Anglers lured Back to Pedder

The population of the remote Tasmanian town Strathgordon will boom over the Australia Day long weekend, when nearly 400 people converge there for the annual Back to Pedder fishing competition.

The four-day competition is the biggest freshwater fishing competition in Tasmania and has a vibrant history. The Lake Pedder Anglers Club has run a competition at Lake Pedder on Australia Day since 1978.

As the competition has grown so has the value of the major prize – this year every entrant in the competition will go into the draw to win the 4.2m dinghy (donated by Tristar Marine), 30HP outboard engine (donated by Channel Marine) and Dunbier trailer (donated by King Towbars and Trailers).

And the fishing will be good! Lake Pedder Anglers Club president Matt Mallinson said, “Although the trout aren’t as big as they were in the 70s, we’ve seen a consistent size of 1.3-1.5 kg over the past couple of years and the largest catch on record is a whopper - 11.7kg.”

The family-friendly event has attracted many people from all over Tasmania and interstate.

“The aim of the club is to promote angling at Lake Pedder and the beauty of the south-west,” Mr Mallinson said.

“But, what really sets this weekend off is the family atmosphere. We have a fun time!”

The club also aims to give back to the community. This year Hydro Tasmania has sponsored the club to host five Camp Quality families. Children with cancer will have a welcome break from treatment and spend an extended weekend learning to fish and putting that training into practice.

For more information on the Lake Pedder Anglers Club please visit www.lakepedderanglersclub.com