MOVE over Jeremy Wade — Meander Valley has found its own river monster hunter.
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This massive South Esk salmon was snagged by Hadspen’s Caroline Ways on Friday, estimated to weigh more than 10 kilograms.
About 15 casts, a soft plastic bait on a four-pound line and a $25 spinning combo was all that was needed to land one of the bigger fish the South Esk River has to offer.
The spot where the landing took place is being kept under wraps, but The Examiner was told that it occurred ‘‘somewhere between Longford and Hadspen’’.
Ms Ways said the jaw-dropping experience was a rush when compared with her other catch for 2014-15 — a humble redfin perch.
‘‘I was grinning from ear to ear ... it really boosted up my season,’’ she said.
‘‘At one stage the fish headed towards the rapid, I kept a real tight line on it and its natural instinct to try and swim upstream actually helped — he caught himself in some reeds when [partner Darren Roberts] Robbo was able to get him in.’’
Landing the watery leviathan was not an easy feat according to Mr Roberts, who still has cuts on his hand from where he gripped the fish’s jaw.
‘‘We didn’t even have a net with us, I jumped in there once she got it close to the bank,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re going to get it mounted, I caught one last year on the fly rod and I’ve got that mounted.
‘‘I’m going to have to put it on the other side of the wall – her’s makes mine look small.’’
The couple believe the salmon had been in the river for some time, due to its darker markings.