Tasmanian fishers have the chance to hook a $25,000 prize when the brown trout season opens this weekend.
30 specially tagged trout have been released across 13 of the state’s inland waterways, each worth $5,000.
The Inland Fisheries Service is putting up the big $25,000 payout for the first tagged trout pulled from Great Lake from August 2 onwards.
IFS Director Ryan Wilkinson said the organisation wanted to raise the stakes this season and get more people involved in the sport.
“We wanted to up the ante this season to further promote and encourage more people to cast a line and enjoy all the perks trout fishing has to offer,” he said.
“It is not only a great social sport that gets you outside in nature enjoying some of Tasmania’s picturesque landscapes, but it also helps support our regional economy.”
Both brown and rainbow trout have been tagged with bright yellow markers, each carrying a unique identification code.
The prized fish have been spread across popular spots including Lake Mackintosh, Lake Rowallan, Lake Burbury, Huntsman Lake, South Riana Lake, Curries River Reservoir and Lake Leake.
Tagged trout can also be found lurking in Bradys Lake, Arthurs Lake, Lake Sorell, Craigbourne Lake and the River Derwent at New Norfolk.
To claim the cash, anglers must hold a current freshwater angling licence or be under 14 with parental permission.
Winners need to keep their catch with the tag intact and report it to the IFS within 72 hours, including providing photographic proof.
Only yellow tags from the current 2024–2027 promotion count, with previous orange and blue tags from earlier campaigns not qualifying for prizes.
