March 2007

Each year on the third weekend in March hardy anglers gather to fish the Bronte Lagoon region in the Tasmanian Highlands and participate in an annual competition to target some of the elusive wild trout found in the area. Tasmania is home to one of the purest strains of wild brown trout in the world.

This competition, The Eddie Wigston Memorial Fishing Contest, has been held for the past fourteen years in memory of the late Eddie Wigston, founder of Wigston's Lures Tasmanian Devil Fishing Lures with sons Garth and the late Ian Wigston . The location is always the same with 12 lakes with in a 30 minute drive inside the competition area. The weigh in and winners being announced at a good old Aussie barbeque at the Bronte Park Chalet, Bronte Park, located in the centre of the best trout fishing in Australia! The Chalet also hosts a Saturday night dinner for those who like to spin a few tales over some nice food and a few cold drinks.

Individual anglers or teams can participate in the competition, and each year the prizes seem to get bigger and better. This year a wide selection of fishing tackle was on offer and the prizes were well accepted by those who had winning fish.

A total of 62 anglers entered this years competition, which included 26 teams. The total number of fish taken was 114, the largest weighing in at 1.250 kg. The average weight of all fish was 0.560 kg which is quite impressive and shows the healthy waters fished by the competitors.

The teams trophy went to 'Team Quintrex" which comprised Brett Heawood, Mark Hills and Justin Brteunik. The heaviest fish overall weighed in and Ian Wigston Memorial Trophy prize winner was taken by 6 year old James Pearce and topped the scales at 1.25 kg. The junior anglers were also well in force, with some nice fish taken, and James Pearce also took out the 6-13 yr category prize with his 1.25 kg trout.

The competition is scheduled again for 2008, dates will be advised in due course but it will be held during the month of March.