Fishing - Blake's sweet rainbow trout catch

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association hosted the 2026 STLAA Family Day BBQ last Sunday, with perfect fishing weather but a disappointing turnout of just a handful of juniors and their families.
The highlight belonged to nine-year-old Blake Sweet, who landed a magnificent 4.7kg female rainbow trout.
Blake had caught only two trout in her life before Sunday and, despite others around her catching plenty, had nothing to show for her efforts by lunchtime.
She kept casting until the lunch break, unaware her luck was about to change.
Within 30 minutes of returning to the water, Blake had landed three rainbow trout, including the magnificent 4.7kg (10.4lb) fish.
Everyone who witnessed the catch was delighted, particularly Blake's grandfather, Ray Aitchison, and her uncle John.
Blake did exceptionally well to fight the big trout virtually unaided, using light line that could easily have snapped during the battle.
Fellow NNLAA junior Mahalia Robertson also had a successful day, landing seven fish, including a prized tagged rainbow trout.
Nate Hepburn caught the first fish and finished with the most for the day, something he's becoming rather good at.
The NNLAA is proud to host these events with the support of the STLAA, Inland Fisheries Service, Anglers Alliance Tasmania and sponsors. Blake's memorable catch is a perfect example of why they're worthwhile.
The association's next junior event is its Christmas BBQ on Sunday, December 13.

Rod rules clarified
The Inland Fisheries Service has clarified the rules governing the possession and use of fishing rods in Tasmania's inland waters.
There has been confusion about how many assembled and rigged rods anglers can possess when licensed to fish with only one or two rods.
The IFS has confirmed that licensed anglers may possess more assembled rods than their licence permits them to use, provided they fish with only the permitted number at any one time.
This means anglers can have additional rods rigged and ready for different fishing conditions without breaking the rules.
An inland angling licence is required for anglers aged 14 and over, and possessing a rigged rod at inland waters without a licence is illegal.
Anglers are also reminded that Lake Mackenzie and Lake Augusta are restricted to one rod per angler.

MOJO26 lures support Movember
The new MOJO26 Tasmanian Devil lure is now available, with 100 per cent of sales proceeds going to Movember.
Each year, Tasmanian Devil Lures and Spot On The Fishing Connection join forces to raise money for men's mental health initiatives.
Last year's MOJO25 lure raised $16,544, bringing the total raised since the initiative began to more than $118,000.
Tasmanian Devil manager Justin Causby said this year's lure was inspired by Ghost Bluegill trout and bream colours, featuring a dark olive front and light purple and silver back.
The design also incorporates a classic frog pattern, with small moustache-shaped dots and a large moustache on the back.
The MOJO26 lure is already catching fish and is available from Spot On The Fishing Connection or online at tacklingmenshealth.com.au.

Tip of the week
The Southern Gamefish Club is hosting its Far South game fishing competition off Southport this weekend.
Teams will target tuna, shark and broadbill swordfish on Saturday and Sunday, with the final weigh-in from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday.
The prize presentation will follow at the Southport Hotel from 3.30pm.
Send your fishing reports, pictures and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com.
Tight lines until next week.