Freshwater fishing challenge draws anglers from across the State to Waroona

One of the State’s biggest freshwater fishing events started at the weekend, with monster fish being pulled from South West waterways.

That Fishing Shop in Waroona hosted its second Redfin Challenge from Saturday to Monday, drawing in hundreds of anglers from across the State to test their skills at catching the biggest redfin perch possible.

The fishing shop staff met competitors throughout the weekend, taking in their catch and weighing the results outside the storefront.

With prizes up for grabs for specific weights, along with the biggest catch, the store saw hundreds of fish come in throughout the weekend.

The store’s previous Redfin Challenge took place in June, drawing a small army of fishers to Waroona.

Now, with weeks of prior planning, more than 200 anglers have taken up the challenge.

The June competition’s previous record redfin came in at just 800g, which was dwarfed by a 1.8kg monster which sat at the top of the scoreboard as of Sunday afternoon.

Fishing shop owner Michelle Field said the team was blown away by the turnout with people travelling to take part — one angler even travelled down from Geraldton, she said.

“People have been looking out for this for months,” Mrs Field said.

“It’s been huge, because there is no other freshwater competition as big as this in the State. “

Mrs Field said with redfin being an invasive species, the event was good for the community and the environment.

She said the 1.8kg redfin was not the only monster to come into the store, with other big fish gutted to reveal stomachs packed with marron and other native species.

“Taking all these pests out of the water is great,” she said.

The winners of the Redfin Challenge were revealed at an event on Monday afternoon.