Long hailed the biggest game fishing tournament in the southern hemisphere, the event draws teams from game fishing clubs around NSW to contest the state titles in a range of categories.

Numbers are up, as they have been across all game fishing tournaments the year, with upwards of 140 boats and over 500 anglers hitting the bay.

Along with  the action on the water, Interclub is a big money spinner for the local economy with the attendant spend of all those visitors boosting local business coffers.

“We’re ecstatic about hosting Interclub out of Port Stephens,” Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fishing Club president Paul Simpson said.

“It has a long and proud tradition in the gamefishing community, and it brings significant economic value to the area.”

For the first time in recent history, the event will be run over one extended weekend, rather than two, with three consecutive days of fishing, Friday to Sunday, plus the Lyndy Grieves Memorial Ladies Day tournament to be held on the Monday.

“We’re hoping it takes the fishing to the next level,”   NSWGFA president Gary Chenoworth said of the change.

“People don’t have to take so much time off work this way and by having three days back-to-back fishing, anglers will be able to orientate themselves to conditions, get a feel for the fishing and really get cranking.”

The condensed but intensified nature of the event will certainly sort out the stayers.

Last year Sydney won the glamour tag and release team category and Lake Macquarie took capture honours  but don’t write off the locals who will be looking to restore  home-town pride.

The tournament focus is 90 per cent tag and release. Of the small percentage of fish weighed, beneficial samples will be taken to advance research into crucial areas of marine science.  

“Representatives from CSIRO, and a number of universities will be on hand to take samples for studies being conducted in micro plastics, blue green algae and shark research,” Mr Chenoworth said.

Fishing kicks off each day at 7am and concludes at 7.15am. The weigh station will be open from 4.30pm and the public are encouraged to get down to have a look and listen. 

A presentation will be held at Diggers Leagues club on Monday night following the Lyndy Grieves Memorial Ladies Day tournament.

“Conditions are looking favourable for the three days,” Mr Simpson said. “There were marlin caught during the Billfish event last weekend, so we’re hoping for a very successful 2017 Interclub.