they may contact organisers during the competition for assistance.
- Prizes are available to registered entrants only.
- Marine safety, weather conditions, and vessel safety remain the responsibility of each entrant.
- No refunds will be issued.
- Submission of photos and videos grants permission for promotional use by the organisers.
- In the event of a tie, the earliest submitted fish entry will receive the higher placing.
- Organisers reserve the right to request photo ID for prize collection.
- Information may be shared with competition supporters unless entrants opt out.
- Any form of cheating, misleading imagery, altered photos, fake measurements, or fraudulent entries will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.
Whiting Category (2026)
A Whiting category will be introduced this year. The likely format will be Top Fish by Weight.
* Fishing is restricted to within the confines of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port only.
* No fishing outside Port Phillip Heads is permitted.
* Competition runs for the entire month of July. Entrants may fish any day or time during the competition period.
* Snapper (Pagrus auratus) and King George Whiting are eligible species in this year’s competition.
* 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for the longest Snapper.
* 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will also be awarded for the longest King George Whiting.
* There will also be random giveaway prizes awarded throughout the month.
* Please check the prizes page for full prize details and updates.
* Fish must be legally caught in accordance with Victorian fishing regulations.
* All entries must be submitted via text message to the official competition phone number provided at the start of the competition.
* Multiple entries are allowed — only your longest snapper and longest whiting will count toward final placings.
* Every fish entered must be photographed clearly on the official competition brag mat.
* Fish photos must be taken directly from above, looking straight down, with the entire fish and measurement visible and clear.
* We reserve the right to disqualify any entry where the fish, measurement, or brag mat cannot be clearly seen.
* A short verification video clip is required for all Snapper and King George Whiting entries.
* Entrants must keep a short verification video clip showing their sounder/chart zoomed out enough to confirm they are fishing within Port Phillip Bay or Western Port.
* Verification video clips are private and will not be made public.
* GPS marks or exact fishing locations are not required.
* Organisers may request verification footage at any time during or after the competition. Failure to provide requested footage may result in disqualification.
* Due to King George Whiting being a smaller species, it is extremely important entrants keep their verification videos. Any fish believed to be stretched, tampered with, altered, or falsely measured may be immediately disqualified at the organisers’ discretion.
* If entrants are having trouble entering or measuring a fish correctly, they may contact organisers during the competition for assistance.
* Prizes are available to registered entrants only.
* Marine safety, weather conditions, and vessel safety remain the responsibility of each entrant.
* No refunds will be issued.
* Submission of photos and videos grants permission for promotional use by the organisers.
* In the event of a tie, the earliest submitted fish entry will receive the higher placing.
* Organisers reserve the right to request photo ID for prize collection.
* Information may be shared with competition supporters unless entrants opt out.
* Any form of cheating, misleading imagery, altered photos, fake measurements, or fraudulent entries will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.
Whiting Category - *NEW*
Catch your fish
Anywhere across Port Phillip Bay or Western Port during July.
Measure on long mat
Use the official competition long mat. Snapper measured to the fork.
Submit your photo
Clear photo showing the measurement. Submit via the official form.
Measurement Guide Weigh-In & Measurement Guide
Watch the official guide on how to correctly record your fish for a valid competition entry.
Getting your measurement photo right the first time avoids any issues with your submission. Watch before you fish.
Reedys Merch
Purchase your official Reedy’s Rigs – Lord of the Snapper hoodie here and represent in style on and off the water
CLICK HERE
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Price range: $110.00 through $120.00
