Both competitions feature separate boat and kayak divisions for catch and release fishing. Fish caught during the tournaments are photographed, measured and recorded with the free FishDonkey phone app.

Tournament director Chris Banks said Hastings anglers will have the opportunity to enjoy both competitions.

"People will be able to do both for sure. I'm sure there will be anglers in the area that will fish in Port Macquarie and queue up on the Sunday (in Kempsey) as well," Mr Banks said.

"We've already got 14 people locked in for the Port Macquarie tournament. But usually there is a surge in the week before the competition.

"There probably hasn't been much to do for fishers in the last couple of months. People want to get outside and this is a great way to keep to those social distancing requirements.

"Most people stick to two people per boat with a five metre boat, which is ideal really.

"It's open river so if you can get to it in your boat, go for it."

Port Macquarie fishers will register at the marina boat ramp from 5am to 5.45am and hit the water in a shotgun start from the Marina Boat Ramp at 6am on September 26 before returning at noon.

Anglers at Kempsey will register at the Kempsey Riverside Park Boat Ramp before 5.15am on September 27. Boats will receive a shotgun start at 5:30am and all fishers must return before 12.30pm.

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"People will meet in the morning to collect their key tag and register, so that I know they've left. The key tag must be shown with their fish in the photo," Mr Banks said.

"The app shows me all the sizes of the fish. I have fished in the Hastings recently and a lot of the fish were around the 30cm mark but there are big fish out there.

"We're not sure what the bigger size fish will be on the day, but in most places if you can get five 50cm fish you'll be right up in the standings. There is a prize for the biggest flathead but the main competition is for the five longest fish (known as a stringer).

"I'd recommend people get to the ramp early before take off. Use soft plastics and keep your lines in the water throughout the day, and remember to get back before the time cutoff."

There will be local business sponsorship prizes drawn randomly at the end of the day, cash payouts for first, second and third, Mr Banks said.

Both events are hosted by Nambucca River Sport Fishing, who have held five successful events in Nambucca during recent months averaging between 45 and 75 fishers each.

For more information and to register visit Nambucca River Sport Fishing or click HERE.

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