The golden fish are away and the first $10,000 catch has been reeled in.
The golden tagged fish for the State Government’s competition to lure tourists back to bushfire affected areas kicked off on Sunday, with Cranbourne angler, Ray Cooper, landing himself a nice pay day being the first big winner by reeling in a golden tagged estuary perch near Bemm River. On Tuesday the second golden tagged fish, a bream, also caught at Bemm River, was reeled in by Andrew Fleming.
Minister for Fishing and Boating, Jaala Pulford, last Friday announced March 1 as the start of the competition at Lakes Entrance Fishing Club.
Former Gippsland East MP, Craig Ingram, from the Victorian Fishing Authority, tagged the last two fish and Ms Pulford had the honour of releasing them at the Bullock Island boat ramp in Lakes Entrance.
“We’re encouraging fishers from right across Victoria back into bushfireaffected towns, spending money and having the chance to score the catch of the year,” Ms Pulford said.
“I want to see our anglers wetting a line over the long weekend and throughout winter – taking the family, booking a room, eating at the pub and stocking up at the local tackle shop to help these businesses get back on their feet.”
One thousand fish have been tagged in lakes, rivers and estuaries including dusky flathead, black bream, trout and Murray cod.
The first 10 fishers who report the capture of a tagged fish will take home a $10,000 cheque with subsequent captures netting a $2000 cash prize for the lucky fisher.
Recreational fishing in East Gippsland is big business and worth millions of dollars annually. It supports over 3800 jobs and makes a substantial contribution to regional economies and local jobs across the state.
Summer bushfires have reduced visitor numbers significantly in East Gippsland during what is normally the busiest time of year for accommodation providers, retailers and service providers.
The Golden Tag competition will encourage fishers to return with family and friends to wet a line, share time together in Victoria’s great outdoors and have the chance to take home the catch of a lifetime.
The Gippsland Lakes and its inflowing rivers are now home to tagged King George whiting, black bream and dusky flathead, while in Bemm River, Lake Tyers, Tamboon and Marlo, dusky flathead and black bream have also been tagged.
In Mallacoota Inlet, dusky flathead and black bream have been tagged along with tailor, trevally and estuary perch.
In the High Country, tagged trout are waiting for a lure, bait or fly in the Dartmouth Pondage (Lake Banimboola), and the Mitta Mitta River and its tributaries below the lake.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority will run the competition for 12 months.
IMAGE: Former State Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, of the Victorian Fisheries Authority, tags a bream as Minister for Fishing and Boating, Jaala Pulford, watches before releasing it into the Gippsland Lakes for the State Government’s Golden Tag competition. K193-4675
