The East Coast Freshwater category extends from Fraser Island in the north to Wilson Promontory in the south. The target species for the East Coast Freshwater category is Australian Bass, which inhabits an area in coastal rivers, lakes and estuaries of Eastern Australia.
- The East Coast Freshwater category extends from Fraser Island in the north to Wilson Promontory in the south, and includes any east-flowing river or tributary.
- Fish eligible for the Challenge can be caught in any public river, tributary or public impoundment.
- Competitors can be from Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.
- Competitors may only upload one bass photograph for the competition but are allowed to fish for other target species and upload one photograph per fish category.
- Fish entered in this category are nominated as East Coast or EC and not State specific.
- Lake Glenbawn and Lake Saint Clair, east of Muswellbrook NSW, are included.
- Private dams and impoundments are strictly excluded from the Pirtek Fishing Challenge.