Victoria's Premier Fishing Competition - 2026 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
About the Competition Competition Overview
Lord of the Snapper is Victoria's winter fishing competition held across Port Phillip Bay and Western Port for the entire month of July.
Anglers compete to catch the longest snapper, earning the title of Lord of the Snapper along with cash prizes and sponsor prizes.
For 2026, a new division has been added for King George Whiting, giving anglers another chance to compete during the winter season.
The format is simple: catch a fish, measure it, take a clear photo and submit your entry. We prefer you use the official competition long mat for measuring. The longest fish during July wins.
Cash and sponsor prizes will be awarded, with the final prize pool announced closer to the event.
Competition Details
New for 2026
King George Whiting Division Added
A brand new KG Whiting division runs alongside the flagship snapper category. Winter whiting conditions in the bays can be brilliant — another reason to get out in July.
Presentation Day
📅 Sunday 2nd August 2026
🕐 1:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Frankston Bombers Football Club, Sages Road, Frankston South
Bring the family along and join us as we celebrate another awesome month of winter fishing.
🏆 Presentation of the Lord of the Snapper 2026 winners
🎁 Door prizes and giveaways throughout the afternoon
🎣 Fishing competitions and activities
🏰 Jumping castle for the kids
🍔 Food and drinks available
🍻 Bar facilities open
Whether you entered the competition or just want to catch up with fellow fishos, everyone is welcome.
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DATE
2nd August 1:00pm 4:00pm
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VENUE
Frankston Bombers Football Club, Sages Road, Frankston South
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PRIZES
Cash + Sponsor Prizes Presented Live
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ENTRY
Open to all entrants & supporters
Origin Story The Story Behind It
How It Started
I’m Reedy from Reedy’s Rigs, and I’ve spent a lot of years chasing winter snapper. Not because it’s easy… because it really isn’t. I’ve had a few good runs, even bagged out in June once, but July quickly showed me how different things can be. Cold water, shorter bite windows, and plenty of sessions where you can do everything right and still come home empty.
Over time I kept seeing people say winter snapper is “easy.” Instead of getting caught up in that, I thought it was better to just put it to the test properly — a full month, one simple format, and a fair crack for anyone willing to give it a go. That’s how Lord of the Snapper came about.
2025 — The Year It Exploded
2025 proved what this event could be. We had 389 competitors, and it was viewed by over two million people on my page alone — before you even count the extra reach across local fishing pages and YouFish TV. Winga got involved, and suddenly the whole winter comp was everywhere.
Some nights were brutal. Some were magic. We even had whales moving through during the comp. And on the very first night, Pizza George landed two snapper — which in July is insane in itself. The comp didn’t prove winter snapper was easy… it proved how hard it really is — and why the wins mean more.
Truly humbled by the amount of people backing Reedy’s Rigs and helping bring these ideas to life ❤️
The Season Winter in the Bays is Beautiful
Winter isn’t just tough fishing — it can be unreal. On a calm sunny day, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port come alive: pilchards pushing through, garfish schools, birds working the surface — and sometimes whales cruising past while you’re sitting on anchor. It’s quiet, raw, and honestly some of the best days you’ll ever have on the water.
The People Behind It
Lord of the Snapper is nothing without the people behind it. Adz Fishing backing it, David helping behind the scenes, Possum being a weapon, and Izzy being awesome as usual. Big thanks to Lee for helping overall, and to my partner Natalie and the family for supporting the grind.
Got Questions? Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lord of the Snapper is held across Port Phillip Bay and Western Port during July.
The competition runs from 1 July to 31 July 2026.
You can fish Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
Measure on the official brag mat, take one clear photo with readable numbers and submit your entry.
Proudly Supported By Event Partners
Lord of the Snapper is supported by fishing and marine brands helping grow Victoria's winter fishing competition.
Community Sponsers
PRESENTATION DAY • 2025 RECAP See What Lord of the Snapper Looks Like in Real Life
Winners announced. Prizes handed over. Winter stories on full volume. Hit play — it loads inside this page (not an instant jump to YouTube).
**Competition is subject to rule changes, terms and conditions, and eligibility requirements.**