On Saturday 15 August, Year 8 student Archie Croon turned a friendly fishing competition into a community event that attracted around 70 anglers to the South Esk River at Longford.

As part of a school project focused on raising awareness of invasive pest fish, Archie spent months organising the competition, with anglers competing to catch the biggest and most redfin perch. The event provided an opportunity to educate participants about the impacts of redfin on Tasmania's waterways, including their role in preying on and competing with native fish and trout. The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) supported the event with prizes and guidance on the day.

Despite ideal weather, fishing proved challenging due to the cold water, with only a handful of trout and redfin perch caught throughout the morning. A late burst of action kept anglers hopeful, and just when the competition appeared decided, a young angler arrived at the weigh-in with a 25cm redfin perch, narrowly claiming first prize and creating a memorable finish.

The success of the event was a testament to Archie's hard work, supported by local parents, JBS Swift Meats (which supplied the sausages for the BBQ), and IFS staff who assisted on the day.

👏 Congratulations to Archie on a fantastic achievement. Through his efforts, local anglers not only enjoyed a great day on the water, but also learned more about the importance of managing invasive species, such as redfin perch. We hope his enthusiasm inspires more young people to get outdoors and enjoy Tasmania's recreational fisheries.