Keen anglers young and old made the most of the warm weather and clear skies on Sunday, hitting the state's waterways with rod and reel for Gone Fishing Day.
Anglers were on the hunt for fresh and plump rainbow trout in Tasmania's fishing heartland after Petuna Aquaculture released 500 fish at Brumbys Creek for the annual Hydro Tasmania, Cressy Community Trout Expo.
The angling affair saw people from across the state visit their local fishing hole, while others came from far and wide to land more than just a big catch.
Expo president Richard Goss said 20 of the Petuna trout had been tagged as a prize, with anyone lucky enough to reel in one of the tagged trout set to pocket $100.
Damian Radford and Tweak Coldhill from Ulverstone drove 120 kilometres to Cressy for the chance to land one of the rainbow trout, which by lunchtime had remained elusive to angler's worms.
"We've got events up the coast, but we normally fish them so we decided to come down here today and have a go and try to win some money, she said
The diehard anglers who hit the water at least three times a week said while Sunday was not shaping up to be their day it was good to get out with family and friends and enjoy the warm spring day.
Mr Goss said the expo was run in conjunction with Gone Fishing Day so people without a licence could get out and try their hand at the sport for free.
The state government used the day as an opportunity to announce their Strategy to Increase Participation in Tasmania's Inland Recreational Fishery initiative.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said Tasmania's lakes and waterways were enjoyed by thousands of recreational anglers, their families and friends, and encouraged more Tasmanians to take up the sport.
Mr Barnett also took the opportunity to remind the fishing community that 45 of 50 tagged brown trout worth $2000 were still swimming around Tasmanian waters, and encouraged anglers to hit the rivers and lakes to get out and catch them all.
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
