Wild trophy trout a rare prize

WILD trophy trout are rare and many anglers go a lifetime without seeing one, let alone catching one. Being in the right place at the right time can be called luck, but knowing where and when to fish takes more than that.

After finishing night shift last week, Kade Wall joined his father for an early morning session on the Pieman River.

Kade was fishing with a three-inch soft plastic when he noticed a change in the river's flow. Minutes later he hooked a fish and knew immediately it was a big one, judging by the violent headshakes.

The trout stayed deep and fought hard. After what seemed an eternity, Kade worked it close enough to see just how big it was. Realising it would not fit in their landing net, father and son scrambled to land the magnificent female brown trout.

They had no scales, but Kade estimated it was easily in double figures. After taking a few photographs, he spent time reviving the fish before releasing it.

Kade said he had returned to trout fishing only in the past year or so, having spent most of his fishing time in salt water. The Pieman fish was comfortably his personal best and one he will never forget.

This Sunday, October 18, is National Gone Fishing Day, with Anglers Alliance Tasmania, the Inland Fisheries Service and several angling clubs hosting a statewide junior angling day.

Children aged up to 17 can fish without a licence at participating events, giving families an opportunity to enjoy fishing in a safe environment.

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association will open its junior fishing pond at 10 Acre Lane, Bushy Park, from 10am to 3pm. The association will provide a barbecue and refreshments, along with a limited supply of fishing gear. Children with their own gear are encouraged to bring it.

Other events include Taylors Dam at Latrobe, hosted by the Devonport Anglers Club and North West Junior Anglers Club; the Tasmanian Trout Expo at Brumbys Creek, Cressy; and a competition organised by the Dulverton Anglers Club.

Check the clubs' Facebook pages for updates. These junior events are strictly for children within the advertised age limits.

The Deloraine District Anglers Club will also hold its next trout fishing competition at Woods Lake this weekend.

Recreational rock lobster fishers have welcomed the state government's decision to bring forward the season opening by a week, from Saturday, November 7, to Saturday, October 31, coinciding with the Recreation Day long weekend in northern Tasmania.

The earlier opening applies to all waters except the East Coast rebuilding zone, which is scheduled to open on Saturday, December 5. Fishers must still comply with licensing and catch-reporting requirements.

Tip of the week: 

Fish can alter the shape and surface area of their fins to improve swimming performance and speed in different conditions.

Send fishing reports, photographs and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com.

Tight lines until next week.